Tickets are selling fast for one of Australia's most loved rodeos, the adrenaline-fuelled NRCA National Rodeo Finals at the Dalby Showgrounds in Queensland (November 3-4).

Now in its 17^th year, the event offers all the crowd-pleasing showmanship, entertainment and family activities fans have come to expect – and much more.

NRCA General Manager Janelle Barraclough said organisers were delighted to secure as the prime comedy act, ‘Big Al' Wilson, who has won the title of Best Rodeo Clown Entertainer in Australia 15 times and Funniest Rodeo Clown in New Zealand 5 times.

Big Al Wilson. Photo Ben MacRae Photography

“We know he'll bring his special brand of comedy to the event, along with his monster truck act which will be an instant hit with the kids. In keeping with our mission to make this a value-for-money event, family passes now include an extra child or pensioner to help with the cost of attending,” she said. 

“This year, we've also increased the prize money from $1,500 to $2,500 for senior events, culminating in over $35,000 in prize money on offer. This enables us to continue raising the bar on industry standards, while rewarding the efforts of our premium riders.”

This year's event will see the return of popular events including:

• the highly anticipated Dalby Ute Muster (Saturday, 4 November, from 3-4pm, just prior to the grand final performance).
• the Hopes n Dreams Pink Lady Barrel Classic, which raises funds for breast cancer (Saturday, 4 November, from 9am-10am)
• an introduction to the new 2018 Rodeo Queen of Australia Rebekah McMahon.
• the U14 junior pony bareback ride, a definite crowd favourite.
• entertainment by the legendary country singer Mik Oberle (Saturday night 10pm till late)

Mrs Barraclough said the “best of the best” Australian cowboys and cowgirls would showcase their jaw-dropping skills in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, rope and tie, barrel racing, bull riding and best all-around rider. 

Bradley Brown NRF16. Photo Dave Ethell Photos

“We're expecting record numbers of families and rodeo enthusiasts to come down and check out the thrills and spills of the event. Rodeos are a unique sport that capture the true spirit of the bush, and an unforgettably epic experience,” she said.

Camping is available free of charge, however no eskies are allowed at the event. Tickets are available at the gate or online at: nationalrodeocouncil.com.au or by calling the NRCA office on (02) 6737 3777. 

* The NRCA is the first organisation made up and run by a united body of rodeo associations nationally. Formed in 1992, the not for profit actively promotes the sport of rodeo in Australia. The NRCA also helps members with insurance, training and safety, animal welfare, and information on government regulations and policies.

For more details, contact Janelle Barraclough on: (02) 6737 3777, enquire@nationalrodeocouncil.com.au or nationalrodeocouncil.com.au. For more information on Dalby and the Western Downs, visit www.ourwesterndowns.com or like the Facebook Page @ourwesterndown

2017 Rodeo Queen of Australia to shine at NRCA National Rodeo Finals

The newly crowned Rodeo Queen of Australia, Bessie Smits, will make her first official appearance at the NRCA 2016 National Rodeo Finals at the Dalby Showgrounds, Queensland, this weekend. She will also help with presentations and appear throughout the day for photos and autographs.

“I cannot wait to make my debut as Rodeo Queen of Australia at such a prestigious event. It will be amazing to watch Australia's best rodeo athletes compete for a national title,” she said. Hailing from Perth but a country girl through and through, Ms Smits confesses she's smitten with the sport.

She's loved horses since she can remember, owning her first at age 10 when her family moved to rural Queensland. She became a serious show jumper, placing in the State's top 10 for a few rounds. “I had some great memories with my late father working at rodeos. My local pony club would volunteer and my father and I worked with the roping and rough stock,” Ms Smits said.

“He was not a horse or cattleman by any means, and you could see how uneasy he was opening the gates for the ranker bulls and horses after their rides. But he really demonstrated the endearing qualities of rodeo, which is getting out of your comfort zone and having a go no matter what.”

Ms Smits has recently been able to unleash her passion for rodeos after meeting her partner, who comes from a riding family.

“I have competed in barrel racing in the past but have found my calling recently in breakaway roping. What I love the most about the sport is the development and growth I have seen in my horse and myself as a horsewoman,” she says. “Rodeo produces tough people who are filled with endurance. Also, the atmosphere is absolutely breathtaking.”

Ms Smits said she was thrilled to be an ambassadress for the National Rodeo Council of Australia (NRCA) and the sport itself. In 2017, she will travel in Australia and overseas (for a 21-day whirlwind promotional tour through Canada and the US).

