ROEBOURNE RODEO SELLS OUT IN DEBUT EVENT
BY ASAD KHAN AND TANGIORA HINAKI
A First for Roebourne
The inaugural Roebourne Rodeo has been hailed as more than just a sporting event, and the organisers say it represents a movement.
Over the weekend, the red dirt arena came alive with bucking bulls, barrel races, DJ beats and a strong sense of community pride.
The debut event drew a crowd of about 3,500 people and marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Ngarluma Traditional Owners and local rodeo leaders.
Organisers say they are optimistic the rodeo will return in 2026, with ambitions to grow the circuit across the Pilbara.
Welcome to Country and a Song in Language
Ngarluma Traditional Owner Josie Samson opened the event with a heartfelt Welcome to Country, followed by a prayer and a song in language.
“I had a little prayer time with God and didn’t expect I’d be opening it,” Ms Samson said.
“They rang me back and said, ‘You’re going to open it and sing a language song.’ It’s such a blessing — the first time, and it will put Roebourne back on the map.”
Ms Samson credited the teamwork that made the day possible, singling out rodeo organiser Brian Tucker, the riders, and the local community.
“Especially the Ngarluma people who came, the beautiful riders, the cowgirls and the cowboys, and the beautiful horses,”
Family Wins and Future Plans
For co-founder Tui Magner, the day was both a professional and personal triumph.
“My daughter won her barrel race, I won my barrel race, and she caught her calf,” she said.
“It was just good to be here and compete with my family. I was sitting out the back, just having a moment — it is emotional.”
Ms Magner says the success has fuelled bigger ambitions.
“We’re going again for sure. We’ll go twice a year if we’re allowed to. We have a big vision — it’s coming up on May 15 for people to build on rodeos in the Pilbara. Not only Roebourne — we’re looking at other towns as well.”
Volunteers Make It Happen
Rodeo volunteer Haoni Wano said the atmosphere was unmatched.
“It’s been a wonderful day, enjoying seeing all the people and the community coming out,” Mr Wano said.
“I’ve been helping at the gate, and people came in with big smiles on their faces, really enjoying their day. It’s just been great to be a part of it.”
Looking Ahead
With a sold-out debut, community backing, and organisers already eyeing future dates, the Roebourne Rodeo looks set to become a fixture on the Pilbara events calendar — a celebration of skill, culture, and country that blends tradition with modern rodeo excitement.
Listen to Josie Samson, Tui Magner, and Haoni Wano speak with Ngaarda Media’s Tangiora Hinaki: