CHAPTER 001
MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO 2025
PRESENTED BY AKUBRA
In the heart of Australia’s outback, the road to Mt Isa is more than dirt and bitumen, it’s a lifeline carrying stories, sweat, and spirit. Every red horizon, clang of steel gates, and golden dust cloud tells of a community bound by grit, tradition, and the thrill of the rodeo.
Riders chase glory, families reunite, a town comes alive. It’s about mateship, late-night yarns, and quiet moments that linger long after the crowd fades. With every hat tilted against the sun, every hand on the reins, every step into the arena, this is where Akubra belongs.
We’re deeply proud to have been the Presenting Partner for the 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, which marked an iconic reunion of two enduring outback legends. Worn by generations of riders, ropers, and rodeo fans, Akubra has long shared the same unbreakable spirit that runs through Buchanan Park.
EXPLORE
THE RODEO EDIT
CHAPTER 002
The History of Rodeo
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is more than a competition, it’s a cornerstone of Australian outback culture, and it’s been that way since 1959. Originally created to put Mt Isa on the map and raise funds for local charities, the rodeo has since grown into the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere, with some of Australia’s most legendary rodeo figures right at its heart.
To explore its enduring appeal, we spoke with rodeo icons Bob Holder and Marcus Curr, alongside Akubra CEO Natalie Culina, delving into the history, significance, and traditions of this iconic event, and the role Akubra proudly plays as presenting partner.
BOB HOLDER
Rodeo Icon & Living Legend
Born in 1931, Bob Holder is widely recognised as the world’s oldest competing professional rodeo rider. His journey began at age 14 when he forged a letter to enter a novice bronc ride at the Tumut Rodeo, and won. In 1959, Bob became one of the first Australian riders to compete in the U.S. professional rodeo circuit. Over eight decades, he has continued to ride across Australia, including at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. At 94 years old, Bob continues to inspire generations of cowboys and rodeo fans alike.
MARCUS CURR
Grazier, Rodeo Advocate, Community Leader
Marcus Curr is a grazier based in the Mount Isa region at Yelvertoft Station, part of his family’s cattle operation. An accomplished rodeo and campdraft competitor, Marcus combines hands-on experience with community leadership. In late 2024, following the voluntary administration of Isa Rodeo Ltd, a new community board was formed to restore the iconic event. Appointed Vice-Chair, Marcus played a key role in bringing the event back under local control — restoring financial stability, and refocusing on affordability and heritage to ensure the rodeo continued as a celebration of outback culture for years to come.
NATALIE CULINA
CEO of Akubra
Since 2024, Natalie Culina has led Akubra as CEO, bringing a deep commitment and pride in a special milestone for Akubra: stepping into the arena as presenting partner of the 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. For Natalie, it’s not about starting something new, but about recognising a partnership that has always existed. Our hats have shaded faces in the dust, weathered storms in the campgrounds, and stood tall in victory laps. This is more than a partnership, it’s about tradition, craftsmanship, Australian heritage and community.
CHAPTER 003
Rituals Before the Ride
At Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, the action starts before the chute gate swings. In the shadows, cowboys prepare for the chaos ahead. Dust and sweat hang heavy, every sound sharpened: boots on timber, ropes on steel, guttural breaths, the roaring crowd. Behind the chutes, nerves and grit fill the air. This is the rodeo, the cowboy’s world
