The Paroo shire has hailed this year's Cunnamulla Fella festival as its best yet, with hundreds flocking to events throughout the week.
For the first time, a day at Eulo with its famous lizard races was factored into the festival, while around 500 people packed John Kerr Park for the PBR bull ride and entertainment headlined by Adam Brand.
The Ergon team of Chris Allan and Charlie Lund claimed this year's Cunnamulla Fella festival championship, with Mirage Plains in second place and Landmark third.
One of the highlights for the younger generation was a bull riding school, put on as the result of a request from the community junior council.
Organisers were overwhelmed when 45 young people arrived for coaching.
Junior council team member Jarib Branfield, 15, said they'd learnt the proper techniques so they didn't hurt themselves.
"It's scary but - I thought it would hurt a lot but it's just like playing football," he said.
They were instructed by PBR Rookie of the Year Lane Mellor.
Jarib, together with Josh Marshall and Bailey McDermott, got to get a feel for the big stage when they were chosen to ride as part of the PBR event on Saturday night.
Two other young bull riders, Dustin Roots and Alex Creevey, from Duaringa and Augathella, on mini bulls, made history as the first time that mini bull riders had been invited to ride as part of the PBR circuit.
The pair will be in Las Vegas in November to take part in the last chance qualifying ride for the the mini bull riding world championships.
After a series of rounds in Queensland, at Nebo, Miriam Vale, Duaringa, Augathella and Clermont, they came out as the winners.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
