History of Red Rock Down Under™

The country side of Australia has been in my blood since the day I was born. My Father was born in Charleville and moved to Warwick in Queensland, where he met and married my mother and where I was born.

My Grandfather toured the Rodeos throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria with my two Aunties, June and Irene Roberts. Not only were June and Irene country singers, but both of them were exceptional Rodeo Riders and stunt performers.

 COSSACK DEATH DRAG

IRENE ROBERTS – aged 18 risks injury from flying heels as she hangs inches from the ground, while performing the Russian Cossack ‘Death Drag’ at Toowoomba (Q.) Showgrounds – 1956.

June and Irene - 1955

June was one of the first women bullriding champs in Australia - 1955

   DECEMBER,  1956                       HOOFS AND HORNS

A two-sister rodeo team who had thrilled thousands of rodeo fans in three States, was parted recently with the death of June Valma Roberts, 22, of Warwick. June and her sister Irene had appeared at the Warwick rodeo the previous week-end and entertained thousands of people with displays of riding and rope spinning. The two girls known as the Roberts sisters appeared in Rodeos in N.S.W and Victoria and had recorded hill-billy songs.

Warwick is the Rose and Rodeo capital of Australia. The Warwick Rodeo and Camp draft which is held on the last full weekend of October every year draws crowds of up to 40 000 people.

From as early as I can remember the dust, smells and thrill of rodeos, stir welcome and familiar feelings within me. The ultimate test between man and beast. The talent and speed of the timed events. The enjoyment of watching as tomorrow’s champions make their first tentative attempts at achieving their goals. The beauty and flair of the rodeo Queens and Princesses and the solemnity of Cowboys’ prayer. These are just some of the exciting moments that come together to create one of the worlds most spectacular events… ‘Rodeo’

Red Rock Down Under™ has been 10 years in the making. The years of attending rodeos in the heat, the rain and the cold, loving every minute of it and being left wanting more, instilled in me a dream. A dream to become a supplier of rodeo T-Shirts and accessories with slogans that would reach out, touch and mean something to cowboys and their families. Old, Young, Champions, Novices, Ladies, Christians and Juniors alike.

RRDU™ is a relatively new, family owned and operated business. My eldest son who enjoys riding bulls has contributed to the creation of many of the slogans. My other four sons have added their ideas and thoughts to produce some of the fantastic designs and products that RRDU™ now has on offer. The name Red Rock Down Under™ was the inspiration of my youngest son, who was just six years old at the time.

The meaning behind the name Red Rock Down Under™ pertains to the glorious Ayers Rock, the heart of Australia, as well as ‘Red Rock’ the world champion bucking bull from the USA.

The links between the two, covers the cross over within our personal lives as well, as my husband who is American, hails from Twin Falls in Idaho – USA.

 Our wish is to make a link between the USA and Australia, no matter how small and we believe there is no better way to do it than through our mutual love of  ‘RODEO.’™