ABOUT R4L

Rodeo 4 Life, founded by Doug Vickers, offers an exhilarating showcase of Australia's top bull riders along with LIVE country music.

Doug Vickers is more than just the events founder, he’s also a grateful RPA liver transplant recipient who’s doing much more than setting the bar high for Australian rodeo sports entertainment; he’s also increasing awareness of organ donation and funding essential life-saving organ transplant research, with 100% of profits dedicated to assiting the research conducted at the RPATI.

The 2026 event will also showcase the rising talent of Robbie Mortimer. A 2025 Country Town Awards Breakthrough Artist of the Year nominee, Robbie has shared the stage with legends like The Beach Boys and The Temptations, and headlined the PBR Tour where he was named Entertainer of the Year. With chart-topping singles, millions of streams and a sold-out theatre show already under his belt, Robbie brings an electrifying, authentic performance that will leave the crowd wanting more.

EVENT GOALS

Raise funds for the

RPA Transplant Institute

Now in its sixth year, Rodeo 4 Life's primary objective is to raise much-needed funds for its ongoing research in organ transplantation.

Encourage Organ

Donation

Rodeo 4 Life not only seeks to assist with the RPA Transplant Institute's research but also actively raises awareness about organ donation. The organisation encourages our community to consider this life-saving decision for themselves

howcase Australia's

bullriding talent

Bull riding in Australia, a captivating tradition since the 19th century, has embodied our tenacious spirit, showcasing our deep connection to the land and fortifying our national character. The preservation and celebration of this thrilling sport not only honors our history, but also ensures our distinct cultural legacy remains alive and influential.

Dispel some of misconceptions around rodeo and bull riding

Misconceptions about Australian bull riding include beliefs that it's cruel to animals, exclusively for men, only for traditional cowboys, and purely about strength. Additionally, some perceive it as recklessly dangerous, overlooking the stringent safety measures and protective gear utilised to ensure rider well-being. The sport is, in fact, strictly governed and regulated, diverse and safety-conscious.

RPA TRANSPLANT INSTITUTE

Since 2006, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Transplant Institute (RPATI) has advanced transplant surgery, building on Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital's transplantation legacy since 1967. RPATI emphasises transplant research, equipment funding, and educational programs to aid transplant waitlisted adults and children. Financial support enables cutting-edge research, improving transplant patients' life quality and longevity. Collaborations include RPA Hospital, the University of Sydney, and The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

A major challenge is the lack of quality liver grafts, with many in NSW being rejected. To address this, RPATI's Centre for Organ Assessment, Repair and Optimisation developed the Extended Organ Perfusion System (EOPS), preserving human livers for two weeks and reviving previously unsuitable donor livers. This innovation also enables new treatments like gene and stem-cell therapies. A recent achievement was splitting whole livers into two lobes during perfusion, doubling liver transplant opportunities. Through EOPS, a 35% increase in liver transplant recipients is anticipated, improving prospects for individuals with severe liver conditions.

As we organise Rodeo 4 Life 2026 to raise funds for RPATI, we extend a warm invitation for sponsorships. Your support is not just a monetary contribution but a life-saving gesture that propels the mission of RPATI, making monumental strides in transplant medicine a reality.

DONATE

Registering is easy and only takes one minute

Become an organ and tissue donor.

We want all Australians to talk about organ and tissue donation. If you want to be a donor, make sure you tell your family and friends. Registering is easy and only takes one minute. All you need is your phone, Medicare card and one minute to register.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, your medical history, your lifestyle, what country you’re from or how healthy you are — you can still register as an organ and tissue donor.