Australia’s largest community festival, the Gympie Music Muster, has given back to those groups who’ve supported it the most, donating more than $355,000 to local community groups.
Recently, the Muster team hosted a function at Gympie RSL for the community groups who give so much to make the event run smoothly.
“In recognition of this passion, and as an acknowledgement of the success of 2022, we would like to now make a further gesture to all our community groups to recognise their support and commitment,” Gympie Muster board chairman Greg Cavanagh said.
“The Muster spent $145,800 on community groups for the 2022 festival and we have decided to match this figure with a further $145,800 to be distributed on an equal basis, paid as an amount of $5400 to each community group, regardless of their fee and the role the group took on.”
Gympie MP Tony Perrett recognised the contribution of community groups to the Muster and the importance of the event to the community.
“[The Muster’s] success cannot be taken for granted as it has had to battle to keep going during tough times,” he said.
The iconic event not only brings our community together, it puts our region on the national stage. As the linchpin for local community groups to fundraise, it provides some volunteer groups the best opportunity to secure their major fundraising for the year.”
Community groups work in operational and catering roles during the festival with volunteers being the heart of the Muster.
The 2022 event was a success on many levels, especially in the area of punter satisfaction and part of that success has to be contributed to the dedication and the passion that community groups have towards their involvement in the festival.
“Community groups are essential to the success of any event, but especially one like the Muster,” Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said.
“This event in particular is part of our community fabric and identity.”
The giving didn’t finish there. While celebrating the success of 2022, organisers also reflected on the journey to that success.
“In 2013, the Gympie Music Muster had a devastating year,” Greg Cavanagh said.
“In light of the financial strain we were under and the problems we faced, we reached out to our community groups and asked them to consider accepting a reduction in their payments for that year.
Eleven of those groups generously supported us by giving a combined discount of $19,500. We have not forgotten this act of goodwill, so now, we have returned the value of that discount back to those community groups but with 100 per cent interest, an additional total of $39,100.
“A successful muster is a win for our community, for local community groups, and for our region,” Mr Perrett said.
“The organisers and Apex deserve great credit for their efforts which saw it bounce back and break all records.”
The 2022 Gympie Music Muster charity partner QCWA was represented on the evening by Marina Taylor and received an additional $25,000 on top of what was raised during the festival.
