The Illawarra turned into the wild west over the weekend with Rodeo4Life and the Boots and Ballgowns ball, supported by Squadron Energy’s Port Kembla Energy Terminal (PKET).
Thousands of residents and visitors attended both major events at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.
Squadron Energy PKET Senior Operations Readiness Manager Rita Boyd said it was fantastic to see the Illawarra community come together for local initiatives that support important causes.
“It’s great to see events like Rodeo4Life and Boots and Ballgowns bringing the Illawarra community together, while also supporting causes like mental health and medical research,” Ms Boyd said.
“Squadron Energy is proud to support initiatives that create connection, start meaningful conversations and deliver a positive impact for the communities where we operate.”
The PKET team attended both events, donning Akubras and cowboy hats, bolo neckties, plaid shirts, striped suits, long skirts, vests, chaps and boots.
Rodeo4Life showcased elite rodeo action, with bull riding taking centre stage on Friday night.
Proceeds from the rodeo went towards research at the Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Transplant Institute, which plays a vital role in saving the lives of transplant patients, as well as supporting mental health awareness.
Rodeo4Life event organiser Jason Blanchard said the night was a huge success and thanked Squadron Energy for the support.
“Rodeo4Life was an incredible success, bringing together thousands of people from across the Illawarra and beyond for a night of world-class rodeo action, entertainment and community spirit, while raising funds for mental health initiatives,” Mr Blanchard said.
Mr Blanchard noted that events such as Rodeo4Life couldn’t happen “without the support of community-minded organisations such as Squadron Energy”.
“Their commitment helped us deliver an event that not only entertained families and rodeo fans but also created meaningful conversations around mental health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Their support demonstrates the important role local business and industry can play in bringing people together and supporting causes that matter.”
Mr Blanchard added that feedback from attendees, sponsors and participants had been “overwhelmingly positive”.
The Boots and Ballgowns ball – Wollongong’s only country ball – was held at the same venue on Saturday night, with more than 500 people in attendance.
It featured a live performance from country singer Robbie Mortimer, a spacious dance floor, line dancing, a DJ Nudge dance party and a three-course dinner.
Boots and Ballgowns organiser Karlie Zec said the ball received enormous support from the community, including Squadron Energy.
“Boots and Ballgowns was born from a desire to create meaningful conversations around mental health while bringing our community together for a memorable night,” Ms Zec said.
“The overwhelming support we received was incredible, and we’re grateful to Squadron Energy for standing alongside us to help make the event such a success.”
The proceeds went to Talk2MeBro, a mental health organisation that aims to reduce the suicide rate in Australia to zero by reducing stigma and empowering people to take control of their mental health.
