There’ll be plenty of “businesses in the front, parties in the back” when Kurri Kurri’s world-famous Mulletfest returns to the region next month.

From its humble beginnings in 2018, the brainchild of organiser Laura Johnson has become an event of global proportions, putting her Hunter township on the international map.

Now, the question on everyone’s lips, “who has Australia’s best mullet?”, is set to be answered at Hebburn Motorsport Park on Saturday 3 December.

“We’ve spent 2022 searching far and wide for the most luscious locks, starting at Summernats in Canberra, before venturing to Rockhampton, Perth and Alice Springs,” Ms Johnson said.

“Then, we went mullet hunting in Dubbo, and found the most unique ones in Glenreagh.

“We even located some of our cutest kids in Albury and Murrurundi and, of course, held a heat here in Kurri Kurri where it all began.”

Ms Johnson admitted the team enjoyed some “special moments” on the road, too.

“We had fathers and sons both win their category in the same heat, we had people brave enough to cut their hair on stage and then go on to win,” she said.

“We were also moved by the generosity of the Australian people.

“We heard stories of hardship and struggle, of triumph and love and in every town, locals put their hands in their pockets to raise money for the Mark Hughes Foundation. 

“We spent lots of time talking to people this year who love their mullets.

“So, we decided that since you all showed up for us, we are going to kick it up a notch this time around.”

The inaugural Mulletfest Grand Final will take place at Hebburn Motorsport Park, just outside Kurri Kurri.

The property was converted from the former Hebburn No 2 Colliery and upgraded to include a fully-licensed bar, a Burnout pad, various grass and stage areas, a dirt drag strip and a canteen specifically for the kids. 

“We’ll host a Mulletfest Parade with the heat winners from around the country,” Ms Johnson said.

“We will also crown Australia’s best mullet in the categories of: Everyday, Grubby, Vintage, Ranga, Extreme, Rookie and Junior.

“The day includes Show and Shine vehicles and Burnout Display, as well as music from the sensational Golden Guitar-winning Karen O’Shea, our Mulletfest Crew Anthem – Party in the Back performed by vocalist Chris Williams as the frontman of Revampt, a Majestic Music disco for the kids, food vans, Kurri Kurri Rotary BBQ canteen, face painting, jumping castle and much more, too.

“We’ll reward the best dressed patrons and hand out lucky door prizes for just showing up.

“And, of course, we will raise funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation via raffles, hundred clubs and our now infamous charity auction with professional auctioneer Liam Arnold.

“Our celebrity judges include the award-winning Kevin Allen, from Kevin Allen Hairdressing in Double Bay, Jenny from Lee Nesbit Hair Design in Darby Street and Bonnie Nelson from Katies Hair Co in Adamstown as well as previous winner Lyn Fry from the extreme mullet category in 2019.”

Tickets for the event are $50 (adult), $20 (child 12-17) and $10 (under 12 years).

There will be shuttle buses running with pick-up points at sponsors’ venues, the iconic Chelmsford Hotel in Kurri Kurri and ECBC in Cessnock.

For further details head to mulletfest.com.au 

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