Volunteers Chris Eagle and Jamie Jackson at last year’s Ute Muster.
Attracting up to 22,000 people to the district over a period of three to five days, the Deni Ute Muster relies on an army of volunteers each and every year.
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While the number of helpers can fluctuate each year, at least 1000 people give up their time each year to help set up, pull down and assist over the course of the festival itself.
Muster general manager Vicky Lowry said quite a few come from the local area, but many come from all parts of Australia, with a few from overseas just to be involved in the festival.
And she said the event would not be what it is today without the volunteers - from the first year in 1999, through the years to their current planning in 2026.
“No matter their motivation, we simply could not do it without our volunteers given the sheer manpower required for the event,” Mrs Lowry said.
“We have some dedicated volunteers who come year-after-year, and we also have many who work with us year round too.
“The year round volunteers help with merchandise sorting, organising accommodation for our guests, general office duties, cleaning and even site maintenance. They’re just part of the team.
“We then have those who help leading up to, during and post-event, which includes the local community and sporting groups.
“They all seem to love it, and many of them learn new skills at the same time.”
Mrs Lowry said in its early days, the Ute Muster only allowed volunteers from the 2710 postcode area.
But she said it soon became obvious they would have to cast the net wider to cater to the growing crowds.
“Now we have a database of helpers from all over Australia and internationally.”
If you would like to volunteer for the 2026 Ute Muster - to be held October 2 and 3 - go to www.deniutemuster.com.au and select ‘volunteer sign up’ in the ‘apply’ tab.
Allison and Wendy Summers volunteers as RSA marshalls at last year’s event.
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