ROBE RIVER RODEO SHOWCASES WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE

BY ASAD KHAN AND TANGIORA HINAKI

The Robe River Rodeo & Campdraft, a long-standing celebration of Western Australian rodeo culture, took place last week from September 3rd through 7th, attracting competitors and spectators from across the nation to the Pilbara region. Held just outside the town of Pannawonica, the event has been a notable fixture since its inception in 1995.

This year's rodeo featured a variety of events, including a free campdraft and the Robe River Junior Rodeo. The main event, held on September 7th, was particularly notable for its thrilling demonstrations of bull riding, roping, and other rodeo staples, drawing a significant crowd eager to experience the excitement firsthand.

Among the participants was Samo Petrevski-Seton, a former professional Australian rules footballer who previously played for the Carlton Football Club and West Coast Eagles. Petrevski-Seton made his rodeo debut this year, adding a unique flair to the event.

“I haven’t ridden since 11 years ago due to my career in AFL. I reckon I did pretty well today; I was leading the round until my brother-in-law rode and just beat me. So, I think I came second at the end of the day.”

When asked about future plans, particularly in bull riding, Petrevski-Seton expressed cautious enthusiasm.

“I do plan to get into bull riding eventually. There are some new rules and regulations for safety, like wearing helmets, which is probably the best option. Bull riding is considered one of the most dangerous sports in the world, and it’s not about if you’ll get hurt, but how badly. It’s one of those things where you never know what’s going to happen.”

Mr Seton also highlighted the historical roots of the rodeo: “Forty or fifty years ago, many of these places were barely towns and mostly cattle stations. The sport began with Stockmen who rode rough horses just for fun. Over time, it evolved and moved to the arena, but it still carries the heritage of the Stockmen and Cowboys from back in the day.”

The Robe River Rodeo continues to celebrate this rich heritage while providing a thrilling experience for all involved.

Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Tangiora Hinaki speak with Samo Petrevski-Seton: