Yelvertoft Campdraft and Rodeo starts the outback social season

Gradually becoming known as the highest paid bush event in outback Queensland, competitors travel from all over the state to attend.

Located 110 kilometres north of Mount Isa on Yelvertoft Station owners, Marcus and Shelley Curr, said it was the first social event of the year.

“Campdraft and rodeo are fast becoming the main social events in rural Queensland. We created this event for all the ringers to have a go, while also having the big time competitors,” Curr said.

“Campdraft is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia if it isn’t already and rodeo is basically part of Australian rural life.

“It is very important to keep our bush culture alive and this event is a great way in doing that.”

Held over the Easter weekend (April 14-16), Yelvertoft will enter its fifth consecutive year and has a few inaugural events on the agenda.

Hosting their first amateur rodeo last year, the Curr’s have extended their rodeo program to cater for more competitors.

“We have introduced a full rodeo program including; barrel race, bullock ride, open bronc ride, bareback, calf ride, steer ride, station buckjump, open bull ride, team roping, calf roping, bulldogging, breakaway roping and gymkhana,” Curr said

“This is on top of our campdraft events including; $50,000 open, $10,000 maiden for maiden, novice, restricted open, junior, juvenile, mini and top 10 ladies shootout.

“Last year we had 300 competitors and over 1000 nominations last year so we are hoping to expand that again.”

Spectators are encouraged to travel out and watch the action from Friday to Sunday with no entry fee. There will be a bar, catering services, a DJ, and toilets available. Anyone planning on staying is advised to take a swag, chair and cash.

The official program should be announced next week and nominations made through Campdraft Central in the coming weeks.