03/06/2026
How a Conversation at the Mirani Hotel Created 25 Years of Community
Twenty-five years ago, two local blokes sat down at a Rotary meeting at the Mirani Hotel.
One was Mike Teuwsen from Breakaway Horse Riders Mackay. The other was Ted Bussey from the Mirani Rotary Club.
Together, they shared a simple idea.
What if the local horse community could come together to raise awareness and funds for cancer research?
That conversation led to the very first Charity Ride.
What started as an idea soon became a community effort. Rotary members jumped on board, helping with nominations, logistics and coordinating support. The CWA ladies stepped up to provide smoko and lunch. Police helped ensure riders could safely travel through Marian and Mirani. Over the years, SES volunteers, sponsors, landholders and countless community members all played their part.
As the event grew, so did the work behind the scenes.
Permits, risk assessments, insurance requirements, traffic management, water trucks, portable toilets, backup floats, first aid, ride stewards, sponsorship, catering and safety planning all became essential pieces of the puzzle.
When Rotary could no longer provide the level of support required, Mike and Ted were determined not to let the event disappear. The Dows Creek Hall Committee stepped in to take on the after-ride festivities, while the club took ownership of planning and running the ride itself.
The ride evolved over the years. Routes changed. Safety standards increased. Celebrity riders joined in. Cancer survivors and families shared their stories. Costumes became a highlight. One of the most special additions was the visit to the aged care facility in Mirani, where residents light up as more than 100 horses ride through. It's become a favourite part of the day for many.
Behind every successful Charity Ride and Bush Muster has been an army of volunteers.
People directing traffic.
People serving meals.
People driving support vehicles.
People organising sponsorship.
People setting up and packing down.
People giving up their weekends so others could enjoy the day.
And among those volunteers was Mrs Bussey Bernice Bussey, who Dad describes as one of the event's true unsung heroes, quietly helping coordinate support and volunteers behind the scenes year after year.
The Charity Muster has never been about one person.
It's never been about one committee.
It's been about a community of people coming together to make a difference.
Now, after 25 years, many of those volunteers are ready to step back and enjoy a well-earned rest.
The question is:
Who will write the next chapter?
Because the reality is that a group of volunteers built this event 25 years ago. If nobody steps forward now, it may not continue.
If you've ever enjoyed the ride, attended the Bush Muster, sponsored the event, volunteered, or simply believe it's something worth preserving for future generations, we'd love to hear from you.
Let's make sure the next 25 years are just as special as the first. ❤️🐴💛
Cheers, Natarsha Steains
