Helen speaks with Robyn Stephens, the event coordinator for the Winton Outback Festival. Beginning in 1972, and being held biennially since 1975, the Winton Outback Festival is celebrating its 25th Festival this year! Robyn tells Helen a bit about the history of the festival and the impact it has had on Outback Queensland tourism, as well as how she became involved.

Helen and Robyn cover how the festival has changed over the years, as well as some of this year's schedule and events. The signature event is the Australian Dunny Derby, which has attracted a number of international visitors from the BBC in Glasgow, to a magazine in Germany, to an Icelandic TV crew. There's also the Outback Iron Man and Iron Woman, Junior Iron Kid, Bush Poet's breakfast and a range of great live music.

The festival will be held from 24th- 28th September 2019. With events for young and old, and a range of accommodation options and drive itineraries, it's sure to be a great event. Find out more at outbackfestival.com.au or call Robyn on 0429 806 140.

You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1

Send your questions, comments and travel stories to [email protected] and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

From across the Outback Way we acknowledge the Koa People, Pitta Pitta People,  Wangkayuju People, Wangkamahdla People, Arrernte Nation, Anangu People, Yarnangu People, Wangkatja People as traditional custodians and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands The Outback Way traverses.

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The Outback Way has become a symbol of resilience, connection, and progress, weaving together the diverse landscapes and communities of Australia's heartland.

 In celebration of the  25-year journey of advocacy and lobbying to the funding announcement to complete the seal, the Outback Highway Development Council is proud to present ‘From Bulldust to Bitumen – 25 Years of the Outback Way’. A book that captures the spirit, history, and future vision of this transformative project.

Order your copy and be part of the journey that continues to shape Australia's outback, it’s people and the nation. 

Head over to our website and order yours today  W: outbackway.org.au

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You can find more information about this podcast on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Instagram @OutbackWay1

Send your questions, comments and travel stories to [email protected] and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

The Outback Way Podcast is produced by Perk Digital.