ROEBOURNE RODEO LAUNCHES WITH STRONG CULTURAL BACKING FROM NGARLUMA AND YINDJIBARDI ELDERS
Roebourne is set to host its first-ever rodeo this August, following a new cultural partnership between the Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL) and Karlayura Rodeo Inc.
The event, scheduled for August 9, 2025, will bring together Traditional Owners, rodeo leaders, and community members for what is shaping up to be a major, family-friendly celebration of culture, connection, and skill.
The Roebourne Rodeo is supported by respected Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi Elders, who have given their cultural approval for the event to take place on Ngarluma Country. NYFL has been holding wangka-ngarli (deep conversations) with Elders and community leaders throughout early 2025 to shape the event in a way that reflects local values and vision.
Ngarluma Elder Violet Samson said the rodeo would be more than a sporting event—it would bring families together.
“It’s good to see something like this for our young ones. It’s something we’ve been waiting for, to bring life back into Roebourne,” she said. “This rodeo is for everyone—black and white. It’s for the community.”
NYFL CEO Sean-Paul Stephens said the rodeo aligned with community hopes for a strong cultural future.
“We’re proud to support a safe, family-focused event that celebrates who we are. Our Elders and young people have a clear vision, and it’s been powerful to see everyone come together to make it happen.”
The initiative is being led by respected Banyjima and Nyiyaparli cultural leader Brian Tucker (BT), his wife and Kuruma Elder Georgina Bobby, and rodeo organiser Tui Magner, a proud Māori woman and rising force in WA’s rodeo scene. All three have strong ties to the Ieramugadu (Roebourne) community through kinship, culture, and shared history.
“Bringing a rodeo to Ieramugadu has been a long-held ambition of the community,” said Mr Tucker. “Over the years I’ve spoken to many Ngarluma families who said they wanted something like this—a place for community, for celebration, and for our young people to shine. I’m proud NYFL is walking with us to bring that to life.”
For Tui Magner, the rodeo is about more than adrenaline and crowd cheers—it’s about creating pathways.
“Rodeo is more than entertainment—it’s a future. My daughter recently went to the US to learn from the best, and there’s no reason kids from the Pilbara couldn’t do the same,” she said. “We’re building something with momentum, with community, and with purpose.”
Young leaders from the region are also helping shape the event. Ngarluma woman Sam Walker has called for fashion, arts, and other community showcases to be part of the program, as a way to highlight local identity and inspire pride.
Karlayura Rodeo Inc. and NYFL formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2025, cementing their partnership for the Roebourne Rodeo’s debut.
ABOUT THE ROEBOURNE RODEO
The Roebourne Rodeo will be held on 9 August 2025 and is proudly affiliated with the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft & Rodeo Association (ABCRA). The Full Points Open Rodeo will feature elite rodeo competition alongside cultural celebration, music, and family-friendly activities.
Cowboys, Cowgirls and Community—this is the Pilbara’s rodeo, grounded in Country and built for the future.