She said the Australian Rodeo Queen Quest, which started in 1992, was an amazing opportunity for women to build confidence and lifelong personal skills.

“It's a privilege to be the Rodeo Queen of Australia. We give children and young women a positive role model to aspire to, and I'm incredibly excited about my up and coming year,” Ms Smits said.

This Thursday locals in Dalby will get the opportunity to meet Ms Smits firsthand when she participates in a mini street parade to help promote this weekends National Rodeo Finals alongside ‘Monty’ the bullock as they roam Cunningham Street in the city centre. Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh Mayor will also be in attendance for a Meet n Greet at Dalby Shopping World from 3.30pm.

* The NRCA is the first organisation made up and run by a united body of rodeo associations nationally. The not for profit actively promotes the sport of rodeo in Australia. The NRCA also helps members with insurance, training and safety, animal welfare, and information on government regulations and policies.

For more details, contact Janelle Barraclough on (02) 6737 3777 or enquire@nationalrodeocouncil.com.au. Visit the website on nationalrodeocouncil.com.au

Australia's best riders to vie for titles at
NRCA 2016 National Rodeo Finals

The country's top cowboys and cowgirls will converge at the Dalby Showgrounds in Queensland to compete at the prestigious NRCA 2016 National Rodeo Finals (November 4-6).

Crowds can expect breathtaking performances as some of this year's sizzling line up includes junior riders Haider Alhaznawi and Dunhill Abriol, open bull and saddle event sensation A J Riley, Jesse Glass and Matt Bee in the open bull ride, saddle bronc riders John McNamee and Brad Meagher, world rated bareback rider Dave Worsvold, 2014 and 2015 NRCA Australian Bareback Champion Dinny Moran,champion cowgirl’s Rachael Little and Teal Ayers and 18-year-old Ben Walsh, who's had a meteoric rise since he started riding in 2015.

Top class stock a highlight of the NRCA
2016 National Rodeo Finals

When it comes to rodeos, we often forget to pay homage to the sport's other 'stars' – the horses and bulls, says legendary figure Colin McTaggart. 
 
With less than seven days to go before this year's NRCA National Rodeo Finals in Dalby, Mr McTaggart said the bucking stock for the event were being supplied by some of the best contractors in Australia.
 
“The cowboys and cowgirls may be the stars of the rodeo. But without the horses and bulls, they wouldn't get very far. The quality of stock at the finals event every year ensures a spectacular contest in all the rodeo disciplines as they are of the highest and toughest standard,” he said.
 
“One of this year's bull contractors is Ryan Allen from Roma in Queensland. He lays claim to the 2016 Queensland Rodeo Association Bucking Bull of the year, 'Supercharged Slinkey', so we can look forward to some edge-of-your-seat action there and elsewhere.”

Australia's ultimate rodeo event is again set to electrify crowds with nail-biting thrills, spills and spectacular showmanship at the Dalby Showgrounds in Queensland (November 4-6).

The 2016 National Rodeo Finals, hosted by the National Rodeo Council of Australia (NRCA), focuses on delivering value-for-money entertainment for families. Highlights will include Ashton circus performers, amusement rides, a country and western trade fair and a food alley along with the exhilarating National Rodeo Finals event, showcasing two nights of non-stop action from some of the country's finest rodeo riders.

Photo Credit: Dave Ethell Photos

NRCA General Manager Janelle Barraclough said she was expecting another record-breaking crowd.

“We're in for an amazing on-the-edge-of-your-seat display of skills from our most talented cowboys and cowgirls. From the fast paced action of the ladies in the barrel race, to the thrills and spills of the rough stock bull riding and bronc rides, the 2016 finals is jam packed with a number of crowd-pleasing events,” she said. 

Now in its 23^rd year, the finals' line up will also feature:

• the Unique Horseman Colt Starting Challenge (10-3pm each day). This year will see the introduction of the Cowboy Up Challenge, where over 3 days, 3 legends and 3 young guns jostle for supremacy in the art of handling and starting unbroken young horses.
• the Dalby Ute Muster (Saturday, 5 November, from 3-4pm. Gates open 2pm).
• the Hopes n Dreams Pink Lady Barrel Classic (Sunday morning, 5 November, at 9am)
• the glitz and glamour of the NRCA's very own Rodeo Queen of Australia Miss Bessie Smits who will be making a special appearance and will also lead the grand entry.

