For Kathy, volunteering at the Milton Folk, Blues & Jazz Festival became much more than helping out at a local event—it became one of her first real introductions to the community after recently moving to the area to help care for a family member.
Arriving in a new region during a significant life transition can sometimes feel isolating, but Kathy found the festival experience to be an uplifting and refreshing contrast. Surrounded by music, conversation, and community spirit, she quickly felt welcomed and connected.
“This is my very first volunteer experience in Australia… I’m amazed. I can’t wait to put my hand up for next time,” Kathy said enthusiastically after the event.
From the moment she arrived, Kathy embraced the experience fully. “Everything. The music for a start, the people, the community vibe—just everybody was so happy and really into it. I just loved it completely.” The festival gave her the opportunity to experience not only the music and venues, but also the warmth and personality of the local community.
Wanting to feel prepared, Kathy arrived a day early to familiarise herself with the streets, venues, and layout of the festival, she explained. “If someone asked me where something was, I could confidently say, ‘well, let me tell you.’”
As a volunteer, Kathy found herself constantly connecting with people. Wearing her volunteer jacket opened the door to conversations with visitors from all different walks of life. “People would just come up and ask all sorts of questions,” she laughed. “I feel like I was talking for four hours nonstop.”
For someone new to the region, the experience became an unexpected pathway into community life. Through volunteering, Kathy not only learned her way around the area—she also met people, shared stories, and began building a sense of belonging.
By the end of the festival, Kathy felt something many new residents hope for: familiarity, confidence, and connection. “I loved it. Everything about it.”