Gympie Music Muster Raises Over $100,000 For Rural Aid

This year’s Gympie Music Muster wasn’t just a success in terms of attendance – which broke records – but for the money it raised for charity.

For the 2024 multi-day country music festival, Gympie Music Muster’s charity partner was Rural Aid, and this year, punters who attended the event raised $101,000 for the organisation.

According to a press release, the funds will directly support the charity’s essential work of supporting rural communities and farming families who face challenges across Australia.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said of this year’s efforts: “The support from Gympie Music Muster attendees has been an incredible experience for us at Rural Aid.

“It’s allowed us to tell our story to thousands of people who love country music and have a soft spot for farmers. This generosity has a profound impact on farming families, helping them manage the challenges they face every day.”

Warlters continued, “This funding will help those still in recovery from recent droughts, floods, and bushfires, as well as those dealing with mental health stressors.

“Further afield, there are many families in South Australia, Western Australia, and Victoria dealing with record-low rainfall, trying to manage livestock and crops under difficult conditions.”

Gympie Music Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh said supporting Rural Aid was a “natural fit.”

“The dedication from festival-goers in supporting rural communities is inspiring, and I’m proud that together, we’ve exceeded our goal of $100,000,” Cavanagh said. “Our mission is to support charities that improve the lives of rural families and communities, and Rural Aid does just that.”

Adding that Gympie aims to reach the $100,000 milestone “each year,” Cavanagh said he’s “stoked” to witness an “incredible” response from the festival community.

“The Muster is about giving back, and it’s clear our attendees share that same passion,” Cavanagh said.

Gympie Music Muster hosted numerous fundraising initiatives at the August festival, such as the Buy A Bale campaign, a can collection drive, the Cooloola-Sunshine Coast Military Brotherhood MMC’s doughnut stall, and more.

Thanks to the funds raised by Gympie attendees, Rural Aid has received additional assistance for its critical services, such as emergency livestock feed, financial assistance, counselling services, and essential water security—all of which will support those who need it the most.

This year’s Gympie Music Muster boasted the likes of Casey Barnes, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows and Dragon. 

The festival also locked in country, rock, and alt-country favourites such as James Johnston, Brad Cox, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Amber Lawrence, Lane Pittman, Shannon Noll, Tex Perkins, Pierce Brothers, and Richard Clapton.

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