No matter how big the challenge or impossible the dream, Noosa legend, Oz Bayldon, never fails to deliver.
Whether he is developing a concept to build an orphanage, a safe house or a recording studio or to increase the awareness of important issues, Oz can always be counted on to deliver the goods.
“The achievement that has given me the most satisfaction, so far, is leading a team that turned a derelict stable in London into a vital community hub with zero budget and using only materials that had been donated or recycled,” he said.
“I spent 20 years working in and around London. When my mentor, Ian Farmington, another Noosa local, told me of his plans to visit Nepal, I decided to join him.
“I was appalled to see large numbers of badly deformed children begging in the streets and even more appalled to learn their injuries had been caused by their parents breaking their limbs time and time again to arouse more sympathy and therefore more money.
“Back in those days, it was nothing for me to spend $50 a night, getting high. When I saw what $50 could do to help these children, it completely changed my life. I returned to London where I used my musical connections around the world to raise the necessary funds to establish community and music workshops where young people could use their creativity to express their feelings about life, friendships, family and community.
“I set up Music4Children whilst breaking three world records – the highest gig, the longest gig and the highest canyon swing, whilst playing a musical instrument.”
Since returning to Noosa, Oz has raised funds for Riding for the Disabled and Sailability, a sailing programme for people of all ages with disabilities. He is passionate about helping people facing immense hardship, particularly people escaping domestic violence and those facing homelessness.
“Nearly 80 per cent of call outs for the Noosa police are related to domestic violence. My goal is to provide a wellness hub, here in Noosa, that will offer all the tools necessary to assist survivors move foreward and create new lives for themselves. It is a big ask and I will need all the help I can get, but I am determined to make it happen,” Oz assured us.
“I am also determined to help create a live entertainment precinct in Noosa that will grow the night time economy, without disruption of the lives of nearby residents. I believe with the clever use of acoustic screens, this can be achieved.
“Whilst I was a Noosa High School, some mates and I started a band. I played the guitar and was the lead singer. It wasn’t unusual for us to play three venues in the one night. We would start at the Villa, then head to the Royal Mail and end up at the Surf Club. It all changed when poker machines arrived. Young musicians today, don’t have the same opportunities I had. I want to change that.”
For the past seven years, Oz has been the Operations Manager and Events Organiser for the Gympie Music Muster which takes place at the end of August each year attracting more than 10,000 visitors a day over a four day period.
“The Muster creates hundreds of jobs in hospitality and tourism and injects $4 million into the local community,” Oz said. “It is an iconic festival that brings together the very best in rock, blues and country music, in a family friendly atmosphere. Our programme this year includes famous names such as Kasey Chambers and Darryl Braithwaite.”
Are there further world records on the horizon?” we asked Oz.
“Of course. I never stop thinking about the next record breaking adventure,” he said. “I currently hold the Guinness World record for the highest gig at Mera Peak on Mt Everest. I now have my heart set on Mt. Manasloo and also Cho Oyu. I want to add 2,000 metres to my record.
“My craziest idea yet, is to perform on top of a hot air balloon and then parachute off, landing on a stage, ready to perform.”
Oz Bayldon will be guest speaker at the Tewantin Noosa Probus Club on Tuesday 24 June at the Tewantin Noosa RSL. Meetings start at 10am with morning tea ($6) followed by the guest speaker at 10.30. Visitors are welcome, but please phone Chris on 5442 7397, so she can save you a seat.
