RODEO’S THE GO AT PANNAWONICA

Cowboys and cowgirls from near and far are heading to Pannawonica for the annual Robe River Rodeo & Campdraft this weekend.

Punjima elder Brian Tucker said he had been attending the event since it first started in the 1990s and loved the way it promoted the station way of life.

“That’s the whole objective about it, being familiar with horses for a long time,” he said.

Rodeo rider Tui Magner said she was keen to compete after winning the Open Barrell at Wylcatchem Rodeo a few weeks ago.

“Being based here in the Pilbara I get to compete in the local barrels which is first up,” she said. “I’ve got a young horse that I’ll be competing on in the novice and then going to the open events I’m going to be competing on the open ladies’ barrels, breakaway roping and team roping.”

Ashburton Shire president Kerry White said it was the town’s premier annual event, attracting between three and five thousand people.

“There is a lot of action they have a camp draft, and then they have their rodeo and then they finish up with some Perth bands after,” she said. “And it’s a really good event.”

The Robe River Junior Rodeo is on today followed by entertainment from The Southern River Band, with the main event tomorrow and a dance with band Proud Mary in the evening.