The 2025 Deni Ute Muster - a record breaking event in many ways - has been nominated for NSW Tourism Awards.
The awards showcases excellence across NSW visitor economy, and the Ute Muster is nominated in the Events category.
Also flying the local flag at the award will be Tarragon Lodge Holiday Park at Picnic Point, in the Accommodation & Events Venue category.
Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, the awards attracted 210 nominations this year, including 48 first-time entrants across 30 categories.
Tarragon Lodge is included in the largest field of candidates, with 30 finalists across all regions of the state.
The park is set across 136 acres, with 1km of absolute Murray River frontage. It is surrounded by the Murray Valley National Park, and offers access to outdoor activities that attract visitors to the region year-round.
The Deni Ute Muster will be up against some stiff competition, with the other nine finalists including the Mundi Mundi Bash and the Luna Park Sydney Harbour Party 2025/2026.
But as a record breaking event, with tickets selling out before the event for the first time ever, Deni is definitely in with a chance.
Headlined by Zac Brown Band, and joined Australian country music royalty including John Williamson, and Kasey Chambers, the 2025 Muster saw a packed program featuring everything from bull riding, to dinosaur displays, and traditional muster favourites, including the Ute Show 'n' Shine, and World Record Blue Singlet Count.
Deni Ute Muster general manager Vicki Lowry said being recognised among the state's leading events was a significant achievement for the festival and the wider community.
“It's always an honour, even to just be nominated" Mrs Lowry said.
“Being a finalist in the major events category, now for the second year, is a great way to reflect on what we've done."
Ms Lowry said the recognition was also an opportunity to acknowledge the role Deniliquin has played in the event's success.
“It's important to acknowledge Deniliquin and the support of the town," she said.
“It helps in continuing to have the Deni Ute Muster brand out there.
“Having the 2025 event sell out was also very special.”
Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Sydney on November 9. They will go on to content the national awards.
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