The boy from the bush and his Big Brass Mug

Joe’s expert topic was Lee Kernaghan, the Australian country music star behind hits including Boys from the Bush and She’s My Ute.

Mum Catherine said his interest in Kernaghan began when his dad, Simon, introduced him to the singer’s music.

“He prepared for the show by listening to albums, watching a television documentary and researching the singer’s life.

“I also used technology to generate some Hard Quiz-style questions from what he had learnt, although he did not study them before the episode was recorded.”

Joe was accompanied at the recording by his parents, brother, aunty and cousins, but had to keep the result secret until the episode aired.

“On Saturday, Joe watched the episode with boys from his class and their families, along with his grandparents Judy Rourke and Wendy and Paul Healy and ‘Gruncle’ Greg McNamara.

“Everyone cheered as he progressed through each round and the room erupted when he claimed the prize.”

Joe then brought out his replica Big Brass Mug filled with icy poles to share with his mates.

“His family and community are proud not only that he became the Hard Quiz Kids champion, but also that he remained respectful, dignified, calm and steady throughout the show,” Catherine said.

The weekend became even more memorable on Sunday morning when Joe received a congratulatory phone call from Lee Kernaghan’s father, Ray, who had also watched the show.

“He told Joe that Lee was on tour, but that he would tell his son all about the boy from the bush who took home the mug,” Catherine said.