Weeks away from the seventh annual event, the 2018 Devil

The Rotary Club of Smithton accepted the accolade at the Australia Day Awards on Friday. 

The Devil Country Muster started as a one-day event, drawing a crowd of 600 locals and visitors to the lawn at the Smithton Recreation Ground in 2013. The idea was to stimulate the local economy by encouraging visitors to the area. 

Earning a name for quality entertainment, the festival has found its place in the country music calendar. 

In 2018, the club partnered with Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation to present three days of entertainment at Trawmanna on Mella Road. This allowed visitors to pitch a tent or park a van onsite and savour the experience beneath the gum trees. 

In its six years, the event has attracted the talents of the state’s and country’s top acts with more than 2500 people taking in the event last year. 

The Devil Country Muster has also fostered home-grown artists through its Talent Quest, creating an opportunity for north west locals to step on stage. Meanwhile, the Walk Up Muster has allowed musicians to jam in a laid-back atmosphere. 

A gospel show with Gina Timms tops off the festival on Sunday after the main event on Saturday. 

This year’s event will span five days, headlined by Gina Jeffreys and Justin Standley. 

A Rotary Club of Smithton event, the 2018 Devil Country Muster is the Circular Head Community Event of the Year. Picture: Ashleigh Force.