MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND

The Australian National Bronco Branding Championships held in conjunction with the Drovers Festival is a very unique way to celebrate our Australian outback lifestyle.

The Drovers Festival offers visitors a chance to experience camp oven cooking, bush poetry, droving, country music and a talent quest.

Visitors will have time to discover the history and distinct character of the local landscape of Camooweal, located on the border of Queensland and the Northern Territory, 188km from Mount Isa.

Art shows and photography competitions along with the historical town's beautiful scenery provide the perfect break from the broncos.

The Festival is a truly entertaining weekend event and is held in honour of the old drovers and pioneers of this area.

The Drovers Camp Festival and National Bronco Branding Championships is proudly supported by my Government through the Queensland Events Regional Development Program.

Regional events deliver an enormous boost to local economies - bringing in business, creating jobs, attracting tourists and fuelling growth, prosperity and offer a tremendous sense of pride for the host communities.

Already, the funding program has provided more than $9.7 million to some 460 regional events since it started as a world-first initiative in 2001. Across the State, thousands of individuals, community groups, local councils and in some cases entire towns, put countless hours into ensuring their events are a success.

The Queensland Government is proud to share the passion and the achievements of the State's regions through this program. Enjoy the Drovers Camp Festival, and I hope you will have an opportunity to discover more of Queensland's great events in the coming year.

ANNA BLIGH MP
PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND