Rusty Pickups’ Road to Tussock Country Brings Queensland Winner to Gore

What began as a bold idea from an Australian bluegrass band has turned into an unforgettable trans-Tasman country music journey.

In 2025, Australian band Rusty Pickups set their sights on performing at the Tussock Country - NZ’s Country Music Festival. While they planned to apply for a spot in the festival programme, the band made a commitment early on - they would come to Gore regardless.

“If we got a slot at Tussock Country that would be amazing, but we decided we were coming either way,” said Rusty Pickups band member Michael Cook. “It’s a festival we’d heard so much about, and we wanted to experience the music and the community around it. Worst case, we’d fund our own show and make a trip of it.”

Taking the idea a step further, the band launched the Rusty Pickups Road to Tussock Country competition, offering one lucky fan a trip for two to New Zealand including flights, accommodation and the full festival experience.

Promoted on both sides of the Tasman for nearly five months, the competition captured the imagination of country music fans in Australia and New Zealand alike.

The lucky winner was Colleen from the Fraser Coast, Queensland, who will now be travelling to Gore with husband Barry to experience the festival first-hand. 

“We were blown away by the response,” Cook said. “Country music fans are incredibly passionate, and the idea of bringing someone along to experience Tussock Country with us just felt right. We’re absolutely thrilled Colleen is coming across the ditch to join us.”

The team behind the Tussock Country Music Festival quickly got behind the initiative.

“Tussock Country has always been about connection - between artists, audiences and the Eastern Southland community,” said festival promoter Annabel Roy. “Rusty Pickups’ enthusiasm for coming to Gore, no matter what, really captured that spirit. When they came to us with the idea of bringing two fans along, we were delighted to support it.”

Rusty Pickups will be in Gore for both festival weekends, May 22-24 and May 30-June 1.

In a fitting conclusion to their Road to Tussock Country journey, the band has also secured a spot in the official festival programme, performing at the Ute Muster After Party on Sunday May 24 at Croydon Lodge.

“We can’t wait to welcome Rusty Pickups and Colleen to Gore,” Roy said. “It’s exactly the kind of story that makes Tussock Country so special - people coming together to share great music, great company and a true country welcome in New Zealand’s Capital of Country Music.”