Volunteer registration for the 2019 Cobargo Folk Festival is now open!
Volunteers have been an integral part of the organisation and running of the Cobargo Folk Festival since it began in 1995. Volunteers bring a diverse range of skills and backgrounds essential to the success of the Festival and their contribution is acknowledged and deeply appreciated. The Festival would not be possible without the generous contribution of hundreds of volunteers. We hope that volunteers find the festival, like Cobargo village, is a friendly and welcoming community with connection as its core value. By connecting to people and place the volunteers continue to enrich the festival with their skills, diversity and camaraderie.
Why volunteer @ CFF?
Receive a weekend pass including camping to the WHOLE festival in exchange for eight hours of volunteer work.
Receive invitations to pre- and post- festival volunteer events.
References available upon request.
Volunteering is a great way to become a part of the dynamic that makes up the festival.
Gain first-hand experience in the organisational needs of a successful community music festival.
Connect to to the local community and the broader folk community.
Meet and work with like-minded people, whilst having heaps of fun.
Attend the post festival Volunteers party.
Support a fabulous community event!
Volunteer hours required
Eight (8)hours of volunteer work is the minimum required, allowing each volunteer to receive the volunteer benefits mentioned above. It must be remembered that volunteers do not receive a free ticket. Instead, volunteers are receiving a ticket in exchange for eight hours (minimum) of ‘unpaid’ work. We, at the festival, value the hard work of the volunteers just as much as the volunteers appreciate their hard-earned ticket.
Special Note to Under-18s
CFF volunteers must be aged 15 years and over, for legal reasons. If you would like to volunteer as an under-18 you will need to have an adult (25 years +) on the site for the duration of the festival. They will need to sign you in at the check in table. Under-18 volunteers only need to contribute 5 hours of volunteer time in exchange for a weekend pass to the WHOLE festival- includes camping! Under-18 volunteers also need to agree to the Terms of Agreement and the Volunteer Code of Conduct. Failure to abide by the code will result in your accompanying adult being notified and ejection from the festival site could be a possibility.
Volunteer Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct Principles
The Yuin Folk Club expects volunteers, contractors, stallholders, performers, consultant or any other contributors to demonstrate fairness, integrity and sound professional and ethical practice at all times in every aspect of their engagement with the Organisation.
The Code of Conduct requires volunteers to:
Display a positive, friendly and approachable manner;
Display respect and acceptance to all, ensuring an enjoyable, fun, safe experience that embraces diversity regardless of race, age, religion, appearance, gender or sexuality;
Support a positive working environment free from intimidation, bullying, ridicule, harassment and abuse;
Promote a sense of community where the significance of each and every contribution that creates the Organisations spirit as a whole is valued;
Be mindful of, and responsive to, circumstances/situations/issues that demand attention;
Use sound judgment and common sense to recognise and resolve issues that can be resolved immediately and reporting immediately where necessary, any issues that need to be dealt with by Team Leaders or Team Managers;
Contact the relevant team coordinator/manager or Volunteer Coordinator if experiencing any difficulties in undertaking their duties, working with fellow colleagues or hold concerns about any events that are happening;
Use respectful communication when dealing with others;
Comply at all times with the Yuin Folk Club and Cobargo Folk Festival’s policies and procedures;
Comply with all relevant state and Commonwealth legislation, laws and regulations;
Not be under the effects of drugs or alcohol when representing the Organisation, or when undertaking volunteer duties;
Adhere to the principles of privacy and confidentiality and not disclose any information, contracts, documents, resources or personal details to any third party whilst associated with the Organisation or any time thereafter unless required to do so by law.
The Yuin Folk Club encourages contractors, stallholders, performers, consultants or any others associated with the Club and its activities, including the festival, to observe this Code of Conduct.
Roles and Responsibilities with Respect to the Code of Conduct
The Yuin Folk Club Committee is responsible for ratifying the Code of Conduct and for reviewing it as necessary.
The Code of Conduct is available to all volunteers via this website. Cobargo Folk Festival Managers and/or Team Leaders/Coordinators should ensure that volunteers working on their teams have access to a copy of the Code of Conduct before commencing work.
Individuals are accountable for their own actions and decisions and must act in accordance with the Human Rights Act 2004 and all other applicable laws and regulations and the Organisation’s Code of Conduct.
