Games

The Mount Isa games in 1986 attracted 54 different sports.

The Games began with a spectacular opening ceremony including a mass of Pipe Bands originating from Darwin to Toowoomba. Traffic travelling to attend the opening ceremony at Kalkadoon Park was backed up for eight kilometres. There was a pioneers pageant, multi-cultural display and the first ever laser show to be held in North Queensland.

The estimates from the three days of competition saw 8,500 participants compete in various sports. However after surveys were completed at later Games, the figures from early Games such as Mount Isa are slightly dubious.

The camp drafting events were a highlight of the Mount Isa Games, with $3,345 of prize money available. Over 600 people competed in the camp draft competitions.

In all the Mount Isa Games was an outstanding success.

The Mount Isa Games gained the attention of the Confederation of Australian Sport, being mentioned in the Best Presentation and Organisation of a Sporting Event category at their Annual Awards. The 1986 Games were Chairman Bob McCullough’s final Games. Richmond Shire member Peter Elliott was elected as McCullough’s replacement. Reflecting on his time as Chair, McCullough felt “satisfied that I have had the opportunity to contribute to the sporting community” and was rewarded by the success of the 1984 and 1986 Games. He felt “confident” that the Games would “grow in significance and become a focal point” of the Australian sporting calendar. McCullough was determined that the Board not become complacent after two Games, but rather strive to develop the “total concept” and make the Games more exciting and attractive to the public.