Muster general manager Vicky Lowry, Member for Murray Helen Dalton, Kate Pitt, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Kathy Simpson and Muster chair Russell Tait at the 2023 Muster.
A lot of behind-the-scenes volunteers, planning and work goes into every Deni Ute Muster.
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And it is that dedication that has seen the event continue to grow bigger and better every year since the very first Muster in 1999.
There lending a hand almost every year since has been Kathy Simpson.
Kathy was a member of the event’s inaugural board.
With a few breaks from a committee role, she’s racked up 16 years combined on the board and is an active member today.
And she said with the combined efforts of the volunteer board, the Ute Muster staff and the many other volunteers, she said this year’s event is “looking good”.
“What gives me satisfaction is seeing all those cars roll into Deni, seeing all those people come to Deni for the first time and say ‘I really enjoyed being in Deni, and I’ll come back again next year’.
“From the start, it has always been about how it has brought so much positivity to the town, and it has gone from strength to strength each year.
“It’s great to see all the young people come to town and leave safely.
“And we’re now seeing the teenagers from the first Ute Musters now as parents, bringing their children, which is wonderful.”
A behind-the-scenes effort, Kathy described the role and planning required by a Ute Muster board member.
“Our role is to support the staff, continue to develop the Ute Muster and keep it going for a long time into the future,” she said.
“We think about how to attract new patrons, a lot of work goes into that for the staff and the board.
Kathy Simpson (centre) at last year’s muster with Daph Tyndall (left) and Kate Pitt.
“We’re also always thinking about the future and how to keep everyone - visitors, volunteers and staff - safe.
“A key part of the role is keeping an eye on and making sure that the Ute Muster has the infrastructure it needs to keep developing, permanent infrastructure, so the staff don’t have to hire so much.”
The board also continues to assist in the management of more than 1000 volunteers, and ensure they have the tools they need to cater for Muster goers.
“There are so many volunteers and staff, and they all do an amazing job.”
“One long-term goal is probably to get scanners on the gate.”
“There are volunteers who have to take abuse and deal with people who, when they get cranky, take it out on whoever’s nearest to them, which isn’t fair.
“We’d also like to put in more permanent toilets, so future staff don’t have to pay out so much every year to hire so many things, which increases costs.”
Kathy will be on hand all weekend, but said she does not have any specific assignments.
“To be honest, this weekend as directors we’ll help out the staff and volunteers if there are any gaps.”
Kathy also had a parting piece of advice for people planning to attend their first Ute Muster today and tomorrow.
“Go in with an open mind. It’s a very exciting and great event, there’s something for everyone,” she said.
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