Mulletfest continues to be a cut above the rest, with Wollombi’s Shaun Webb taking out the prestigious honour at the weekend.
While Hebburn Motorsport Park, near Kurri Kurri, played host to burnout demonstrations with super-charged V8 utes and sedans and entertainment, it also staged the grand final of the popular competition, which celebrates “businesses in the front, parties in the back”.
And, after searching high and low throughout Australia with heats in Canberra, Kurri Kurri, Perth, Rockhampton, Albury, Alice Springs, Dubbo and Murrurundi, ironically it was a local who reaped the spoils.
Dressed as Steve Irwin, complete with an inflatable crocodile, which had a mullet of its own, Webb won the extreme category and overall accolades.
With his dark luscious locks and the use of his partner Niki’s hair care, he had cut and condition in the bag.
“It feels pretty good to have bragging rights to the official title of Australia’s best mullet,” he said.
“Although, I can’t quit my day job unless Pantene or Head N Shoulders wanna reach out.
“Hopefully, I did Aussie icon Steve Irwin proud with my croc wrestling.”
Other victors included Isaac Morgan (0-3 years), Nash Glover (4-7 years), Archie McCarthy (8-13 years), Maitland’s Cruz Symons (14-17 years), Bevan White (vintage), Damien Rivers (grubb), Newcastle’s Tyler Hall (ranga/ginger), Bavo Van Broeck (rookie), Newcastle’s Liam Arnold (everyday) and Tim and Isaac Morgan (best family mullet).
Organiser Laura Johnson was thrilled with the outcome of the event, again.
“We’ve had the most amazing year traveling around the country,” she said.
“However, I couldn’t do any of it if the crowds didn’t keep showing up and we didn’t have the backing of our amazing sponsors.
“A huge thank you to Bundaberg Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Volley Australia, East Cessnock Bowling Club, Redback Solutions, The Chelmsford Hotel Kurri Kurri, Summernats, Rocky Nats and NT Events, Shuttle Bus Central Coast, Cessnock Cellars, Hebburn Motorsport Park and our even photographers Trent Mitchell, Paul Humber and Andy Zakeli, all of whom help us raise as much money as we possibly could for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
“A huge congratulations go to the publicans and the staff at all our venues.
“But, a special shout-out goes to Steph and Brendon at The Golden Dog in Glenreagh.
“Though it was our smallest venue, they had 9% of the town’s total population compete in their heat.
“They also had the most amount of finalists contest the grand final and still hold the title of the most money raised at a single event.”
Former Newcastle Knights legend Mark Hughes was also in attendance.
“He thanked the crowd, as well as myself, for our ongoing support and then mixed with families, some of whom are fighting the same fight he is against brain cancer,” Johnson said.
“They are thankful there is someone high-profile in their corner.
“Everything we do is for the Mark Hughes Foundation and we couldn’t do it without the generosity of our amazing crowds.
“The one-of-a-kind Bundaberg Rum Blend, in a personalised Mulletfest Grand Final Bottle, went for $800.
“It was purchased by Tim Morgan, who won best family mullet along with his son Isaac.
“Auctioning off passenger rides in skid cars made a whopping $950.
“All this was thanks to the sensational auctioneering skills of Liam Arnold from Pickles Auctions.
“Hand-crafted chopping boards kindly donated by Uncle Mick were raffled off and raised $300.”
Johnson, herself, was treated to a very special mullet strip tease to the tune of You Can Leave Your Hat On from rookie winner Bavo.
Don’t stress, all his clothes remained on.
A mullet strip tease apparently just involves taking layers off your head.
“That’s it from Mulletfest for this year,” she said.
“Our events for 2023 will be published soon on Facebook.
“But, we have partnered once again with Summernats, so that will be in Canberra the first week of January and in Kurri Kurri on our traditional last weekend in February (25) to do it all over again.
“We’ll also return to Hebburn Motorsport Park for the grand final in 2023, where we are looking forward to working with Cessnock City Council on removing limitations and making it an even bigger event.”
For more details head to mulletfest.com.au
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