For over six decades, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo has produced legends, competitors whose skill, courage and outback spirit have defined the event. From the early pioneers to today’s champions, these riders and personalities have left their mark on Australia’s most iconic rodeo.

Historic Legends

SIR JAMES FOOTS

Sir James, the founder of Rotary in Mount Isa, is highly regarded for bringing together the mines and the wider Mount Isa community. Even today, Mount Isa Mines continues as the principal partner and sponsor of the Isa Rodeo.

TONY HECKSHER

A record-setting bareback champion, Tony competed on both the Australian and North American professional rodeo circuits for over twenty years. He claimed an unprecedented eight Isa Rodeo bareback titles along with four National Finals championships.

LES BUNN OAM

Les Bunn’s dedicated service to the Mount Isa community has not only enhanced countless lives but also made the city significantly more livable. After completing an extensive “rodeo volunteer apprenticeship” under Rotarian Bob Keoghan, Les has contributed to over 40 years of rodeos, primarily through essential behind-the-scenes work at Kalkadoon and Buchanan Parks, including year-round working bees, grounds and facilities maintenance, and crowd and traffic management.

Since joining Rotary West in 1993, Les has capably undertaken every leadership and committee role. His meticulous attention to detail, unwavering support for fundraising and community initiatives, and perfect attendance at Rotary meetings earned him a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding community service.

FAY BREALEY

Fay spent 30 years traveling the APRA circuit from Melbourne to Darwin alongside her husband, John. She provided invaluable support to local committees through rodeo documentation and timekeeping. Over her three-decade association with the Isa Rodeo, Fay’s expert administrative work has been instrumental in keeping the event running smoothly. Still an active APRA member, she cherishes the rodeo family she has built and is dedicated to helping newcomers enjoy a rewarding future in the sport.

JOHN BREARLEY

Melbourne-born John Brearley began competing in country Victorian rodeos in 1963. He claimed the national Bareback title in 1975 and 1977 and was the national Steer Wrestling champion in 1975. He also won the Isa Rodeo’s All-Round Cowboy title in 1972 and 1975. In 1976, as captain of the eight-rider team representing the Australian Government on the American Rodeo Circuit, John twice drew and rode the notorious “Necklace” and finished 4th in the bareback average at the Cheyenne Rodeo.

By 2019, John had marked 50 years of involvement with the Isa Rodeo. After retiring from competition in 1983, he continued to contribute to the sport as a judge. Though a skilled all-rounder, his true passion lies in officiating the timed events.

PETER POOLE

As a seasoned all-round rodeo competitor and the first secretary of the Australian Rough Rider’s Association, Peter played a crucial role in guiding the inaugural Isa Rodeo committee through their first event.

BOB (ROBERT J) KEOGHAN

A Rotarian for more than 35 years, Bob played a key role in the growth and success of the Isa Rodeo. He generously provided his cranes, trucks and labour to support the ongoing development and maintenance of the rodeo grounds.

SCOTT FRASER

Widely recognised as the greatest rough stock rider in APRA history, second-generation Wilmington cowboy Scott is the only Australian to have won all three rough stock events in a single American PRA rodeo and still holds the Australian record for the highest prizemoney earned in a single year. A four-time Isa Rodeo All-Round Cowboy champion, his other notable achievements include: 1991 Pro Tour All-Round Cowboy, Bull Ride, Bareback, and runner-up Saddle Bronc; 1994 Pro Tour All-Round Cowboy, Saddle Bronc, Bull Ride, and Bareback Champion; 1995 Australian Bull Riding Champion; and 1996 Australian Bull Riding Champion, Pro Tour All-Round Cowboy, Saddle Bronc, Bull Ride, and Bareback Champion.

BONNY YOUNG

A competitor in the inaugural Isa Rodeo, champion rodeo rider Bonny Young went on to secure a record-equalling eight individual titles over an impressive 29-year career at the event. The only person to win a national title in all five standard rodeo events, Bonny also contributed his expertise as a rough stock judge at the Isa Rodeo for an additional 15 years.

JIM O’SHEA

Rotarian Jim O’Shea was deeply committed to supporting the Isa Rodeo from its earliest days. Over nearly 20 years, he served in a variety of roles, including Arena Director and Chairman, and devoted countless hours to working bees at Kalkadoon Park and Carandotta Station.

