With just 97 days until the Gympie Music Muster officially kicks off, organisers gathered in Brisbane today for the festival’s media launch.
While the 2026 lineup already includes international artist Larry Fleet alongside a major roster of Australian talent, organisers said the true spirit of the Muster is the people, traditions and sense of community that bring generations of Australians together year after year.
The media launch featured 2026 Muster Ambassador Amber Lawrence alongside representatives from 2026 Charity Partner Get Yourself Checked, Gympie Music Muster Board, staff and partners.
Ambassador Amber Lawrence said being named ambassador was a full-circle moment.
“It’s a really proud moment to know that with hard work, persistence and a love of Australian country music, anyone can go from being a dreamer who got picked on the 2006 lineup with her first single, to the ambassador with her eighth album under her belt,” she said.
“This festival is always a bucket list item, no matter how many times you play it.
“It’s the location, it’s the fans, it’s seeing our mates backstage, it’s Aussie country celebrated. I’m thrilled that as ambassador I get to soak up the whole four days just like I did back in 2006.”
CEO Greg Cavanagh said the Muster had become one of Australia’s most loved festival traditions because of the sense of belonging it creates.
“The Gympie Music Muster is about much more than what happens on the stages,” he said.
“It’s families camping together, volunteers giving their time, community groups fundraising, artists connecting with fans and complete strangers becoming neighbours and friends.”
Program Director Bec Anderson said the atmosphere at the Muster was unlike any other Australian festival.
“There’s a genuine sense of connection here that people don’t often experience in everyday life anymore,” she said.
“People slow down, spend time together and reconnect around live music and campfires.”
As part of its community focus, the Muster has partnered with Get Yourself Checked for 2026 to help raise awareness around men’s health within regional communities.
A spokesperson for Get Yourself Checked said the partnership was a natural fit.
“Get Yourself Checked is incredibly proud to be the 2026 Charity Partner for the Gympie Music Muster,” they said.
“What started as a conversation between best mates Mark Tobin and Brett ‘Knuckles’ Hanly has grown into a powerful initiative focused on raising awareness around prostate cancer and encouraging men, particularly in regional communities, to take control of their health.”
The 2026 festival sees the introduction of the new Macca’s Kickstart Stage, a space for Australia’s emerging artists and the Muster welcomes the first Campfire songwriting initiative featuring graduates of the CMAA Academy of Country Music.
The Gympie Music Muster will officially run from August 27–30, with pre-Muster festivities and live music beginning from August 22.
Watch out for the third artist announcement early next week.
Tickets and camping passes are on sale now via https://www.muster.com.au/
