6 days ago
'Family friendly' inaugural Roebourne Rodeo unites Pilbara's remote community
A sellout crowd of more than 3,000 has sparked hopes the new Roebourne Rodeo will be a permanent fixture in the Pilbara town's calendar.
The event, a collaboration between traditional owner and Karlayura Group founder Brian Tucker and local rodeo champion Tui Magner, drew a bumper crowd to the town, 1,560 kilometres north of Perth, over the weekend.
It was the culmination of a decades-long dream for Mr Tucker, a highly respected traditional owner on Banyjima and Nyiyaparli country.
"I wanted to do this a long time ago," he said.
The remote town has a complex history of high crime rates and social dysfunction, something acknowledged by Mr Tucker in his opening address.
"[This rodeo is] about putting back into the community and making people know there's a way you can do things and help each other, especially a town like Roebourne."
Students from Roebourne District High School were given a behind-the-scenes look at rodeo in the lead-up to the event.
It underpins the rodeo's ethos of community and horsemanship.
"I'm really excited today and watching every family coming in," Mr Tucker added.
Rodeo co-founder and champion cowgirl Tui Magner said community, connection and family were an important part of the event.
"It's been a beautiful journey just setting up the club and trying to run a community friendly event," she said.
"Rodeos are really popular in WA alone. They have a really, really strong following.
In addition to organising the event, Ms Magner competed, taking out the title for barrel racing.
Bull riding runs in the blood for father-son duo Damon and Tyrell Metcalf.
The family rivalry was on full show with both men competing in the open bull riding.
Damon, who returned to riding after three years, placed third.
"I just made a comeback because I was trying to coach Ty how to ride," Damon said.
"So, [I] entered me up, and, yeah, I had to show him, he told me; so I showed him."
They were so keen, they left Roebourne that night to do it all over again the next day at the Derby Rodeo — a 10-hour drive away.
Karlayura is more than just the name of Brian Tucker's company.
"It means firefly," Mr Tucker said.
"It comes up from my country [in] Karijini National Park."
Mr Tucker says Karlayura is about bringing people together.
"As a traditional person who makes things happen, it's a purpose for all nations to be part of.
"My passionate thing is about the rodeo itself, that everybody enjoys — I'm talking about [people of] every colour."
