It’s as iconic of an Australian outback as a Bondsie and a few stubble on a barbecue.
Business on top, party on the back – the mullet has been described as a lifestyle rather than a hairstyle.
Western Australia Prime Minister Mark McGowan was famously forced to defend the polarizing haircut after some pubs in Perth began banning the look.
“I would like to encourage people with mullets to rise up and rebel against these extreme rules,” McGowan said.
“Some of my best friends have mullets.”
But every year, those who manicure their manes to these masterpieces — long at the back, short at the top and sides — are celebrated at the annual Mulletfest held in December, and this year, for the first time, entries are registering online for a prize. wildcard place in the final.
With a range of categories including ‘rangas’, over-50s, dingy, extreme, everyday and rookie – where the mullet is less than two years old – the competition is fierce with a public vote determining the winners.
Children and pets can also be entered before the end of July, and the winners will be announced at the next Mulletfest event at the Commercial Hotel in Dubbo on August 20.
“We know there are some excellent Mullets in every corner of Australia and we want to see them all,” the organisers said.
Dubbo natives Phil Stack of Thirsty Merc and Drew McAlister of McAlister Kemp will also be in attendance that day to judge a Mulletfest band competition.
“Because we’re all raising money for the Mark Hughes Foundation, you’ll also get the warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing you’re helping families who are going through their darkest days after a brain cancer diagnosis,” the organizers said.