UPDATE: In a heartwarming twist, the winners of the 2026 Queensland Country Life Bush Bachelor and Bachelorette have announced their intention to donate their $2,000 prize money to support a grief retreat. Mitch Lynham, 32, from Booubyjan, and Sarah Wheeler, 28, from Rowena, NSW, were crowned champions in front of a record-breaking crowd of 3,020 attendees at the Bell Races on January 3, 2026.
This year’s attendance marks a staggering 41 percent increase over last year’s record of 2,136, showcasing the growing popularity of this community event. The winners plan to use their cash prizes to facilitate a horseback trekking retreat through the Snowy Mountains, specifically designed to aid those navigating grief, a mission close to Wheeler’s heart.
Wheeler gained recognition in rural Australia after completing a remarkable 5,500-kilometre trek called The Outback Long Ride last year, which raised funds for the Pancare Foundation and highlighted her own charity, A Daughter’s Way Ltd. Reflecting on their mission, Wheeler stated,
“Our first retreat is going to be taking about eight people on a horseback trek through the Snowy Mountains. There is going to be a psychologist involved so people come away from that experience with the tools to navigate and channel their grief.”
The winners expressed shock and excitement upon receiving their titles. “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. The horse starter and trainer previously won a Gold Guitar in 2023 and opened for Paul Kelly, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities. “Nothing happens from sitting on the couch,” he asserted.
The competition received over 3,150 votes from 19 countries, with runner-up honors going to Daniel Scott, 22, from the NT, and Megan Seis, 24, from Taroom. The Bell Races have become a major draw, leading to traffic jams as cars backed up outside the town to attend.
Bell Race Club president Nathan McNamara attributed the surge in attendance to a combination of factors. “It has been slowly building over time… it is a real snowball effect,” he stated, noting that increased community engagement and excitement have contributed to its success.
More than 80 singles, aged 18 to 35, participated in the competition, which also featured an exclusive area for nominees to enjoy complimentary beverages before the announcement. Both Lynham and Wheeler encouraged others to participate, saying it could spark connections and new relationships.
As the winners embark on their mission to support grieving families, their story resonates deeply within the community, showcasing the power of compassion and the enduring spirit of rural Australia. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey and the impact of their charitable efforts.