VIC GOUGH

An outstanding horseman and Australian Rodeo legend, in 1959 Vic won the title of All-Round Champion Cowboy at the inaugural Isa Rodeo.

RUSSELL COLLINS

Russell joined the Mount Isa Rotary Club in 1987 after relocating from Boulia and later served as club president. That same year, he succeeded Don Cummings as Rodeo and Campdraft Arena Director, a demanding role he held until moving to Rockhampton in 1998.

He is widely recognised for professionalizing the event and helping transform it into the smooth-running, action-packed, spectator-focused sporting spectacle it is today.

Among Russell’s most notable achievements as Arena Director were introducing consistent, reliable contracted bucking stock to give riders the best opportunity to showcase their skills, installing temporary fencing to shorten the arena for bulls, and implementing big-screen telecasts and replays.

EDNA JESSOP

Few images capture the spirit of the early Isa Rodeo like that of Edna Jessop, Australia’s first female boss drover, leaning from her saddle to retrieve a competitor’s hat, kick strap, or other equipment with a piece of hood wire amid the heat of competition.

WALLY MAILMAN

An accomplished horseman celebrated for his skill with rough, bush-bred horses, Wally competed in the inaugural Isa Rodeo and dedicated much of his life to supporting both the event and the upkeep of Kalkadoon Park. A life member of the APRA, he was also a highly respected judge of the Isa Rodeo’s rough stock events.

JIM McGUIRE

Known as the “Ironman of Rodeo,” Jim was one of the APRA’s most accomplished all-round competitors, taking part in every event. He boasts an extraordinary five NFR titles each in All-Round, Saddle Bronc, Bareback, and Steer Wrestling.

RAY DONALDSON

A member of the Isa Rodeo from its very beginning and a charter member of the Mount Isa South Rotary Club in 1967, Ray’s dedication and selfless service led him to serve as Rodeo Chairman from 1977 until his passing in 1984. Under his leadership, Isa Rodeo saw major upgrades to facilities at both Kalkadoon Park and Carandotta, while he personally cultivated new sponsors and strengthened existing partnerships to ensure the event’s continual growth.

Ray’s most enduring legacy is establishing the relationship between Bell and Moir Toyota and the Isa Rodeo. More than 50 years later, the company remains a major supporter, providing vehicles for the annual art union raffle that has raised millions for the local community. In recognition of his contributions, Ray was named a Paul Harris Fellow, as has Bell and Moir Toyota on multiple occasions.

BARRY HARKIN

Barry, coordinator of the Carandotta paddock from 1960 to 1988, played a key role in developing some of Australia’s finest bucking horses. With over 28 years of service, he remains the longest-serving member of the Isa Rodeo committee.

JIM HOVI

As the inaugural stock controller of the Isa Rodeo, Jim managed all paddock operations to ensure a top-quality event. In addition to expertly selecting the best stock, he also mentored and trained both competitors and judges.

LEON STEVENSON

A dedicated Rotarian, Leon held numerous executive roles, played an active part in the Frank Aston Museum, and was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship. He also relished the camaraderie of helping rebuild yards, grandstands, and countless other tasks that Rotarians undertook each weekend to make the annual rodeo a success.

REX BLAKE

Carpenter Rex Blake joined the Mount Isa Rotary Club in the late 1980s and, within a few years, was one of four Rotarians from Mount Isa participating in a foreign aid mission to build a high school in remote Papua New Guinea. Rex’s carpentry skills and well-equipped work truck proved invaluable during the many working bees held in preparation for each rodeo. He served for many years as Grounds and Security Director at Kalkadoon Park before humorously deciding to take on the seemingly less physical role of Bar Director.

Rex’s 2007 stint as Bar Director for the first Isa Rodeo held at Buchanan Park was famously immortalized in a Bret Currie “pub with no beer” cartoon.

AH ONE FAMILY

For more than 15 years, the Ah One family drove 200–300 horses from Carandotta Station to the Isa Rodeo grounds at Kalkadoon Park, braving both drought and rain. A highly respected family and close friends of Mount Isa Rotary, their extraordinary efforts reflect a bygone era of dedication and hard work, forever remembered and appreciated by their Rotary companions.

