What’s Happening?
The Gympie Music Muster has named River’s Gift as its official charity partner for 2025, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to supporting rural families and communities. The partnership will shine a spotlight on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and the vital work being done to prevent it.
At the festival, River’s Gift will launch its new children’s book, ‘Finding Hope’, which introduces safe sleep guidelines in an engaging way. Festivalgoers will also be able to purchase ‘Hope the Elephant’ teddies, with proceeds going toward the charity’s $100,000 fundraising goal.
Why It Matters?
As a not-for-profit festival, the Gympie Music Muster has a history of giving back, and this year, it’s focusing on an issue that directly affects families across Australia.
Queensland has the highest rate of SIDS in the country, making it crucial to increase awareness, fund research, and provide education on safe sleep practices.
Co-founder Karl Waddell emphasised the importance of the partnership, stating:
“River’s Gift is all about uniting communities in the fight against SIDS, and the Muster provides an incredible platform to do just that. Families are at the heart of this festival, just as they are at the heart of everything we do.”
Local Impact
- The Muster will help distribute ‘Finding Hope’ to regional childcare centres and families, ensuring that lifesaving safe sleep information reaches those in remote areas.
- A commemorative plaque at the festival’s main stage windmill honours Jasmyn Willcox, the five-month-old daughter of a long-time Muster community member who passed away from SIDS.
- The partnership aligns with River’s Gift’s ‘Shine Blue’ initiative in November, where communities wear temporary tattoos of the River’s Gift heart to spark conversations about SIDS.
By the Numbers
- Since 2011, River’s Gift has been a nationally recognised charity funding world-leading research on SIDS prevention.
- The charity launched the Genetic Bio Bank, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, to help researchers identify potential genetic links to SIDS.
- River’s Gift aims to raise $100,000 from the Muster partnership to continue its mission.
Zoom In
The Muster has always been about more than just music. CEO Greg Cavanagh highlighted its community focus:
“The Muster has always been about more than just music – it’s about community. We’re proud to partner with River’s Gift to raise awareness and support their vital work in preventing SIDS. Every baby’s life matters, and if we can help save just one, we’re making a difference.”
Festivalgoers will have the chance to support the cause directly by purchasing books and teddies, with all proceeds going toward SIDS research and education.
Zoom Out
SIDS remains one of the leading causes of infant deaths in Australia, and raising awareness is key to prevention.
River’s Gift was founded in 2011 by Alexandra Hamilton and Karl Waddell after losing their four-month-old son, River, to SIDS. Since then, the organisation has worked to fund research, educate parents, and support affected families nationwide.
What to Look for Next?
The Gympie Music Muster runs from 28-31 August 2025 at Amamoor Creek State Forest. Festivalgoers can support River’s Gift by purchasing ‘Finding Hope’ and ‘Hope the Elephant’ teddies onsite.
For more details on River’s Gift, visit www.riversgift.org. To secure your tickets for the Gympie Music Muster, head to www.muster.com.au.
The Gympie Music Muster is proudly supported by the Gympie Regional Council and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
