SV Partners seeks expressions of interest to save Mount Isa Rodeo event

To ensure the southern hemisphere’s largest rodeo event continues in 2025, expressions are being sought for partners and sponsorship. Find out how you can help.

Leighton Smith

@LeightonESmith

2 min read

November 9, 2024 - 4:19PM

Townsville Bulletin

Pinegrove VIC cowboy Terry Evison at the Mount Isa Rodeo with a 1st go-round 6.95sec run to make the short-go. Picture: Stephen Mowbray.

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The saying “when one door closes, another door opens” holds true for the iconic Mount Isa Rodeo, which is searching for the right person, or organisation, to helm the event following its collapse last month.

Regarded as the southern hemisphere’s largest rodeo, the 65-year-old event traditionally attracts more than 25,000 attendees, and millions of dollars of spending in Mount Isa and broader Queensland.

Isa Rodeo Limited went into voluntary administration on October 21, with SV Partners directors Michael Brennan and David Stimpson appointed to oversee operations and the event’s next phase.

According to Isa Rodeo’s social media, the administrators were now seeking expressions of interest “to identify potential event delivery partners and sponsors to be involved in a strong plan to reinvigorate the event, deliver returns, not just for the rodeo but for the entire region through sustained tourism and economic activity”.

Townsville-based SV Partners director Michael Brennan is looking for people to support the Mount Isa Rodeo.

Mr Brennan said the Mount Isa Rodeo and Indigenous Rodeo Championships are iconic and important cultural events for North West Queensland communities.

“The creditors of the company have been carrying all the risk for the Mount Isa Rodeo and it has been the broader community that has gained almost $10 million in benefit each year,” Mr Brennan said.

“It is time for all levels of government to step up and repay the faith the creditors have shown year after year. We are calling on the Mount Isa City Council and the Crisafulli Government to show their support for regional Queensland and the Mt Isa Rodeo.

“There is a critical need to focus on a 2025 rodeo to achieve the best possible returns for creditors. We are fully committed to engaging event delivery partners, locking in sponsors of all sizes, and getting the community’s support to ensure the rodeo continues.”

He said the priority was to secure the rodeo’s long-term future, which holds significant inherent value, but not at the cost of current creditors.

“The event brings around $10 million to the City, and pumps around $20 million into Queensland every year,” he said.

The Mount Isa Rodeo needs fresh blood to continue the event's proud tradition, which stretches back 65 years. Picture: Stephen Mowbray.

SV Partners hoped to identify potential event partners and sponsors to be involved in a strong plan to reinvigorate the event and deliver returns, not just for the rodeo but for the entire region through sustained tourism and economic activity.

“(It’s a) week-long event of non-stop rodeo action in the arena, entertainment, outback traders, market stalls, kids’ entertainment, sideshow alley, food and Rodeo Rock Concert,” they said.

Statistics linked to the Mount Isa Rodeo in the expressions of interest document. Picture: SV Partners.

“The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships is a stand-alone event that showcases the amazing talents of Indigenous Rodeo competitors and gives visibility to the stories of Australia’s Indigenous Stockmen and Stockwomen.

“You can be part of reinvigorating the rodeo that helps generate new economic activity and raises the profile of Mount Isa and Outback Queensland as the ‘Rodeo Capital of Australia’.”

The existing Board members will also be stepping down from their roles and SV Partners are calling for suitably qualified people to fill a Board role as a representative of the Mount Isa Community.

To find out more, visit: www.isarodeo.com.au/eoi.