Mullewa Muster returns for another year of bull-riding and country music for thousands of rodeo-goers

A sea of Akubras, plaid and denim descended on Mullewa for the return of the annual rodeo that keeps thousands coming back for more each year. The town’s usual population of 440 was accelerated to more than 5000 on Saturday, including local leaders Shane Van Styn, Shane Love and Sandra Carr who were not immune to the denim epidemic. The excitement was tangible from all ages, as children roamed freely around the Mid West grounds that had been transformed into the wild west for 12 hours of bull riding, ute show offs and whipcracking goodness. Upon entry, people were met with the sight of hundreds of swags, tents and caravans, an clear indication of a lack of designated drivers, and the quantity of people who had made the journey for the event. Haami Huia made the trip up from Perth at 6pm the night before, and set up camp at 12am. “It’s always a good time, good to have some drinks with your mates and definitely worth the drive,” he said. Between barrel races and bucking bulls, patrons were clutching at beers and spiralised potatoes on a stick like their lives depended on them, and after a long day in the sun requiring adequate hydration and sustenance, they were a necessity. The audience was captivated during the whip cracking competition, with many a proud dad standing beside the fence ready to give a firm pat on the back to the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls. The junior bull-riding competition proved not for the faint of heart, with kids taking a spill off the young calves, straight into the hands of the St John Ambulance staff who undoubtedly had a busy day. Veteran bull rider Wade McCarthy took home the top prize for bull riding, setting an excellent example for his 11-year-old son Coby, following in dad’s foot steps with first place in the junior steer ride. Judge Grant Edwards said: “It was the perfect day, an excellent display of Australian class, some of the best talent I’ve seen.” He congratulated everyone involved on their performance. Mullewa Muster veteran attendee, Wally Letton, added the event demonstrated “pure sportsmanship”. “These are real men and women getting on real animals,” he said. Mr Letton, who runs his own rodeos across WA, has made the trip every year since it began in 2012. The event wrapped up with country music heavyweights The Wolfe Brothers, Monty Cotton and Travis Cotton performing late into the evening. Muster president Carol Young said: “It was a fantastic day, and it wouldn’t have been such a success without everyone involved, these events don’t just happen overnight, and it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves.”