Legendary Archie 'Bung' McInnes to be remembered at 14th annual event in Murrurundi

The 14^th annual event at Murrurundi aims to rope in spectators with a re-enactment on Friday, February 24, starting from 8pm.

Archie ‘Bung’ McInnes, is set to be remembered in the main arena under special lights and on a big screen.

Known throughout the Hunter Valley as the ‘King of the Ranges’ for his hazardous work as a stockman on the spurs and in the ranges, Archie joined the 1^st Battalion Light Horse at the outbreak of World War I.

He was wounded during the Desert Campaign before being decorated with the Military Medal.

After the war, Archie continued his life as a stockman and champion buckjumper.

He died in 1940 exactly as he wished, “with my boots on and in the saddle”.

The re-enactment will be based on a poem Ode to Bung McInnes, penned in 2004 by Shane Easey for the inaugural event.

Apart from the new highlight, King of the Ranges vice-president Bob Paton said overall preparations were going well.

“There are a lot of caravans booked in, and there’ll be plenty of out-of-towners here,” he said.

“Crowd-wise we are expecting a big turnout; competitors have been a little slow to come in but we’re getting more and more each day.

“And, while the Australian Stock Horse Society [Hunter branch] has an event on the same weekend in Scone, I don’t think that will affect us too much.”

There will be seven preliminary events over the four days, including bareback obstacle, packhorse and stockhandling, and whipcrack target and freestyle.

A day pass costs $20 for adults, $10 for juniors (aged 13 to 17), $10 for concession, or $45 for family (two plus two).