With a desire to showcase and support the communities and regions that are often those less travelled, GTM just got even bigger.
Fresh from delivering a huge lineup earlier this year, Groovin the Moo has now returned with its 2023 National Community Program, heading to each of the six regions this April and May. These range from work experience for budding festival lovers, to programs for disadvantaged youth, to opportunities for local artists, to safe spaces and pop-up parties.
Here’s an overview of the National Community Program for 2023.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Graffin the Moo
Every festival site has fence lines, traditionally covered with boring black scrim. The Graffin the Moo program provides opportunities for local emerging talent to bring the fence lines to life. Inspired by the GTM artwork, our line up and the local community, the young creatives from the majority of our regions are paired with established artists and use their artistic skills and diverse styles to make our festival sites a work of art.
LGBTQIA+ Safe Spaces
Most of GTM festival sites have a dedicated LGBTQIA+ Safe Space, hosted and curated by a local LGBTQIA+ group. The space is for anyone who wants to have fun and champion good causes all while raising awareness about the local support facilities for youth identifying as LGBTQIA+. The safe spaces bring fabulousness to the Moo in the form of glitter, good vibes, classic tunes and country drag.
Fatboy Slim, Denzel Curry, Eliza Rose lead Groovin the Moo 2023 lineup
Local Artist Showcases
You may have heard whispers of epic dance parties at GTM’s Hilltown, Mootown or The Plot stages. At every GTM, there is a space dedicated to local artists and DJs, all handled by local stage managers. Promoters from nearby music venues are given the opportunity to program these stages which go off and are an absolute highlight for locals and visitors alike.
GTM also program multiple local artists to play on the main stages as part of our Fresh Produce line up, with artists to be announced very soon! One spot is also reserved for triple j who choose a local artist to be crowned the GTM triple j Unearthed winner in each area. The Unearthed competition closes very soon – you’ve got until midnight AEDT Sunday 12 March to get the tunes uploaded! For more info, head here.
Powder Pen
Returning in 2023 is GTM’s Powder Pen which will keep you looking festival fresh around the country! For a small donation, you can get a quick hair and make-up “zjoosh” thanks to local beauty, barbershop and hairdressing salons at the majority of our shows. A portion of proceeds from the Powder Pen will go back to the charity of the salons’ choice.
Ticket Exchange Program and Companion Cards
GTM will be working with over 12 organisations across the country to engage local youth from families who are experiencing hardship, are at risk or are disengaged. Invitations will be sent out to these local support groups, encouraging local youth to head along to GTM to experience a fun day of music festivities with their peers.
GTM are firm advocates for accessibility and promoting the Companion Card program is high on their priority list. The Companion Card is for people with significant and permanent disability who need a high level of care in the community. The Companion Card allows a cardholder’s support person free entry into participating venues and events.
Welcome to Country
At each GTM festival, GTM welcome the Traditional Owners/Custodians of the land on which they hold the festival to perform a Welcome to Country.
Work Experience and Volunteer Placement
From humble beginnings at our first GTM (Gloucester, NSW in 2005), where students from local TAFE campuses were invited to gain insight and lend a hand with all things Moo, GTM now involve 16 education facilities around the country. These include high schools, tertiary institutions and community groups from each region. Those who sign up can gain experience in a range of areas including Artist Liaison, Production, Publicity and festival bump in and bump out, mentored closely by the GTM festival team.
Region by Region
Other programs that pop up from region to region include local community workshops which often result in incredible art installations or fun welcome committees, fundraising opportunities for local businesses and more.
Groovin The Moo Tour Diary 2023
Wayville, SA – Friday 21 April (School Holidays)
Adelaide Showground
Kaurna Country, Wayville, SA
Maitland, NSW – Saturday 22 April
Maitland Showground
Wonnarua Country, Maitland, NSW
Canberra, ACT – Sunday 23 April
Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC)
Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country, Mitchell, ACT
Bendigo, VIC – Saturday 29 April
Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showgrounds
Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Bendigo, VIC
Sunshine Coast, QLD – Sunday 30 April (Long Weekend)
Kawana Sports Western Precinct
Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country, Warana, QLD
Bunbury, WA – Saturday 6 May
Hay Park
Wardandi Noongar Country, Bunbury, WA
Tickets to all GTM shows are on sale now. Head here for more info.
