Entertainment
11 October, 2025
Great bucking time at rodeo
MANY local residents in Douglas agree that this year has generally been a busy one, both in terms of events and the flow of visitors across the Shire.
With school holidays, cruise ship visits, sporting events like the Gran Fondo and perfect weather to match, springtime has certainly been a hectic period for the area.
Once again, it has been that time of the year when a truckful of seemingly angry male bovine furry friends roll into town, in this case Mossman, and get ready to compete with some less powerful but equally brave and reckless individuals more commonly known as bull riders.
Some may say these characters are bordering on crazy to do what they do for enjoyment and bragging rights.
This popular sport is, however, loved by both those taking part and the many fans, plus there are a few bucks to be won for the eventual winner.
As has been the case for the last few years, the popular and ideal venue was the Mossman Showgrounds and the event, once again part of the Great Northern Bull Riding Series, took place last Saturday.
Even though the night was shared with the AFL grand final, this did not deter large numbers from turning out.
This much-used community space has proven to be a versatile location for a number of events in past years, including home to the Mossman Port Douglas Sharks Rugby League Club.
More recently, since Cyclone Jasper, the location has been a temporary home to the Mossman Support Services Youth Centre and now additional space for Mossman Support Services lifestyle support team who assist people with disabilities, including NDIS participants.
The ground will also be home to this year’s Mossman Christmas Extravaganza on 5 December.
Once again, the weather was perfect and the crowds turned out in great numbers to support the event.
Apart from being a fun occasion, it is a great fundraiser for the Sharks.
With the bucking chutes and small arena erected inside the showgrounds right next to the Sharks clubhouse and grandstand, all onlookers were provided with a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal to the action.
As in past rodeos in Mossman, people were invited to arrive well before the official start time for an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of a true country town event.
Locals and visitors to the area could show off their cowboy outfits, enjoy some Aussie tucker, while listening to their favourite country music artists and engaging in the initial pre-competition entertainment.
The evening’s brave participants were left with a few bumps and grazes, but overall, the evening was seen as a great success and left everyone looking forward to doing it all again next year.
The day concluded with an ‘after party’ which saw revellers dance on into the night.
Well done to all of the organisers, particularly the volunteers who gave up their time to make everything run smoothly.
I’m off to tighten my saddle, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
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