Kooweerup has its very own rodeo queen who is ready to compete on the biggest stage, where she could be crowned the country’s top cowgirl.
Mateja Martinovic has been to 40 rodeos in the last year and her blazing campaign is reaching a new peak as an entrant to the Australian Rodeo Queen Quest.
The competition celebrates rural women in rodeo and each year crowns a winner to represent Australian rodeo in the United States.
At just 19 years old, Ms Martinovic is an ambitious young woman who has skyrocketed to fame in the Victorian rodeo scene.
Starting just four years ago, following her mother’s inspiration, rodeo has become like an extended family.
“I love the culture and the family, I love the environment, everyone’s so friendly, the energy and vibes it brings,” Ms Martinovic said.
“And when you’re competing, it’s really a different atmosphere.”
Growing up on the Kooweerup family farm, she has always been around horses and has a particular love for barrel racing.
She was given a grand entry to many rodeos including this year at Lang Lang, one of the oldest, ongoing rodeos in the country.
Alongside her rodeo ventures, she is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology while also working at Coles.
Her passion and drive will hopefully not only see her crowned but also inspire other young women in rodeo.
“I’ve had people from the crowd, little girls, come up to me and be like, I want to be just like you, and I’m like, of course you can, anyone can do it.”
The competition will see Ms Martinovic go to Surfers Paradise in October where she will be alongside other entrants competing in a week-long series of activities before a panel of judges.
On 11 October, this year’s Rodeo Queen of Australia will be crowned.
The winner will go on a special trip to the United States to represent Australia before American rodeo at such world-class events like the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
Ms Martinovic is confident she can make it all the way.
Most of all, however, she wants to thank her mother, Gaby.
“She’s really driven me and she’s my inspiration to go all the way and do whatever it takes to follow my dreams, she’s always been my number one supporter.”
