Chinchilla to host the National Rodeo Association’s largest ever event

Chinchilla Rodeo organisers are gearing up for what is expected to be their biggest event ever, with 467 riders nominated and 3500 guests expected to be in attendance.

Chinchilla is continuing to lead the way for South East Queensland rodeos with their annual event this Saturday forecast to be the National Rodeo Association’s largest ever.

The Chinchilla Rodeo has attracted 467 nominations, a record for South East Queensland and more than 3000 attendees are expected.

The success of the event is part of a massive rodeo resurgence across the country, with events like the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo returning in 2025.

Chinchilla Rodeo president Darryl Chong (right) with vice president Kristen Chong and inaugural Jack Holt Memorial open bull riding champion Jack McArthur From Cooyar.

Event organiser and rodeo stalwart Darryl Chong said it was incredible to see the event grow.

“It’s massive, it’s the second year we are running the Jack Holt memorial bull ride and we’ve put up $10,000 in prize money up,” he said.

“We have attracted not only the biggest nominations Chinchilla has ever had but for the National Rodeo Association as well.

“We have got to start at 8am on Saturday morning to be able to finish at 9pm at night, we have 48 open bull riders at one rodeo and we haven’t had that in the country in four or five years.

“We have riders from all over Australia and some of the best bull riders in the country.”

Mr Chong said they were also expecting big crowds.

“It’s going to be electric, I’ve got a really good vibe that we will get the whole town out to watch and support so I am expecting up to 3500,” he said.

“We had about 3500 last year for the inaugural Jack Holt memorial and we are expecting that again.”

Mr Chong said it was important to see the rodeo continue to strive in a climate where other country shows were going under.

“It’s so rewarding, my wife and I took over Chinchilla Rodeo at the start of last year, it was just a small rodeo and now it is one of the biggest in Australia so for all the hard work we put in it is a relief to have this much of a following,” he said.

“Chinchilla has such a good community and we have a good following at all our events, it is a good family-friendly day, we put on a good performance and it’s only $20 for adults and $5 for kids. You can’t beat that value these days.

“We will have non-stop rodeo action from 8am until 9.30pm, as well as a live DJ and show rides, there will definitely be a lot to see over the weekend.”

For more details head to the Chinchilla Rodeo Facebook page.

Originally published as Chinchilla to host the National Rodeo Association’s largest ever event