Sponsorships and Donations Program

riders and their friends and family was all the thanks he needed for the brutal role.

“At the end of the night there’s parents or riders or someone’s partner coming over and shaking your hand and saying thank you very much ... people you don’t even know showing their appreciation for what you’ve done for the night – that’s a big thing for us rodeo clowns,” Joel said.

CHARITY SUPPORT

ALTHOUGH Joel hasn’t backed down from 800kg bulls, he admitted his tough exterior had caused problems when he split with the mother of his two children.

“That was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through, and the hardest part was everyone looked up to me; I was a big tough figure, and I felt like I couldn’t turn to anyone,” he said of what he calls the lowest point in his life.

He said that this year’s Weipa Rodeo partner charity, Talk About It Tuesday, which was started by two Cape York mothers who lost their sons to suicide and shines a light on mental health and suicide prevention, was a brilliant cause.

“I didn’t think I was going to come back from it, but I’m back doing what I’m doing, I own my own business and I’m happy every day,” Joel said.

“My motto is ‘it is what it is’, keep smiling and keep moving on and no matter how tough the situation is, just keep on keeping on.”

The Weipa Rodeo runs on Friday at the showgrounds adjacent to Andoom Oval, with gates opening at 3pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday.

Tickets are available for sale at the gate.