It’s a funky future for TIACS and TradeMutt, after raising $100,000 as the official charity partner of the 2023 Gympie Music Muster.
TIACS (This is a Conversation Starter) and TradeMutt, organisations dedicated to mental health awareness and support for the Australian blue-collar community, welcomed an overwhelming outpouring of support and awareness during the August festival in Amamoor Creek State Forest.
TIACS Co-CEO Jason Banks said the Muster had become a staple for the charity and TradeMutt and they couldn’t believe the amount of support they’d received.
“We were blown away this year, being the charity partner, by how many people were willing to come to the stand to talk about how they were impacted by mental health,” he said.
“People were so vulnerable about sharing their stories, from the impacts of suicide in their families, to be impacted by their own mental health challenges, the exposure we had and seeing everyone out in Trade Mutt shirts on Funky Shirt Friday was incredible.”
The partnership between TradeMutt and TIACS not only brought attention to their causes but also served as an opportunity for raising awareness.
“A lot of people know about TradeMutt but didn’t know about TIACS, so we were able to get a whole new level of awareness,” he said.
“People were coming up asking if they could just donate, plus we received funds through Containers for Change, the Muster luncheon, our raffle and the sale of our hats, and people in the campsites were actively fundraising for us; one of the bars even contributed more than $2000 by selling stubby coolers and hosting games.”
With every $100 raised, funding a counselling session for blue collar workers, the Muster helped pay for 1000 more lifesaving sessions.
“That’s just bloody amazing to have that funding,” Mr Banks said.
“We rely on these events and the support of industry as we as don’t get any government funding.”
Gympie Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh said TIACS and TradeMutt were a great partner that fit with the ethos of the Muster.
“They had a raffle, we had a luncheon and donated remaining armband credit plus the can recycling refunds,” he said.
“It’s a good fit; both have the same ideals and ethos that are we trying to help the community and help people. It’s a great cause and a great message. That’s what we are about.”
Mr Cavanagh said the organisation brought an incredible energy to the event
“They embrace the Muster spirit and bring a lot of energy with them,” he said.
“That’s what we are looking for in a charity partner, as well as the Muster giving back. They epitomise what we want our charity partner to be.”
Mr Banks said they couldn’t be more grateful.
“The TIACS team and TradeMutt team are humbled by the Muster’s support,” he said.
“The country music scene is having a moment in Australia right now, and we feel a part of that.”
The number of farmers reaching out for their support is increasing and is now second to construction workers.
