News

Two years between wins

By Zoe McMaugh

Oct 3, 2026

Walkabout Services managing director Mick Lear congratulates Ute of the Year winner Bruce Sutton.

Bruce Sutton has claimed the Deni Ute Muster’s coveted Ute of the Year title for a second time, with his bright orange 1977 Holden H7 again winning over the crowds in the popular vote competition.

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The Corop, Victoria, resident first won the award in 2024 and repeated the feat this year, also taking out the Mini Muster Mobeel prize with a miniature replica ute built for his grandchildren. Bruce said the full restoration project began after rescuing the vehicle from a farm shed, with the ute now earning a place in Muster history.

The Walkabout Services-sponsored win earned Bruce $2000 and another engraving on the perpetual trophy, while he credited his success to spending time with visitors and encouraging them to vote despite challenging weather conditions.

Two entrants shared runner-up Ute of the Year this year.

Sherryl Loy from Speewa won a prize with her 1985 Suzuki Mighty Boy, and Philip Durie from Lithgow won the joint runner-up with his 1977 Holden HZ.

The prize for most flags went to Bonnie Cheesley from Indigo Valley in Victoria. Her 1999 Holden VS Commodore had 16 flags.

Rounding out the prizes was the prize for the ute that travelled the furthest to be in Deni. It went to Chris Cartledge from Medowie, NSW (881km).

• Read the full story on Bruce’s ute in Tuesday’s Pastoral Times, and online at www.denipt.com.au early next week.