Traditional Owners unite to bring inaugural Roebourne Rodeo to Life
The Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL) is proud to announce its cultural partnership with Karlayura Rodeo Inc. for the inaugural Roebourne Rodeo, to be held on 9 August 2025.
The Roebourne Rodeo is the first of its kind for the town, and NYFL is excited to support this landmark event, which aligns closely with the aspirations of our members and the broader Ngarda-ngarli (Aboriginal) community of Ieramugadu (Roebourne) for an activated, connected, and culturally rich future.
As the official Cultural Partner, NYFL has been working alongside Karlayura Rodeo Inc. to ensure the event is grounded in local culture and guided by Ngarluma Elders. NYFL has facilitated wangka-ngarli (deep conversations) between community leaders, Elders, and Karlayura Rodeo leadership to help bring this shared vision to life.
These conversations took place throughout the start of 2025, with Senior Ngarluma Elders Ricky and Frank Smith—respected brothers and cattlemen who run stock at Ngurrawaana—sharing their deep knowledge of the cattle industry and their excitement about bringing a high-standard rodeo event to Ngarluma Country.
Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation representatives, inlcuding emerging leaders and Elders, with Karlayura Rodeo Co-Founders and Rodeo organisers in Ieramugadu (Roebourne) May 2025
Ngarluma Elder Nanna Violet Samson and Yindjibarndi Elder Judith Coppin, both respected Nannas in the Ieramugadu community, also took part in the wangka-ngarli. They expressed their strong support for the event, giving their cultural approval for the rodeo to be held on Ngarluma Ngurra, and highlighting the positive impact it could have in bringing families together and showcasing cultural strength
Left to Right: NYFL CEO Sean-Paul Stephens, Kuruma Elder Georgina Bobby, Senior Ngarluma Elder Violet Samson, Senior Yindjibarndi Elder Judith Coppin, Ngarluma-Yindjibarndi woman Regina Daniel (standing), and Karlayura Rodeo Inc Co-Founder Tui Magner, in Ieremargadu (Roebourne)
NYFL and Karlayura also sat down with emerging leaders in Ieramugadu, to listen to the next generation’s hopes for the event. Ngarluma woman Sam Walker spoke about the importance of seeing local fashion and arts on display alongside the rodeo action, as a way to celebrate community identity and inspire pride in local talent.
“This partnership speaks to the deep desire of Ngarluma families to see a safe, family-friendly event return to Country—one that celebrates our culture and brings people together,” “The wangka-ngarli with our Elders and young people show just how strong the community’s vision is. We are proud to walk alongside Karlayura and the many local leaders making this vision a reality.”
The rodeo is an initiative led by respected Banyjima and Nyiyaparli cultural leader Brian Tucker (BT), his wife Kuruma Elder Georgina Bobby, and rising rodeo leader Tui Magner, a proud Māori woman with strong ties to the Pilbara.
As a Banyjima and Nyiyaparli man, BT has lifelong connections to Ieramugadu, developed through years of kinship, cultural exchange, and shared struggle. Georgina too has called Ieramugadu home over the years, while travelling for Lore and visiting kin in the community. Their leadership is deeply rooted in lived relationships with the town and its families.
Roebourne Rodeo Organiser Tui Magner in action hazing for a fellow competitor to get the Win at Boyup Brook Rodeo Credit: Dusty Boots photography (supplied)
“Bringing a rodeo to Ieramugadu has been a long-held ambition of the community,”
“Over the years I’ve spoken to many Ngarluma families who have said they want something like this—a place for community, for celebration, and for our young people to shine. I’m so pleased that NYFL, as cultural partner, is walking with us to make this happen.”
Tui Magner, who has led rodeo development across WA, emphasised the potential for young people to see a future in rodeo sports:
“Rodeo is more than entertainment—it’s a pathway. My daughter recently spent time in the US learning elite rodeo skills, and there’s no reason why young people from the Pilbara couldn’t follow that same path. This is about pride, talent and opportunity—and we’re building something with real momentum.”
NYFL and Karlayura Rodeo Inc. formally signed a Memoradum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2025, for the first event.
About the Roebourne Rodeo – 9 August 2025
Get ready for adrenaline-pumping action as Cowboys, Cowgirls and Community take the arena.
Welcome to WA’s newest Full Points Open Rodeo, where raw talent, big moments, and unstoppable community spirit collide. Hosted by Karlayura Rodeo Inc. and proudly affiliated with the ABCRA, this is more than a competition—it’s a high-energy celebration of skill, pride, and connection you won’t want to miss.
About NYFL
The Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL) is an Aboriginal-owned not-for-profit organisation based in Ieramugadu (Roebourne). Established to serve the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi peoples and the wider Ngarda-ngarli community, NYFL delivers a range of social, cultural, and economic programs that support self-determination, community development, and cultural revitalisation.
About Karlayura Rodeo Inc.
Karlayura Rodeo Inc. is an Indigenous-led, not-for-profit association committed to celebrating rodeo talent, promoting regional tourism, and fostering cultural connection across the Pilbara. Through events like the Roebourne Rodeo, we aim to create lasting impact by supporting local businesses, building community capability, and showcasing the rich spirit of regional WA.
The name "Karlayura," meaning ‘little red dragonfly,’ honours the legacy of Mr Brian Tucker (‘B.T.’)—a respected Elder, Director of the Karlayura Group, and co-founder of the Rodeo Club. His vision and leadership continue to shape the mission and values of Karlayura Rodeo Inc.