Gympie Music Muster Raises $101,000 for Rural Aid’s Vital Work The Gympie Music Muster has kicked goals once again for charity, raising more than $100,000 for 2024 charity partner, Rural Aid from the August festival. Through the incredible generosity of attendees and the dedication of the festival team, this year’s event raised an impressive $101,000 for Rural Aid. These vital funds will directly support Rural Aid’s essential work assisting rural communities and farming families facing tough circumstances across Australia. With multiple fundraising initiatives, including the Buy A Bale sticker campaign, a collection drive for cans, the Back Fence Bar’s generous campground fundraising efforts, the donation from Cooloola-Sunshine Coast Military Brotherhood MMC’s popular donut stall, and contributions from festival armbands, festival-goers united to make a meaningful difference. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters praised the generosity of Muster-goers. “The support from Gympie Music Muster attendees has been an incredible experience for us at Rural Aid,” he said. “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.”

The funds raised will support a range of critical services for families in rural areas, including:

• Emergency Livestock Feed: Providing hay to struggling farmers who are facing prolonged drought and limited pastures.
• Financial Assistance: Rural Aid offers prepaid Visa cards, allowing farmers to support their local communities while meeting immediate needs.
• Counselling Services: A dedicated team of counsellors work directly with farming families to address mental health challenges associated with the pressures of rural life.
• Essential Water Security: Rural Aid supplies drinking water for families whose tanks have run dry or have been damaged by bushfires or floods.
  

  “This funding will help those who are still in recovery from recent droughts, floods, and bushfires, as well as those dealing with mental health stressors,” Mr Warlters said. “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 Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh was moved by the community’s generosity. “Supporting Rural Aid was a natural fit for us as a charity partner,” he said. “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. Our mission is to support charities that improve the lives of rural families and communities, and Rural Aid does just that.” Looking ahead, The Gympie Music Muster is already in search of its next charity partner, with a focus on national organisations that support rural and regional communities, especially those dedicated to children’s welfare. “We aim to reach this fundraising milestone each year, and I’m stoked to see such an incredible response from our community,” Mr Cavanagh said. “The Muster is about giving back, and it’s clear our attendees share that same passion.” For further information on the Gympie Music Muster or to apply to be the next charity partner, visit www.muster.com.au 28-31 August, 2025 – Amamoor Creek State Forest The Gympie Music Muster is proudly supported by the Gympie Regional Council and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland. #thisisqueensland #gympiemuster