General News
29 August, 2026
Full house for Fightback
MARNOO’S population will swell later today as about 1000 people descend on the small farming community for a sold-out fundraiser headlined by Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce
Not a ticket remains for the Farmers Fightback FUNdraiser at Marnoo Cricket Ground, which has grown into a major show of strength for the grassroots movement born from opposition to transmission lines and renewable energy development on agricultural land.
When the Times-News checked in with Farmers Fightback earlier this month, more than 500 tickets had already been sold.
The event has now reached its 1000-person capacity, with organisers closing ticket sales after a response they said had been bigger than they had hoped.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson will headline Saturday’s event alongside former Deputy Prime Minister and now One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, whose attendance was confirmed during the build-up to the fundraiser.
One Nation is also expected to use the gathering to announce its candidates for the state seats of Ripon and Lowan ahead of November’s Victorian election.
The sellout provides another indication of how far Farmers Fightback has travelled since emerging from the battle over the proposed VNI West transmission line.
The campaign has since broadened its focus to renewable energy development, landholder rights and the future of agricultural land, while attracting attention well beyond western Victoria.
For Farmers Fightback founder Ben Duxson, however, Saturday was also designed to give supporters an opportunity to step away from months of rallies, protests and disputes over access to properties.
“The community’s just coming together to rally and have some fun,” he said.
“It’s a chance for people to let their hair down, get together as a big group and really just come and have some fun.”
Alongside Hanson and Joyce, the evening will feature comedians, DJs and live entertainment.
The sold-out Farmers Fightback FUNdraiser begins at 5pm at Marnoo Cricket Ground.
Read More: Marnoo