The Outback Festival was an initiave of the fledgling Winton Tourist Promotion Association. In November 1971 a community meeting was held, involving representatives from twenty-one groups, and supported by the Winton Shire Council, to discuss a proposal for a week of activities and entertainment.
The idea behind the proposal was to give support to the local economy which was struggling, due to the previous years of drought conditions in the late sixties, and to draw tourists and past residents back to town to see how it had changed in so many ways; to reminisce with friends and family, and to enjoy a variety of gatherings and amusements. Thus the aim of the festival is to provide a holiday desitnation for families and all people from the very young to the elderly. The festival assists in attracting tourists to the region in conjunction with the Waltzing Matilda Centre - the home of our legend "Banjo Patterson" who wrote Australia's unnoficial anthem "Waltzing Matilda". The song was first performed at the North Gregory Hotel in Winton on the 6th April 1885.
Next a name for this proposed celebration was needed. A competition was announced, and a local high school student's suggestion of "Outback Festival" was chosen. And so it cane to be...
A separate festival committee was formed to co-ordinate activities, and the (then) school holidays of August 1972 were chosen. A program including major events such as a Festival Queen competition, rodeo, two formal balls, cabarets, theatrical production and mardi gras was drawn up, each organisation utilizing its own workers. Organised tours, sporting competitions, a shearing demonstration, barbecues and socials added up to an outstanding first time event.
The decision was made to "go again" in 1973, and has remained a biennial festival from that time. Since 1987 the festival has grown in size and showing a more professional approach, as larger companies have favoured the Outback Festival with our sponsorship requests anabling the festival to become recognised not only Australia wide but internationally as well. The program has altered offering numerous zany events which now include the Australian Dunny Derby, Royale Crustacean Racing Club (Crayfish Racing), Outback Iron Man and Outback Iron Woman events, True Blue Aussie Sports Competition, Bushman's Egg Throwing Competition, Outback Goanna Pulling Championships, Outback Iron Kid Event, Country/Rock Music Spectacular, just to name a few of the 50 events conducted during the 5 days of festivities.
The Outback Festival is run by a group of enthusiastic and hard working individuals, all providing their services on a volunteer basis. Events are funded by generous local, state and national sponsors and surplus funds are channeled back into the planning of each festival and to charity organisations.