Photo Credit: Mel Spittall

Since Australia held its first official rodeo in the 1920’s, the sport has progressed from a country field day event to one that attracts crowds from all walks of life. 

NRCA General Manager, Janelle Barraclough says,“It's the traditional sport of the bush. Rodeos are particularly important to rural communities because they teach participants the everyday skills they need to properly handle and care for their animals on their farm or station,” she said. 

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Economic Development Donna Ashurst said Dalby was excited to host the National Rodeo Finals for the fourth consecutive year.

"Our community truly comes alive when the rodeo comes to town. Not only do the finals add to the vibrancy of our region, the event allows residents and visitors alike to experience our great country hospitality along with Dalby's many historic and natural attractions,” Ms Ashurst said. 

Dalby Town Centre. Photo credit: Western Downs Regional Council

* The NRCA is the first organisation made up and run by a united body of rodeo associations nationally. Formed in 1992, the not for profit actively promotes the sport of rodeo in Australia. The NRCA also assists members with insurance, training and safety, animal welfare, and information on government regulations and policies.

For more details, contact Janelle Barraclough on: (02) 6737 3777, enquire@nationalrodeocouncil.com.au or nationalrodeocouncil.com.au. For more information on attractions in Dalby and the Western Downs, visit www.ourwesterndowns.com or like the Facebook Page @ourwesterndown.

30^thOctober – 1^st November, DALBY QLD

The 2015 NRCA National Rodeo Finals surpassed all expectations this year with a record crowd of up to 8,000 attending the event at the DALBY Showgrounds 30^th October – 1^st November!

Tipped as one of the best rodeos in Australia, it looks like the National Rodeo Council is well on its way to retaining its crown as the ultimate rodeo event.

The undercover venue was at full capacity delivering a superb viewing platform for spectators, providing an electric atmosphere throughout both nights. This years NRF competitors delivered some thrilling rides including Victorian Cowboy Adam Hinkley on Friday night in the Open Bull; Adam who has just returned from riding in Canada, was the last rider of the night to score 84 in a sensational show of cowboy skill, also winning on the Saturday night with a score of 81, securing him the 2015 Open Bull Riding Champion title.

Competitors travelled from as far as Western Australian, Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, with one rodeo family; mum and five children, horses and dog travelling all the way from Palmerston in the Northern Territory, that is dedication!

Rodeo Queen of Australia Latoya Wards lead the grand entry in an elegant display of horsemanship and class. Nicknamed ‘the Pied Piper’ of rodeo, she was never left alone throughout the course of the weekend, with a string of children in her wake requesting autographs and photos. Latoya also helped promote the event visiting local shopping centre and school Dalby South State School much to the delight of the children and as a result, we might just see some up and coming junior rodeo queens from Dalby in the near future.

Entertainer and crowd favourite, Mik Oberle whipped the crowd into a frency on completion of the buckles presentation on Saturday night with spectators and cowboys whooping it up to the tunes of some of your favourite country artists. We also saw some fancy footwork from several of the locals who seemed to be having the time of their life at the event and as an organiser of rodeo this is exactly what we like to see, fun times had by all!

Support from the Dalby community for the National Rodeo Finals weekend has been tremendous despite the lack of sponsorship from local business. This is the second time the National Rodeo Finals event has been held in the township of Dalby and with the continued support of the locals and the Dalby Chamber of Commerce, the National Rodeo Council intends to continue its National Rodeo Finals event in the region.

In addition to the excitement of National Finals, ‘The Unique Horseman’ Australian Colt Starting Challenge, which is held as an add on to the National Finals Event is also held over three day sessions during the course of the weekend. The original concept was developed by Colin McTaggart, who first came up with the idea to provide a means of helping horsemen and women understand a gentler way of breaking in horses through a competition.

The event gives horseman a chance to showcase their talents and technique while educating people about horses with specators also given the opportunity to participate by asking questions during the competition. Colin, along with his daughter Kim McTaggart, have now made this an annual competition which is gaining more support each year. This years winners included Dan Steers (Young Guns), Clayton Evans (The Legends) and Dylan Wall (Peoples Choice Award).

