25th FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS GEAR UP

The Illawarra Folk festival has attracted 160 applications to volunteer for the 25th Illawarra Folk Festival, to be held at Bulli Showground January 14th -17th 2010.  The Festival is entirely run by volunteers, from setting up the stages, to selling tickets, to working in the bar.

Volunteer Co-ordinator Helen Wilson said “For 12 hours rostered work they receive a festival pass and other benefits.  We have many festival regulars but also people from far and wide including overseas students.  Many have volunteering experience at other festivals and in other fields as well, such as the State Emergency Service, Bushcare, Lions, and the Rural Fire Service,” Helen Wilson said.

Xiaochen Zhang is a University of Wollongong student who will help manage the camping areas.  She was a volunteer during the Beijing Olympics and won an award for her role in organising the torch relay in Henan province.
“I like to help people and have fun with others, she said.  “Being a volunteer can let me meet new friends and that's a good thing.”

Between them, the volunteers have a wide range of skills, from trades to IT, 'as well as the creative flair you'd expect from people who make and love music.”

Hannah Bruce from Thirroul will work in the shop and the bar.  “I love festivals,” she said when applying, “I love the food, the atmosphere, the people and especially the dancing and music.  Volunteering to me would be a real delight as I would be able to fully get involved and be a part of the festival scene.”

The organisers have completed a roster using all the applicants and are very pleased to have almost all slots filled.  However the festival is still inviting people to apply.

People who apply from now on will be assigned to a Flying Gang which will be a flexible team that can be used as needed.  “There are always changes and always plenty of jobs to do,” Helen Wilson concluded.

Interested people should apply on the website or contact Helen Wilson 4283 3033

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

1. Helen Wilson
Volunteer Coordinator
Illawarra Folk Festival 2010
Telephone 4267 2697 or 0427 100 621

2. Theresa Gregory
Media & Promotions Manager
Illawarra Folk Club Inc & Illawarra Folk Festival
4285 7417 or 0413 219 112
gregorytk@bigpond.com