Mullewa Muster and Rodeo president recognised at 10th anniversary as competitors display courage and skill

The 10th annual Mullewa Muster was a sell-out as more than 3500 people dressed in denim jeans and cowboy hats kicked up dust and celebrated what it means to be from country WA. The event on Saturday showcased rodeo competitions throughout the day before a country music festival kicked off. This year, Lexie Uren placed equal first in the novice bull rider competition alongside Aidan Shields after thrilling the audience with her bravery and skill. Caitlyn Swift placed second in the CJ Swift Memorial Barrel Race, which is named after her late father Colin. Overall cowgirl Katie Vohland won in the steer undecorating and Shelby Bowtell won the ladies barrel race. Scott Purse won in the team roping, while Paul Casey and Wade McCarthy placed equal first in the steer wrestling. Amanda Oversby’s breakaway roping was not to be missed, as well as Brendon Crawley’s efforts during the bareback event. Firbank earned the title of truck of the show in the inaugural truck muster competition. Secretary Caitlin Bryant said although a few campers experienced some late night showers, it was a clear day and the event ran smoothly. “Every year the rodeo continues to grow. This year we acknowledged our president Carol (Young); she’s our brain child and she’s been delivering it for 10 years, so it was great to give her recognition,” she said. “Going from a town of 300 to 3500, there were some teething issues but overall it was a great time and it was a real success.” Highlights for children included a Zap Circus performance and Amber Lawrence’s Kids Gone Country set, where she stepped through a rain dance. “The kids absolutely loved the set, which included a rain dance and it definitely brought the rain down as well,” Ms Bryant said.