The Chelmsford Hotel’s international drawcard – Mulletfest – is back for its third and biggest year yet, with publican organiser Laura Johnson putting her own locks on the chopping block for charity.
Mulletfest began as an idea over drinks in the struggling NSW country town of Kurri Kurri.
Touting the wisdom and longevity of the ‘business in front, party at the rear’ 1980s hairstyle, claiming it as unwaveringly Australian, the pub kicked off the inaugural annual accolades in 2018.
Mullet growers and admirers turned up in their droves, and 143 entries strutted their stuff before the judges.
In 2019 the word had spread and 169 competitors fronted for the battle of the back-of-house bouffant.
But the 2020 competition is already shaping up to blitz previous instalments – bolstered by owner and licensee of the Chelmsford, Laura Johnson, throwing her own hair in the ring.
A hairdresser by trade, Johnson is notably one of the few members of her family not sporting the fishy hairstyle, but inspired by the loss of someone close shortly after last year’s competition, she has vowed to shed her blonde locks (except at the rear) in the fight to combat brain cancer.
“The cause is close to our hearts. Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children, and adults aged under 40 in Australia.”
Matt Forster, a friend of Johnson’s, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011. He responded well to treatment and went on to have two children with his wife Carly. But just days after Mulletfest 2019 he fell ill again and soon after lost his battle with the disease.
Matt was always the inspiration that saw money raised at Mulletfest go to brain cancer research, and his passing has inspired renewed effort this year.
Johnson has pledged to face the shears at Friday night’s ‘Rookie’ event – a new initiative for those rocking the do of honour less than two years – if $20,000 can be raised for the Mark Hughes Foundation, researching how mortality rates and incidence of the disease can be reduced.
This year will see another new category, as international competitors arrive from the UK, US and New Zealand, to vie for the title against the 240 confirmed competitors. Entries closed 14 February and will not be accepted on the day.
The Festival of the Mullet main events are scheduled to take place this weekend, 29 February, starting 10am. Sponsors have kicked in for bands and entertainment.
The new awards will take place alongside the existing honours for the Junior, Everyday, Extreme, Grubby, Ranga, and Vintage categories.
“Mulletfest was born out of tough times and an idea to help rebuild the town, because that’s what Aussie’s do.”
Donations to the quest to give Laura a Mullet can be found HERE.
