In a groundbreaking moment for Vanuatu’s agricultural and rodeo communities, two champion riders will represent the nation for the first time at a professional rodeo in Australia.
The Launceston Rodeo, scheduled for December 13, 2025, is an official event of the Australia Professional Rodeo Association and will host Vanuatu’s debut in the Australasian rodeo arena.
Leading the charge, and competing in both the Bull & Bronc events, are Wetry Willie, 2025 Vanuatu Bronc Riding Champion and Joe Niere, 2025 Vanuatu Bull Riding Champion. Accompanying the riders will be Junior Pedro, Team Manager and Secretary of the Port Vila Stockmen’s Association
This historic opportunity is made possible by the Future Fund, a Vanuatu-based initiative dedicated to empowering indigenous Ni-Vanuatu in the agriculture sector.
Through strategic sponsorships and investment, the Future Fund aims to equip local talent with knowledge, confidence, and global exposure through life-changing experiences. This support underscores a broader mission: to create pathways for indigenous ni-Vanuatu to thrive in agriculture through education, training, and international collaboration. John Tonner, Managing Director of the Future Fund elaborates: “We have some amazingly skilled people in our agricultural sector and the Future Fund has been in discussion with the Port Vila Stockmen’s Association following our sponsorship of the Port Vila Rodeo. The Future Fund is committed to supporting the Association moving forward, which includes their plans for a national indigenous association, better training, and accreditation all the way through to certified career pathways. The Future Fund is dedicated to empowering capacity building opportunities and we are very proud to support the first ever Vanuatu stockmen to compete on the Australian Professional Rodeo Association circuit in Tasmania. These guys are inspirational and are paving the way by inspiring younger generations to mount up and get involved. We can’t wait to watch the live stream and hear the stories when they get back”.
The Launceston Rodeo is expected to draw thousands of spectators and competitors from across Australia, offering Vanuatu’s riders a chance to compete alongside seasoned professionals and gain invaluable experience.
As the countdown begins, excitement is building across Port Vila and beyond. For the riders, it’s a dream come true. For Vanuatu, it’s a proud step onto the global stage.
For more information, see article by Daily Post:
Vanuatu stockmen saddle up for historic rodeo debut in Australia | News | dailypost.vu