In an inspiring turn of events, the winners of the 2026 Queensland Country Life Bush Bachelor and Bachelorette competition have decided to use their prize money for a charitable cause. Mitch Lynham, 32, from Booubyjan, and Sarah Wheeler, 28, from Rowena, New South Wales, announced their intention to donate their $2,000 winnings to support families in grief through Wheeler’s charity, A Daughter’s Way Ltd.
The announcement took place on January 3, 2026, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 3,020 attendees at the Bell Races, which saw a remarkable 41 percent increase from the previous year’s attendance of 2,136. This surge in interest has drawn attention to the growing popularity of the event, which is now approximately ten times the size of the town’s population.
Wheeler is no stranger to charitable efforts, having previously completed a 5,500-kilometre trek known as The Outback Long Ride to raise funds for the Pancare Foundation. She has expressed her passion for helping others navigate their grief, particularly after losing both parents at the young age of 25.
“Our first retreat is going to be taking about eight people on a horseback trek through the Snowy Mountains,” Wheeler explained. “There will be a psychologist involved so participants can gain the tools to manage and express their grief, while also fostering a sense of community.”
The connection between Lynham and Wheeler extends beyond the competition; they first met during her Outback Long Ride when she visited a property where Lynham was working. Both were surprised by their win.
“The Queensland Country Life has been a part of my family’s life for a while… it was pretty astonishing to see photos of myself in the paper,” Lynham remarked. A horse starter and trainer, Lynham previously won a Gold Guitar in 2023 for Heritage Song of the Year and has opened for renowned musician Paul Kelly. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone led him to participate in the Bush Bachelor competition.
“Nothing happens from sitting on the couch,” he stated before the results were announced. “I’ve done that for a long time, worrying about what people think, but you just have to live life.”
In the competition’s voting phase, over 3,150 votes were cast from 19 countries. The male runner-up was Daniel Scott, 22, from the Northern Territory, while the female runner-up was Megan Seis, 24, from Taroom.
The Bush Bachelor and Bachelorette competition is one of several attractions at the Bell Races, an event that has seen significant growth over the years. In 2021, attendance was just 1,350. Bell Race Club president Nathan McNamara noted that the increase can be attributed to various factors, including a commitment to enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
“It has been slowly building over time and there is no singular aspect,” McNamara explained. “When people have a good time, they tend to bring more friends the next time.”
More than 80 singles aged 18 to 35 were nominated for the 2026 competition, with many attendees enjoying exclusive beverages in the Windsor Pickup Pen before the announcement. Both Lynham and Wheeler encouraged others to participate in future events, emphasizing the potential for new connections and experiences.
The collaboration between these two winners reflects a dedication not only to their personal journeys but also to making a meaningful impact in their communities.
