“Waltzing Matilda is one of the icons of Australian folklore and the reopening of the Waltzing Matilda Centre will in itself be a new chapter in the history of our nation,” Jessica said.

Waltzing Matilda’ was written by ‘Banjo’ Paterson while holidaying in Winton on Dagworth Station, which is a claim to fame for the town. 

John Williamson will lead the world’s biggest outback sing-along of the poetic song.

“Banjo Patterson may not have realised he wrote, what I reckon, is Australia’s number one hit,”  he said. “I am so looking forward to leading 6000 Aussies in singing our national song when the new centre is opened and we will make sure the song never fades away.” 

John Williamson will join the consortium of top performers like The Living End, Kip Moore (USA), Lee Brice (USA), Sheppard, Busby Marou, Russell Morris, The Black Sorrows and The Pierce Brothers. 

Thousands will attend the inland music and culture camping festival in Queensland with a lineup from country, pop, rock to blues.

The rebuilt $23 million Waltzing Matilda Centre will be the pride of Western Queensland once again after it’s devastating destruction by fire in 2015 and assist the heartbeat of the outback.  

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Legend has it the song was first performed in public at North Gregory Hotel. It opened in 1998 and became an icon of the area. 

Winton Council Chief Executive Officer Alan Rayment encouraged the community to rally behind the event.

“With some of the country’s finest talent as well as the kind of country hospitality that our region can provide, Winton’s Way Out West Fest is going to be a unique experience,” he said. 

“The Waltzing Matilda Centre is an essential aspect of our region and to welcome it back in such spectacular fashion is a testament to the spirit of our community.”

The Saturday is set to explode with an outback race meeting, bookmakers and fashions on the field including $10,000 in prizes.