Another successful Back to the Bush Auto Festival
Back to the Bush 2026 Wraps Up
We held our annual free community event, Back to the Bush Auto Festival, on the 17th October at the Barraba RSL grounds. The festival spread over the entire area, the grounds looked amazing with the rain we had in the lead up. The cooler weather made it more inviting for people to come and to stay longer and enjoy the morning. Attendees enjoyed looking at the Show & Shine, the kids enjoyed the rides and facepainting, and everyone enjoyed the market stalls. The quality of vehicles was incredible yet again, each year we see entries we haven’t seen before. Best in Show was awarded to Glenn Dewhurst with his 1978 HZ Panel Van (can’t wait to see the merch next year!) and People’s Choice (which was a tight one this year!) was won by Trevor Maxwell with his 1972 HQ one tonner.
There were many entry categories, all winners will be on the Aircooled Assembly Inc Facebook page.
We received funding from Tamworth Regional Council’s Regional Events and Marketing Support Program which went to a TV commercial on Channel 7 again this year; it aired for two weeks in the lead up and helped get word out that our event was on, attracting new people to town. Accommodation in town had lots of people stay for both Friday and Saturday nights, indicating that people are making a weekend of it. We have been striving for that for some time, and we are very excited and proud of that achievement.
The Muddy MAYhem display was a hit. Speed & Chrome put together a video of Muddy MAYhem footage which was played on a tv, this helped people to see what a mudrun is (as it’s often confused with a mud trial or a demolition derby – which is not at all the same) We also had colouring ins and small give aways which went over well. A few Muddy MAYhem favourites were there including John ‘ Jolly’ Stoddard’s “Mudson Hornet” and Christian & Simon’s “Mississlippi” as well as cars from Moonshine Car Club, Bomb Squad Car Club and Aircooled Assembly Inc and members of Sinners Car Club and CrossRoads Car Club.
Presentation saw all the trophies handed out to proud winners. The raffle winners were also drawn with thanks to Stock & Crop, Bearfast, Repco and AM Lines for donating the prizes. The silent auction winners were also announced – thank you Bigbore Industries and Crock Rodz Australia for donating the items. Gentle rain set in about 2.30pm when The Cartoon Hero’s played but faded away soon after Rock City Rock commenced, just after 6pm, followed by crowd favourites Chicken Liquor on stage. The weather was quite cool by this time, but many people still come to enjoy the classic rock music, kids playing happily and the adults enjoyed catching up with family and friends. Chicken Liquor did their countdown to the fireworks and Inland Fireworks nailed the timing perfectly, the display was a little extra to last year and was thoroughly enjoyed. We continue to get comments from people each year - "This year was the first time I was able to make it to the music and fireworks - they are the best I've ever seen! I won't be missing them next year!"
The colouring in competition, sponsored by Queen Street Café, was won by Emma Kenny, Tillie Kenny, Siobhan Derrick, Hailey McIllrick, Emily Jones, LJ Self, Chastity Eddington and Maeve York.
Aircooled Assembly Inc would like to thank the sponsors who made the event possible, especially with the challenges the club saw this year, your support really kept us going. A huge thanks to the attendees, the helpers and the supporters that made Back to the Bush 2026 another great free community event, your support made all the difference. Along with the support of the Barraba community and surrounding areas, the raffle on the day, silent auctions, merchandise sales and the support of our monthly raffles (held the 1st Sunday of each month at the RSL) this event has grown and is being enjoyed by more and more people each year.
Next up for the Aircooled Assembly Inc will be our annual lolly run and Christmas Light Competition. The lolly run and Christmas Light winner announcement is scheduled to happen on the evening of Saturday 19th December, 2026.
From the Team
Aircooled Assembly Inc