Queensland's Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo Attracts Record Attendance

The southern hemisphere's "largest rodeo" drew "record numbers" over the weekend, according to Harriet Tatham of the ABC. Despite being held 1,800km northwest of Brisbane, the Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo "attracted more than 20,000 people to the remote mining town in its first two days." To put things into perspective, the town's population is "only 18,000." Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo GM Natalie Flecker said, "The Isa Rodeo is the largest rodeo in the southern hemisphere. It also has the biggest prize pool, so it means the competitors that are coming out are actually working for over A$230,000 ($180,700) in prize money plus buckles to take home" (ABC, 8/12).