By Abbey Cannan
The perseverance of volunteers is the reason for the return of the Noosa Come Together Festival in 2024 from 8-9 June, says event organiser Oz Bayldon.
The fundraising festival was cancelled in 2023 due to increasing production costs, rising insurance premiums and limited sponsorship.
Despite these same issues still existing, Oz said their extra volunteers have helped push the festival ahead this year.
“No event can go ahead without volunteers and without their passion to lift the organiser’s exhaustion,” he said.
Along with helping Riding for the Disabled and the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club’s Sailability program; the festival this year is also fundraising for domestic violence assistance programs.
Oz said he fell into the space of helping people suffering domestic violence and homelessness about eight years ago.
“I guess I became a bit of a go-to for people because I was asking for help online,“ he said.
“I started as a bit of a middle man but I’ve almost become a bit of a service provider for people. I send people to the service providers first and when they can’t help, I just do what I can within the community by asking the community.
“Most of these people are in positions that I can’t say no to. We just went on holiday but I housed 10 people while I was on away.
“At the end of the day, it’s making a difference for someone.“
Community members and businesses can help the cause by sponsoring, volunteering or attending the Noosa Come Together Festival in June.
On Saturday 8 June, attendees can experience the thrilling Noosa Final of the Australian National Busking Championships, where talented street performers compete for a spot in the national finals.
This prestigious event gathers the finest street performers and musicians from around the region, each competing for a chance to showcase their talents at the national level.
“The busking for me is all about giving people an avenue to play as the venues that once were there are now all full of pokies,“ Oz said.
“I don’t think the music industry is in as much disarray as what everyone thinks it is.
“There’s definitely rising costs but the competition is ripe. Even though the big ones have fallen, there’s lots of little festivals popping up everywhere.“
The Noosa Final is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of music and street performance culture, providing artists with a fantastic platform to engage with the community and perform in front of a diverse audience.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this event promises a day filled with unique talents and unforgettable performances.
The spirit of community and celebration continues into Sunday 9 June, with the Noosa Come Together Festival.
This beloved local festival offers a day packed with activities suitable for all ages, including children’s rides, international food stalls, and live music venues showcasing both local and disabled artists.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Noosa River foreshore, the festival not only provides entertainment but also supports vital community causes like the Sailability sailing program and Riding for the Disabled.
To volunteer, sponsor and find more information, visit noosacometogether.com.au
