The Aviair HeliSpirit Kimberley Moon Experience, held on Saturday 22 May, is the highlight of the nine-day festival, the Argyle Ord Valley Muster held in Kununurra, Western Australia, from 21 to 29 May 2021. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the ‘Moon’ sold out well in advance with 600 people in the black-tie Kimberley Fine Diamonds Dinner, 900 people in the licensed Garden Bar and 2,000 in general admission.
The nation’s most remote party was headlined by one of Australia’s most successful female artists, Jessica Mauboy, who last performed at the Muster as an up-and-coming 16-year-old in 2006.
Mauboy walked out on stage in a black sequined body-suit and shimmied to ‘Burn’ and belted out hit songs including ‘Jealous’, ‘Sunday’ and ‘Little Things’ as well as a cracking cover of Cold Chisel’s ‘Flame Trees’ that had the audience singing along. Her performance was energetic and electrifying and it was clear that she loved being back on stage, giving so much to the crowd.
“To hold an event like this after a difficult period brings joy to my heart, and the Ord Valley Muster holds a special place in my heart,” said Mauboy.
“I’ve got such fond memories of being a little girl growing up and being a part of such a great community event and to have people from all walks of life come here to experience the Kimberley is pretty extraordinary.”
Joining Mauboy was the award-winning duo Busby Marou and up-and-coming Indigenous singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara.
The Kimberley’s biggest party kicked off a performance by the Muster Idol winner followed by a welcome to country and the traditional Mirima Dancers.
Ord Valley Events Chairman Beau Robinson said it’s been an emotional roller coaster after the ‘Muster’ cancelled in 2020.
“Watching the event management team adapt and adjust, the volunteer board work tirelessly to make this year the best festival yet has been nothing short of amazing,” Robinson said.
“Seeing the event come to fruition is very rewarding and it’s hard not to get emotional about it – businesses in the East Kimberley really suffered last year.
“To everyone that enjoyed the Aviair Helispirit Kimberley Moon Experience, thank you! We would like to acknowledge each attendee, without your understanding and cooperation we would not have been able to hold such a large community event during a pandemic.
“Thank you to WA Police and our emergency services for all their support in keeping everyone safe and big thanks to all our community members, event crew sponsors, board members and volunteers that make this award-winning event possible.
“To all our visitors throughout our magnificent region, we wish you a fantastic experience and we look forward to finishing off this year’s Muster with a fantastic line up of sold-out events.
“If you missed out on this year’s event, start planning to come to Kununurra next year – the Muster will be held 13 to 22 May 2022, with the Kimberley Moon on 14 May 2022.
“The Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster – our new title sponsor – will be another big celebration – it’s the festival’s 21st birthday.”
This year’s Muster continues. The nine-day festival which concludes with the Muster Rodeo on Saturday 29 May is completely sold out with just the last few tickets remaining for the Storytelling Night on Thursday. Two comedy shows, Corroboree, The Great Australian Songbook, and the free Party in the Park are all fully subscribed.
The State Government is a proud supporter of the event through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program.
The Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster has well and truly kicked off the tourism season in Western Australia’s incredible East Kimberley region.
www.ordvalleymuster.com.au
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