A packed house at the Calliope Rodeo Association’s Australia Day event enjoyed a full evening of primetime entertainment.
Around 1500 spectators travelled to Calliope Rodeo Grounds for the association’s annual event held on Sunday, 26 January.
With senior and junior competitors taking on barrel races, as well as steer and bull rides, the 2025 edition of the event was incredibly strong.
“We truly love holding an event that the whole family can enjoy regardless of age, as a not-for-profit organisation, that’s what it’s all about,” Calliope Rodeo Association treasurer Amanda Weston said.
“Every year that we are able to keep the love of rodeo alive is a success.
“We are truly grateful for all the support we received from our local community groups such as SES, Rotary, Scouts, Calliope Pony Club, Calliope Campdraft and Mt Larcom Show Society.
“Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to run such a smooth rodeo.”
One of the highlights of the event was the Under-12 poddy competition, which saw a long list of competitors.
Both locals and travelling juniors showcased their talents on the back of some kicking calves, much to the appreciation of the bumper crowd.
Linkyn Harrison would take out that hotly contested program with Hunter Dagan and Clayton Walker rounding off the podium in second and third respectively.
In the senior Open Bull competition Wesley McDonald and Lucas Taylor were the separate victors of the two rounds with Trent Pointon taking out the senior bull competition.
In the open barrel event, Kate Batts stole the show after just taking out the top buckle ahead of Breanna Bauman and Clare Perry.
And it was certainly a weekend to celebrate for the Burgess family after Teneeka (local open), Teah (Under-12s) and Jade (Under-18s) all secured the top position in their respective barrel racing events.
The full list of results are as follows:
Open Barrel
Winner: Kate Batts
Second: Breanna Bauman
Third: Clara Perry
Fourth: Maddison Caban
Local Barrel Under-18s
Winner: Jade Burgess
Second: Billie Paish
Third: Drew Christensen
Fourth: Gian Pizzy
Local Barrel Under-12
Winner: Teah Burgess
Second: Chloe Woodard
Third: Grace Masters
Local Barrel open
Winner: Taneeka Burgess
Second: Catherine Stewart
Third: Brooke Read
Fourth: Jade Burgess
Under-15s Junior Steer
Winner: Cooper McConnell
Second: Cooper Bennett
Third: Ebbet Walker
Fourth: Billy Cook and Chase Wieland.
Under-18s Junior Bull
Winner: Blake Croydon
Second: Sebastian Asquith
Third: Matty Ahern
Fourth: Noah West
Round One Open Bull
Winner: Wesley McDonald
Second: Daniel Hafey
Round Two Open Bull
Winner: Lucas Taylor
Second: Hank Woodard
Third: Billy Goetsch
Novice Bull
Winner: Taj Everingham
Second: Innes Fraser
Third: Trent Pointon
Fourth: Blake Croydon
Senior Bull
Winner: Trent Pointon
Second: Sonny Pearse
Chute Out
Winner: Daniel Hafey.