PETER KRETSCHMANN

Designer, builder, and driver of ‘Smokey’, a creation that delighted and entertained generations of rodeo-going children at Kalkadoon Park, PK dedicated over 23 years of service to Rotary and the Isa Rodeo.

FRED LAND

Fred and Ruth spent 29 years as Rodeo Catering Managers before Fred moved into the Treasury. They fondly remember the year-round weekend working bees at Kalkadoon Park with their five sons and extended Rotary family, the thrill of droving stock in from Carandotta, the enormous task of feeding hungry crowds, and the deep satisfaction of seeing the Isa Rodeo grow to benefit the Mount Isa community. Over his 50 years as a Rotarian, Fred served multiple terms in every committee position and was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship for his outstanding service.

GARRY MCPHEE

Garry excelled in every aspect of rodeo, winning four Australian All-Round Championships and 13 other national titles in the 1970s alone. His exceptional horsemanship, roping ability, and skill in breeding and training top-quality quarter horses allowed him to dominate Australian rodeo’s roping and steer wrestling events for decades, amassing 17 national titles over his career.

In 1979, Garry founded the McPhee Rodeo Company to develop Australia’s toughest and most consistent bucking stock. Over the following four decades, the McPhee stable, including the legendary “Chainsaw”, won more than 70 national bucking titles, including Saddle Bronc of the Year, Bareback Horse of the Year, and Bull of the Year.

DON CUMMING

As an innovative Arena Director, Don constantly refined the Isa Rodeo’s format, ensuring a high-quality experience for both competitors and spectators.

BILL WEIGH

As the inaugural and longest-serving chairman of the Isa Rodeo committee (1958–1972), Bill envisioned putting Mount Isa on the map with a world-class rodeo. Despite starting without a venue, stock, or rodeo experience, Bill and his fellow Rotarian visionaries accomplished far more than anyone could have imagined.

BARRY JONES
Barry, a champion saddle bronc rider, bull rider, and steer wrestler, first competed at the Isa Rodeo in 1962. Among his career highlights are holding the Australian Steer Wrestling record of 2.4 seconds and being one of six riders invited to perform for Queen Elizabeth in 1970. For over 35 years, Barry served in numerous roles with the APRA, travelled the circuit as a judge, and held several board positions.

LINDSAY ROSETTA

When Mick Keefe first introduced 12-year-old Lindsay Rosetta to the thrilling world of rodeo and roping, neither could have imagined that the wiry young bull rider would grow into one of Australia’s bravest and most skilled pick-up men. Lindsay joined Robert McPhee’s legendary pick-up team at the 1988 Isa Rodeo, continuing for 20 years until Robert’s retirement. He then led his own pick-up team for another 15 years, until ill health forced his retirement in 2023. Across his 35-year association with the Isa Rodeo, countless riders owe their safety and success to Lindsay’s courage and exceptional horsemanship.

RAY CRAWFORD OAM

One of four rodeo-riding brothers from Victoria, 20-year-old Ray traveled across Australia showcasing his horsemanship and rough rider skills. His exceptional all-round talent, showmanship, and dedication to promoting every aspect of rodeo not only paved the way for future athletes but also set professional standards for competitors. Ray was awarded the Order of Australia in 1976. His distinguished career includes nine APRA National titles, and today’s rodeo athletes owe a great debt to pioneers like Ray Crawford.

LAURIE EVANS

Solicitor Laurie Evans joined the Mount Isa Rotary Club in July 1960 and became a charter member of the Mount Isa South Rotary Club in 1967. Over his 49½ years in Rotary, Laurie held every club position, many for extended terms. Embodying Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” his distinguished achievements include serving as District Governor’s Representative during the formation of Mount Isa West Rotary Club, District Governor (1996–97), Rodeo Committee Chairman (2000–01), and receiving nine Paul Harris Fellowships.

From the very first Isa Rodeo until his last in 2009, Laurie worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. Starting in entertainment, then the Secretary’s office, and finally Treasury, he dedicated decades to the rodeo with the unwavering support of his wife, Judy, who worked at Food Booth 1 behind the chutes until her passing in 1991.