It’s time once again for the one of a kind Gympie Music Muster. This year the muster kicks off on the 24th of August for four days of incredible music from icons of Australian and international music, with a healthy focus on true-blue Australian country music. It isn’t entirely a country event though, with this year’s line-up sporting such names as Australian-pop-icon Jessica Mauboy, and 2017 ‘The Voice: Australia’ winner Judah ‘King Judah’ Kelly, making a return to rock the muster with his breathtaking voice – having performed at the muster back in 2015 as a proud Queenslander with plenty of local supporters who’ve watched his rise to well earned stardom. The Muster has broadened its appeal this year, while remaining true to its roots, with a number of artists performing who have boosted their profiles and careers on television talent shows. The depth of talent and the variety of genres shows how much the event has to offer Muster goers, no matter their musical tastes.

The Muster itself is a not-for-profit event, with all proceeds going towards a range of different causes and since its inception, the Muster has raised more than fourteen-million dollars for charities Australia-wide. ‘In 1993, Australia was suffering the worst drought on record. The Club decided to commit all funds raised to support the national drought appeal. As a result, the Rural Aid Appeal was initiated. The Appeal annually raises funds for a major charity each year through the sale of compilation CDs and a range of specially designed merchandise. Over the years, Rural Aid
beneficiaries have included Diabetes Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Leukaemia Foundation, Youth Suicide Prevention, VISE (Volunteers for Isolated Students Education), Transplant Australia and the Melanoma Foundation and recently, isolated communities suffering the long-term effects of drought. The event has grown each year, with all profits distributed among worthy charities, both locally and nationally. An ever-growing number of community groups are also involved in the staging of the event, and for most, it is their major fundraiser for the year. There is a real sense of community ownership in the Muster with now more than 50 local community groups, and over two-thousand volunteers involved in the event’s success’.

So where is it? What kind of place could possibly contain such an amazing event? Almost comically, the usually tranquil and peaceful Amamoor Creek State Forest. Yes all this home grown, foot stomping, hand clapping, head banging goodness takes place in the beautiful and picturesque Amamoor Creek State Forest. The State Forest venue provides the perfect setting for this quintessential Australian event. Set on over 50 hectares of well maintained, planned camping sites it also provides plenty of hot showers and toilets, and a central entertainment precinct.

The entertainment precinct itself comes alive for the duration of the festival and boasts a variety of on-site venues each unique in hosting its own array of talent during the four-day festival. Most venues are housed under huge marquee structures to ensure patrons enjoy the entertainment whatever weather. The massive Main Stage snuggles into a natural amphitheatre under the forest canopy and is surrounded by the many and varied market and food stalls. A great selection of foreign cuisine and local food stalls ensure that you will be spoilt for choice and fuelled up for one hell of a four day weekend.

The Muster really is a fantastic Sunshine Coast event that should not be missed by any true music lover. For more information on the incredible line-up, camping, food, or ticket prices, visit the Muster website.