Cotton Capital Music Muster hits all the right notes

HUNDREDS of visitors rolled into town for the 2026 Cotton Capital Country Music Muster, a four-day celebration of music and mateship that delivered a major boost to the local economy.

Lach McKay with the Rob Breese Band. Photo: John Burgess Photography.

This year’s muster was hosted by the Wee Waa Lions Club, with members taking charge of the catering and serving up their signature camp-oven cooking, which quickly became a crowd favourite.

The muster brought more than 80 caravans and camping groups to the Wee Waa showgrounds in May, along with travellers staying in local motels.

Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens addressing the audience during the main concert at the Cotton Capital Country Music Muster held in Wee Waa in May. Photo: John Burgess Photography.

Over four days, the showground was buzzing with walk-up performers, market stalls and sensational country tunes.

At the heart of the muster since its launch in 2017 has been Bruce Gray, supported by family members Kay, Bec and Michelle Gray, Dennis and Letitia Lowder, and a tireless band of local volunteers who make the town’s big tourism event possible.

Bruce Gray said the turnout exceeded expectations, especially given the rising cost of fuel in the lead-up to the event.

Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens on stage with the Curry Mob country music duo, Blue and Mika Curry, after they won the People’s Choice Walk-up Award. Photo: John Burgess Photography.

“We were a little nervous this year as the fuel crisis started to hit. We wondered if anyone would still travel, but it didn’t have much of an impact at all, thankfully,” Gray said.

From Wednesday to Friday, the popular free walk-up sessions, coordinated by long-time supporter of the muster Peter ‘Smokie’ Dawson, pulled a strong crowd and gave emerging and seasoned performers a chance to shine.

There was more free entertainment on Friday night with the full-band walk-up concert featuring respected Tamworth musician Rob Breese.

Neville Anderson performing during the main concert. Photo: John Burgess Photography.

It set the tone for a huge weekend, leading into Saturday’s 12-hour main concert, which attracted around 250 people and proved a highlight for many.

Visitors travelled from across NSW, Queensland and Victoria, with many describing the muster as a “wonderful festival” and praising its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Locals also attended, including Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens who Wee Waa photographer John Burgess snapped having fun on stage with Blue and Mika Curry from the Curry Mob country music duo. The talented brother and sister won the People’s Choice Walk-up Award.

Gray said one of the week’s standout moments was a guided tour of Cotton Seed Distributors, attended by around 30 visitors.

Cameron Mason with the Rob Breese Band. Photo: John Burgess Photography.

“The tour really highlighted how important Wee Waa is for the cotton industry. People loved seeing first-hand where it all starts,” he said.

The muster’s economic impact was just as impressive as the entertainment, with shop-a-docket returns submitted by attendees recording almost $14,000 in direct spending at Wee Waa businesses.

But organisers believe the true figure could be significantly higher, with many visitors not retaining receipts and fuel purchases largely uncounted.

When combined with event-related spending by the Lions club, Gray said the muster’s total economic contribution is conservatively estimated to exceed $20,000.

Ged Hintz with Rob Breese (guitar) and Reece Blinman (drums). Photo: John Burgess Photography.

“This event has promoted Wee Waa and surrounds as a place to stop and stay,” Gray added.

“We’ve missed a couple of years due to COVID and floods, but the event has grown.

“We have so many returning attendees who spread the word.”

The muster’s success would not be possible without the volunteers driving the event behind the scenes, and Gray was quick to acknowledge the many hands who help to make it happen year after year.

From the Lions club, which catered and managed logistics, to the Twisted Sisters – Denise Dewson, Lynn Olsen and Deborah Reid, who welcomed visitors, coordinated caravan parking and hosted the Muster Market Day.

Once again, local business houses were supportive of the muster, with many donating cash or raffle prizes as well as support from the council.

Ged and Trudy Hintz with the Rob Breese Band. Photo credit: John Burgess photography.

“The locals that pitched in and gave a hand, and the attendees who travel and continue to support the event – thank you to everyone for your support,” Gray added.

Gray also thanked Whitehaven Coal, whose community sponsorship grant helped cover event costs, and photographer John Burgess for capturing the highlights on camera.

Topping off the fabulous festival was a special Mother’s Day bacon-and-egg breakfast held on the Sunday, showing the muster is more than just a music event; it’s a community celebration that continues to put Wee Waa firmly on the map.

Plans are already underway to bring it back again in 2027.