Legendary Australian pop vocal group, Human Nature, brought the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to Broken Hill as they drew the Mundi Mundi Bash, outback NSW’s biggest ever event, to a spectacular close.
Over 12,000 music enthusiasts, campers, and adventure seekers flocked to the unique festival grounds to witness a once-in-a-lifetime experience as Human Nature brought infectious energy of Las Vegas to the remote and awe-inspiring Mundi Mundi Plains.
The group, known for their mesmerizing harmonies and electrifying stage presence, transformed the red dirt location into a spectacle of lights, sounds, and world-class entertainment, with a set stacked with chart-topping hits like Telling Everybody and People Get Ready.
Human Nature’s Phil Burton said, “This is such an awesome festival. There have been so many genres of music covered, it’s been like a real jukebox today. We hear we’re the Mundi Mundi Bash’s first ever boy band.”
Looking out from the Outback stage Burton then asked, “Are we even still a boy band?” to cheers from the crowd.
“What an amazing day we’ve had. Perfect weather and such incredible performances. We’ve broken world records, and had world class entertainers all out on the iconic Mundi Mundi Plains. This event just keeps getting better and better, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year,” said Greg Donovan, festival founder and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group.
Right before, event favourite Chocolate Starfish hit the stage – marking their 7th performance across both the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash and the Birdsville Big Red Bash. This makes them the most regular performers across both of the Bash events over the years, narrowly beating John Williamson – who was foundation performer at the first Birdsville Big Red Bash 10 years ago – by one.
Earlier festival goers were treated to an all-star line-up including Aussie pop rockers Thirsty Merc and singer-songwriter Pete Murray.
Other final day music highlights included performances from Caitlyn Shadbolt & Melanie Dyer, Grace Knight & Wendy Matthews and the Pierce Brothers – and a special Tina Turner Tribute including Kate Ceberano.
Earlier in the day the ultimate State of Origin battle took place as the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash took home the World Record for the Largest Nutbush Dance from its Queensland counterpart – the Birdsville Big Red Bash.
More than half of the fun-loving Mundi Mundi Bash crowd turn up to break the record and support the important work of Royal Flying Doctors (RFDS).
A total of 6,594 excited festivalgoers side-step in-sync to the 50-year-old Tina Turner classic hit to take home the world record bragging rights from Queensland. Earlier this week (Wednesday August 16) was the actual 50th anniversary day that the iconic Nutbush hit was first released in 1973.
The previous world record of 5,838 dancers was set last month at sister festival, the Birdsville Big Red Bash – with footage from the outback feat making headlines around the globe.
The Nutbush event alone raised more than $100,000 for the RFDS today. Organisers anticipate the final tally raised for the RFDS from this year’s Mundi Mundi Bash will sit at over $200,000 with the Mundi Undi Run money and funds from raffles and other donations from the generous crows during the event still to be tallied.
The festival site, where many iconic scenes from the Max Mad movie franchise were filmed, set the perfect backdrop for 359 people in Mad Max-inspired costumes from leather thigh-highs to heavy chains, spiky mohawks and industrial face masks.
More than 12,000 festival-goers of all ages have attended the Mundi Mundi Bash this August 17-19, 2023.
Off stage, the festival has featured a stacked programme of unique family-friendly activities including a Mundi Undi charity fun run, a Doggie Fashions on the Plains competition, plus Dunny Door Painting, scenic helicopter rides, sunrise yoga sessions, camel rides and more.
The August Mundi Mundi Bash is expected to deliver a welcome economic boost to Broken Hill and surrounding regions. The Broken Hill City Council reported that the inaugural Mundi Mundi Bash brought $3.5 million into Broken Hill in April 2022 alone, putting the festival well on track to exceed its forecasted visitor expenditure targets of $5.4 million over three years.
Photo Gallery Credit: Matt Williams
