Casino Beef Week Saturday was expected to attract around 10,000 people, and despite overcast skies, the numbers felt like it was at least that.

Saturday afternoon was buzzing with a huge crowd enjoying many events, like the wood chop, mechanical bull and the much-loved street parade. At the end of a long, very successful day, two Beef Week icons talked about what it means to be heavily involved and what the future holds.

Brenda Armfield has been an Australian entertainer since the age of four. She has embraced Beef Week from its early years and has made an incredible contribution to the event, earning a deep respect from the community and many honours.

Brenda has led the Saturday Street Parade for as long as people can remember in her green Mini Moke - almost half of her life. The Moke is always bedecked with colourful balloons, and this year was no exception. The Saturday Parade, which was usually named for a big sponsor, was renamed for Brenda in 2023 and still retains her name.

Energy and vibrancy still leap from her, and people smile when they see the bright green Moke come past, Brenda waving excitedly to the crowd. “It’s been fantastic, a wonderful roll up, especially in weather like this.”

As Brenda pulled up after the parade, I asked her how it felt to have the Parade continue to use her name. With a waiver in her voice, she said, “I feel very, very proud. It's hard to explain what it means to me. I can’t put it into words.”

Also very pleased with the event and its success, Brody Lisha, who has been on the Beef Week board for 8 years, serving as President for three years. He spoke of the highlights this year.

“It's been a fantastic week. All our events have sold out. Wednesday night, we had a record auction in which a champion LED steer got $50 a kilo, which, in theory, is a $20,000 steer. So that was absolutely fantastic, and it blew all records.”

The success of the show is attracting funds for future events.

“The announcement on Monday by the Deputy Ag Minister of $1 million for the next three years was fantastic, and that's only going to boost our event.”

There are other beef centres in Australia claiming to be the biggest and best, but Mr Lisha thinks that is about to change.

(In the show ring with some of the big boys of Beef Week)

“We've worked really hard as a committee and as a board to get Beef Week where it is now, and over the next three years, we'll continue to build on that to rubber stamp ourselves as the Beef Capital of Australia.

“The last three years, we've upped our sponsorship by close to 150%, we've locked in big-name sponsors.”

The Food Co-op has announced a three-year deal as the naming sponsor. Jack Link’s and Super Foods have also signed major deals, securing funds to contribute to Beef Week's success.

What does that mean for the direction of Beef Week? “We've got a few things in the works. I'm not going to elaborate on them too much, but each individual on the board brings different things to the table. 

“One thing we do well is work hard as a team, and you'll see the results. You've seen results over the last three years, and the future's bright for Casino Beef Week.”

Speaking of bright futures, the glitz and glamour coming from the Beef Week Queen entrants dazzled the crowds as they came past on the Queen's float. 

(The 2025 Casino Beef Week Queens)

The young ladies from Casino were all thrilled to be a part of Beef Week - when asked if this was something they looked forward to growing up, arms flew up and the chorus came back, “YES!”

Charlie Murray was crowned 2025 Beef Week and was all smiles, “Best Beef Week ever!” 

Her royal highness comes from a Brangus Stud and represented the breed, leading a bull in the ring.  

(2025 Casino Beef Week Queen Carlie Murray with her bull)

“I just love the Brangus breed. They always look beautiful, as you've seen in the ring. They're also good heat-tolerant cattle for around here.”

Beef Week and the Queen's duties are over for another year, but the memories will last a lifetime.

(Memories also for Cowgirls Larah and Hallie as they made their way to the rides)

(And memories for Cowboys Max and Henry, who won two swords)

“Just the experience! I have met lots of new people,” and with a laugh she added, “And just to be the centre of Casino!”

The end of Beef Week 2025 completes May's trilogy of events (Primex, Gemfest and Beef Week) as we roll into June and the 2025 Lismore Lantern Parade on Saturday, June 21.