Open Bull Ride – ADAM HINKLEY, Colac VIC
Open Saddlebronc – LUKE CHAPLAIN, Cloncurry QLD
Open Bareback – DINNY MORAN, Tara QLD
Team Roping Header – TOM MORRISON, Chinchilla QLD
Team Roping Heeler – DUNHILL ABRIOL, Roma QLD
Steer Wrestling – MARK HOGNO, One Mile QLD
Rope & Tie – KOLT FERGUSON, Cloncurry QLD
Ladies Barrel Race – TEAL AYERS, Roma QLD
Ladies Breakaway Roping – KATRINA HICKEY, Georgetown QLD
Junior Barrel- KATELYN SIMPSON, Palmerston NT
Junior Breakaway- COBEN AYERS, Roma QLD
Junior Bareback-BEN WALSH, Roma QLD
Junior Bull Ride – CAMERON SOUTHERN, Thallon QLD

Allround Cowgirl – TEAL AYERS, Roma QLD
Allround Cowboy – KOLT FERGUSON Cloncurry QLD

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Thank you to Major Sponsors of the 2015 National Rodeo Council of Australia National Rodeo FInals: Channel Seven, Dalby Herald, Hot Fm, Western Trading Company, Rodeo Services Association, Wangrah Wilderness Lodge, Western Downs Regional Council, Oakey Abbatoirs and Kobbers Motor Inn. Special mention this year must go out to our Chairman Pat Staines who not only announced at both nights of the National Finals event he also announced all day Friday, Saturday AND Sunday at the Unique Horseman competition, tremendous effort!!

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ABOUT NATIONAL RODEO COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (NRCA) The National Rodeo Council of Australia (NRCA) is the first non-profit organisation made up and run by a united body of rodeo associations nationally. Formed in 1992 to further the sport of rodeo, the National Rodeo Council of Australia provides assistance to members in administration, access to a national insurance scheme, training and safety programs, animal welfare and up to date government regulations and policies. The major goal and objectives for the NRCA has always been to have one voice, representing rodeo at government level by eliminating the confusion of separate groups making individual representations and to work alongside each member Association to actively promote the sport of rodeo in Australia.   Each year a National Finals event is conducted bringing together the top riders from each of the member Associations creating a 'Truly Unique' Australian National Rodeo Finals event.The National Rodeo Finals event, is the only event of it’s kind to bring together individual Rodeo Associations to compete for the one championship title.

2015 Rodeo Queen of Australia Miss Latoya Wards will be jetting into Dalby later today as part of a whirlwind tour of the region to help promote this weekends National Rodeo Finals to be held at the Dalby Showgrounds 30^th October – 1^st November.

As Rodeo Queen of Australia, Miss Wards plays a pivotal role in the promotion of rodeo and travels extensively throughout the country and abroad encouraging participation in the sport through a number of planned promotions and appearances.

While in Dalby, Latoya will be visiting local schools, nursing homes and shopping centres to help raise awareness about the event.

Latoya first became involved in the sport back in 2007 when her Dad introduced her to then Rodeo Queen of Australia, Miss Rochelle Harrison. She vividly recalls her conversation with Rochelle who told her she would make an amazing Queen and ever since that fateful meeting, she has always held the thought in the back of her mind.

It took until 2013 when Latoya met another Rodeo Queen of Australia Miss Danielle Quinsee (who also encouraged her to enter the competition) and she was sold, entering the quest soon after.

Miss Wards says, “I entered the Australian Rodeo Queen Quest because I wanted to become a public figure and be a role model for my sister, to show her that if you work hard you can be what ever you want to be especially when you have to start at the bottom.”

The Australian Rodeo Queen Quest helps empower rural women by encouraging them to get active in sport and in their community. It is designed to open new windows of opportunities by teaching women the importance of self-worth, confidence, deportment and how to represent themselves in a positive manner.

Latoya currently competes in the ladies barrel race event on her Quarter Horse ‘Cruisee’ and what she love’s most is that everyone shares the same passion for the sport and their horses. She also enjoys the adrenalin rush that comes with competing and the bond you forge with your horse.

This year will be the first time she has attended a National Rodeo Finals event and she is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the show by making her debut as Rodeo Queen of Australia while leading the grand entry carrying the Australian flag.

Aside from participating in the grand entry, her most important role is to be a positive role model for women in rodeos by inspiring them to believe that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Latoya’s next promotion will be at Rokewood rodeo in Victoria on the 21^st of November where she will be involved with the grand entry and the crowning of the Rokewood rodeo ‘Mr and Miss Rodeo’ competition in addition to the ‘Tiny Tots’ and ‘Princesses and Princes’ competition.