All the glitz and glam of the Star on the Gold Coast shone a bright light on the Deni Ute Muster, at the Meetings and Events Australia national awards night.
The team at Deni Play on the Plains Festival Ltd came away with a national award recognised for Best Regional Event for the 2022 Deni Ute Muster.
The prestigious awards program is exceptional recognition for the staff and directors, entertainers, volunteers, contractors, sponsors and of course the magnificent patrons who support the event.
The team will be looking towards September to put on another fantastic weekend to highlight domestic entertainers and our beautiful town.
According to the event’s timeline, it’s in just 15 weeks and three days.
For tickets and details of the bumper musical and around the grounds entertainment schedule, go to www.deniutemuster.com.au.
Fantastic airtime
The Ute Muster’s award was one of two big wins for tourism in the region at the weekend.
The other was the airtime given to our town on 7MATE on Sunday afternoon.
The Australian Fishing Network Fishing Show’s episode aired at midday, and 45 minutes of the hour long show was dedicated to Deni.
Showcasing footage taken in March this year, Bill Classon is ably assisted by local anglers Ian Fisher and Dr John Conallin to paint Deni as a great fishing spot for freshwater anglers.
While most of the footage showed their various catches, there was a good amount of promo for the town itself, the Ute Muster and local accommodation providers.
They also discussed the floods from late last year.
Sharing a kayak, Bill and Ian reeled in a few cod between them, with Bill caught by surprise by one feisty fish who went back into the Edward River with his grippers in tow.
John reeled in a protected trout cod on camera, which was used as a teaching opportunity to let people know they can not be a targeted catch in this area until restocking programs mature.
The visit also took Bill to the lagoon system through town, where the community rejuvenation program was highlighted, and a few Eel Tailed Catfish were fished out using a net to highlight this particular restocking program led by the community.
If you missed it, you can catch up by viewing the episode on demand. Go to https://afntv.com.au/ for more details on how to access videos.
Accolade for Jade
Former local Jade Hurley is having a big June.
With a milestone birthday approaching next week, he’s been touring around the regions lately to enthusiastic audiences.
And the entertainer took to his Facebook page on Sunday evening to share some other big news.
Along with other performers and “country music industry folk” he has been awarded the Dusty Boot, George Groombride Award 2023 for “services to country music”.
“I am so chuffed and honoured,” he posted.
“I have made music my life since I was a 14 year old kid.
“In a week’s time, on June 17, I celebrate my 80th birthday making a total of 66 years singing and performing some of the greatest country and popular songs of all time.”