Volunteers

Thank you to all past volunteers for your wonderful support, this festival could not survive without its enthusiastic volunteers and this year you can score your entry to the festival without the hassle of applying for a refund (conditions apply).

Page index

• How to volunteer?
• Why volunteer?
• Who can volunteer?
• How many hours do I need to work?
• How are volunteers rewarded?
• Volunteer camping
• Training and induction
• Other important stuff

How to volunteer?

Whether you are a returning volunteer or applying for the first time, please send the following information directly to our Volunteer Coordinator volunteers@fairbridgefestival.com.au with the name of your 1^st preference area as the subject line of your email.

Information required

• Name, address and contact numbers
• 1st and 2nd area preferences (view Volunteer job description)
• Available for bump-in (10am Mon-Thurs 5pm on roster)? Yes/No
• Available to start first shift 7am Friday? Yes/No
• Available to start first shift 4pm Friday? Yes/No
• Available for bump-out (7am Monday)? Yes/No
• Any previous event experience? Yes/No

Why volunteer?

Volunteering is your opportunity to contribute to the success of one of Australia’s leading festivals. Apart from the satisfaction that comes from being part of a great team, volunteering also gives you an opportunity to learn new skills whilst fostering a vibrant festival community.

Who can volunteer?

• Anyone (minimum age 13) with a smile and good sense of humor, plus a commitment to getting the job done and the enthusiasm to muck in at a moments notice.
• Adult and youth volunteers are an integral part of the festival – in fact, without volunteers there’d be no festival!
• Youth (13-17 years) volunteers must provide the name and mobile phone number of an adult guardian who is attending the festival, as per our Terms and Conditions of entry. Youth may volunteer in the children or youth areas and table clearing.

Each year, over 300 wonderful individuals work in all areas of the festival, including:

• site setup and break down
• entry / gate team and campsite monitors
• stage management and MC’s
• festival shop
• resource recovery and waste management
• table clearing
• artist services and hospitality
• youth and children’s festival
• raffle ticket selling

See Volunteer job descriptions for a more detailed list and information. If you need to know more information about any of the volunteer roles before you apply, please email volunteers@fairbridgefestival.com.au and your enquiry will be directed to the relevant area manager.

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How many hours do I need to work?

• Volunteers can work for as little or as long as they like. However, to receive free entry minimum hours apply. If you can donate a few hours over the weekend, we are most grateful, you will still need to register though.
• Volunteers who commit to work 9 (youth volunteers – 7 hrs) or more hours and who have registered to volunteer and attended a volunteer briefing will receive their wristband upon arrival at the festival.
• Volunteers for site set-up will arrive on site from Mon and need to work a minimum of 18 hours to receive their wristband upon arrival at the festival.

How are volunteers rewarded?

• Volunteers who commit to completing a minimum 9 hours over the festival weekend will receive their weekend entry for free.
• Volunteers are also able to book campsites in the premium Kingsley camp area (standard rates apply)
• Site set-up volunteers who work more than 19 hours may be eligible to also receive a refund on their camping fee.

Volunteers on family tickets

Due to the discounting of the family tickets, and depending on your own adult/youth/child combination, it may be necessary to purchase your family ticket first and apply for refunds (to a max of 3 per family ticket).

Family ticket and Raffle Seller refunds (you must retain proof of purchase)

• The following partial refunds apply:
  • Adults $105 (9 or more hours)
  • Youth $52 (7 or more hours)
• Maximum number of refunds per family ticket is 3.
• Refunds will only be granted at the completion of all shifts, and a roster recoup form must be signed by the area coordinator or manager.
• You can receive your refund during the festival at the Box Office unless you are working a shift late on Sunday. In this case, we will forward you a cheque in the weeks following.
• Raffle seller refunds – sell 6 books per person ($5 each, books of 20) over the festival weekend to qualify for refund/s as above.
• If you have sold, and returned, 6 books by Wednesday 11 April 2012, you will qualify to receive your wristband upon arrival at the festival.

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Volunteer camping

• Volunteers are able to purchase camping in the conveniently located Kingsley Park camping area, which is close to the festival precinct and all amenities. You may, of course, purchase camping with friends and/or family in other camping areas. However, Kingsley Park camping may only be purchased through our festival office, phone 9246 3311.
• To purchase camping in Kingsley Park you must first apply as a volunteer and have received confirmation that your application and registration is successful.

One car per camping site – only one car per campsite in the campground. Other cars must be parked in the front car park. Note: For the comfort of others, please do not drive around the campgrounds or festival precinct once you have set up.

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Training and induction

• Volunteer information sessions are held in March, and it is a requirement that volunteers attend one of these to receive their site manual/site map. Details on these sessions will be issued to all volunteers in February.
• Site induction will be given to volunteers at Volunteer Central (you must do this at least one hour before your first shift.

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Other important stuff

• Consumption of alcohol or drug use pre or during your shift will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
• Smoking is not permitted in the festival precinct as a requirement of our Healthway funding.
• Closed-in shoes must be worn at all times during your shift/s.
• All information and processes associated with any volunteer position are to be considered confidential.
• Wearing your volunteer t-shirt makes you an ambassador for the festival. Therefore, a positive attitude, and a courteous manner is required at all times.
• Remember, volunteering gives you a different perspective and enhances your involvement in the festival community – so make the most of it and have lots of fun!