The Deni Ute Muster has made a triumphant return after two years of Covid-enforced cancellations, with thousands of utes converging on the largest, flattest plains on earth for one of the country’s most iconic outback events.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole officially opened the two-day event tonight at the Deniliquin site, which is now even more accessible thanks to a $115,672 grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund (REAF).
“It’s great to see the return of the Deni Ute Muster, and we have used the time to deliver camping and accessibility upgrades, including work to improve the parking area and additional portable buildings, to allow even more people to enjoy the magic of the Muster,” Mr Toole said.
“Thanks to REAF, this year’s Muster will also have a family-friendly focus with a special appearance from celebrated children’s television star Bluey the Blue Heeler and his sister Bingo to keep the kids entertained.
“This 24th annual event has previously drawn a world record 9,000 utes, bringing valuable tourist dollars to Deni and supporting the economy of the entire region as the Muster becomes bigger, better and more inclusive.”
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the Deni Ute Muster was a quintessential regional NSW event that would provide a significant boost to the local visitor economy.
“Regional NSW offers so many exciting and unique experiences throughout the year but perhaps none more so than the iconic Deni Ute Muster,” Mr Franklin said.
“It is one of the top bucket list events in Australia and annually attracts around 20,000 people, injecting more than $5 million into the local visitor economy.
“I commend the event organisers for their perseverance over the past couple of years to ensure the return of this important Aussie experience.”
Duty MLC for Murray Wes Fang said a further $153,107 from the Regional Tourism Activation Fund will provide an amenities facility for people with disability, as well as a pathway linking camp areas and an accessible viewing platform within the festival arena.
“A new accessible toilet, shower and change building with a hydraulic lift means music fans of all abilities and their carers can attend the festival, while the all-weather pathway will provide extra convenience for everyone,” Mr Fang said.
“The NSW Government is committed to funding projects that improve the visitor experience, boost regional tourism and support jobs in the local community by improving access and inclusion.”
Deni Ute Muster General Manager Vicky Lowry said the funding from the NSW Government has helped boost the event’s appeal to a wider range of festival goers than ever before, bringing big benefits to the region.
“It’s so great to see the town so full and to see people in the town visiting our shops and cafes ahead of the event. We started the Muster to bring people to the region; that’s what we are all about and that’s why we are here,” Ms Lowry said.
“It’s not just people from far and wide and interstate, it’s local families coming out here and enjoying the site and the entertainment, and it’s wonderful to see the event being inclusive for all.”
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