Help shape the 2027 festival

Festival Steering Committee

The Steering Committee provides strategic direction, governance oversight and the key decisions for the Festival of Outback Skies. It’s the group that makes sure the festival delivers real community, cultural, tourism and Council outcomes.

What you’ll help with

• Approve festival programming
• Review and approve festival site layouts
• Help decide ticket pricing
• Review sponsorship opportunities and bar operations
• Make sure festival activities line up with Council objectives and tourism outcomes
• Provide governance oversight and strategic guidance
• Support stakeholder engagement and community consultation
• Review how the festival went, and what to do next time
• Contribute to the festival’s long-term planning and sustainability
• Lend a hand on site during the festival where it’s needed

Time commitment

• Monthly meetings of about two hours, September to January
• Fortnightly meetings of about two hours, mid-January to April
• One review meeting after the festival
• On-site support during the festival where required
• Come along in person, or join online through Microsoft Teams

What you get

• Two complimentary Festival of Outback Skies passes
• An invitation to the VIP Rodeo Event
• An invitation to the post-festival Volunteer Appreciation Party
• A real say in where the festival heads next
• Time alongside other locals who care about this place

Rodeo Working Group

The Rodeo Working Group works alongside the Steering Committee and event staff to put on a cracking rodeo — for the competitors, the crowd, the sponsors and the whole community.

What you’ll help with

• Suggest ideas for the rodeo program and entertainment
• Help with seating and the spectator experience
• Plan and deliver the VIP function
• Help with ushering and looking after patrons
• Help plan the rodeo opening ceremony
• Work closely with the stock contractor
• Chase and support rodeo-specific sponsorship
• Make sure sponsor signage is sorted during arena setup
• Report recommendations and outcomes back to the Steering Committee

Time commitment

• Monthly meetings of about an hour, September to March
• Fortnightly meetings of about an hour through April
• One review meeting after the festival
• Event support across the festival weekend as required
• In person or online through Microsoft Teams — the group sets the times

What you get

Members who commit to the role requirements will receive:

• Two complimentary rodeo tickets
• An invitation to the VIP Rodeo Event
• An invitation to the post-festival Volunteer Appreciation Party
• A hand in one of the festival’s headline events
• Time alongside volunteers, sponsors and community members

Saturday Night Experience Working Group

This group shapes the Saturday evening program — Dinner Under the Stars, plus a family-friendly alternative for anyone after something a bit different. You’ll work with the Steering Committee, the Festival Coordinator and the Community Services Team to make Saturday night one to remember for locals and visitors alike.

What you’ll help with

• Help with event theming and table décor
• Suggest entertainment for Dinner Under the Stars
• Suggest entertainment and activities for the family-friendly option
• Help coordinate the lucky draws
• Help with event setup and delivery
• Work alongside festival staff, volunteers, suppliers and performers
• Feed recommendations and planning updates through the festival governance structure

Time commitment

• Monthly meetings of about an hour, September to March
• Meetings may pick up during April, depending on how planning is tracking
• Event support during the festival as required
• One review meeting after the festival
• The group sets the meeting times, with online attendance available where it suits

What you get

• 2 x tickets to the night of your choice
• An invitation to the post-festival Volunteer Appreciation Party
• A hand in shaping a major community event
• Experience working alongside the Festival of Outback Skies team
• Recognition for what you put into your community

Festival Finale Working Group

The Festival Finale Working Group creates the festival’s closing celebration — community lantern-making, finale entertainment and the lantern release itself. It’s the group that brings everyone together at the end.

What you’ll help with

• Coordinate community lantern-making workshops before the festival
• Help plan and program the Festival Finale
• Coordinate the lantern release and everything around it
• Help with event setup, delivery and pack-down
• Work with festival staff, volunteers and suppliers
• Help make it safe, engaging and memorable for everyone who comes along

Time commitment

• Monthly meetings, September to March
• Meetings may pick up during April, depending on planning needs
• Meetings generally run about an hour
• One review meeting after the festival
• The group sets the times, and you can join online

What you get

• 2 x tickets to the night of your choice
• An invitation to the post-festival Volunteer Appreciation Party
• A hand in shaping a major community event
• Experience working alongside the Festival of Outback Skies team
• Recognition for what you put into your community