General News
17 September, 2024
EDITORIAL: Pressure is building on the Isa Rodeo board
The Mount Isa community has lost confidence in the organisation and that damage might be irreparable.
With local residents waiting in the wings to step up if required, questions must be asked if Isa Rodeo Ltd is still the right body to run our most iconic event.
While the event has grown in many ways since it was taken over from Rotary, a worrying trend has emerged – a lack of local engagement.
It’s one thing to save the rodeo and pay all of your creditors, but the question the board must ask itself is: does the community still want us in charge?
With no sign from the CEO or chair that they will step down from their leadership roles, it means that if Isa Rodeo Ltd is running the event next year, it will need to rebuild trust with the local community.
It’s positive news that new and existing sponsors appear interested in bailing them out, but it will be a major challenge to win back crowds and the support of local businesses.
Can the rodeo go ahead next year if suppliers call for payment up-front?
More transparency is required from Isa Rodeo Ltd if the relationship is to be repaired in 2025 and beyond.