We ask that all volunteers abide by our Volunteer Code of Conduct and agree to the terms and conditions as set out below.
Terms of Agreement for Volunteers
I agree to abide by the Yuin Folk Club's Code of Conduct;
I agree to carry out my volunteer tasks according to the hours and checklists provided;
I agree to contact my Team Coordinator and the Volunteers Coordinator as early as possible if circumstances prevent my commencing a shift;
I am aware that the Organisation processes and procedures in place and will ensure that all volunteers have access to these prior to the commencement of the festival
If I breach the Code of Conduct, I acknowledge that I may be relieved of my duties and be escorted from the site and that breaches may affect my volunteer applications to CFF in the future
I acknowledge that Organisation agrees to treat any breaches of the code of conduct fairly, equitably and in accordance to their approved processes and procedures;
To provide responsible bar and alcohol service during the Cobargo Folk Festival. Duties may include serving of alcohol; operation of a computerised cash register and money handling; restocking of drink fridges, general cleaning including counters, sinks and floor, clean session bar area of glasses and rubbish and wipe down tables. Position reports to the Bar Manager.
Volunteers must:
Possess a current NSW Responsible Services of Alcohol (RSA) certificate to be able to volunteer for this position (a copy of your card must be sent to the Volunteer Manager and/or your Team Leader AND you must carry your card while on duty);
Have an effective and friendly face-to-face manner to ensure quality customer service;
Have reliable cash handling skills;
Follow all RSA procedures to ensure responsible alcohol service. This includes checking for and addressing underage drinking, should it occur;
Maintain a safe and tidy working environment;
Undertake waste removal and keep the bar session area clean and tidy throughout the shift (this will require clearing and wiping down tables and removing litter);
Not consume alcohol whilst on shift NOR be intoxicated;
Be aware that the role may involve collecting alcohol supplies off-site.
To ensure the parking areas are managed effectively to provide Festival-goers with a positive experience as soon as they arrive on site and throughout the festival. Duties may include: greeting and ensuring campers are registered at the Ticket Office, Direct parkers, campers and caravans to designated sites, monitor parking areas during the festival, provide information to parkers. This role requires assisting with traffic control for vehicles coming in and exiting the festival site; assisting with car parking control; assisting with gate control, assisting in safe parking for day visitors, monitoring pedestrian safety. Position reports to Parking Coordinator. Experience of similar volunteer role is an advantage but not necessary).
Volunteers must:
Possess good communication skills;
Have ability to be friendly and helpful whilst being clear in delivery of instructions to patrons. A firm manner is a must;
Work well in a team;
Be reliable;
Be flexible, regarding unforeseen circumstances;
Understand festival emergency procedures, including first aid procedures, incident reporting and evacuation in the event of flood, bushfire or other natural event (induction day attendance an advantage. Communication with Team Leader is a must);
Be able to react quickly in the event of inclement weather.
Be physically capable of continually moving around parking areas during shifts if required
To ensure the camping areas are managed effectively to provide Festival-goers with a positive experience as soon as they arrive on site and throughout the festival. Duties may include: greeting and ensuring campers are registered at the Ticket Office, direct campers and caravans to designated sites, monitor camping grounds during the festival, provide information to campers. Position reports to Camping Coordinator. Experience of similar volunteer role is an advantage but not necessary.
Volunteers must:
Possess good communication skills;
Have ability to be friendly and helpful whilst being clear in delivery of instructions to patrons.
Display an extremely assertive manner;
Work well in a team;
Be reliable;
Be flexible, regarding unforeseen circumstances;
Understand festival emergency procedures, including first aid procedures, incident reporting and evacuation in the event of flood, bushfire or other natural event (induction day attendance an advantage. Communication with Team Leader is a must);
Be able to react quickly in the event of inclement weather.
Be physically capable of continually moving around camping areas during shifts if required
To assist delivery of the children's program, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants. The program contributes to the festival spirit by encouraging young people to create and produce works of art to take home or display at the festival;
Duties may include implementing activities, as directed by the Team Leader, ensure the wellbeing of all children by adhering to the protocol provided by the Team Leader; Support the Team Leader when it comes time to curate and display children's artworks on the Sunday of the festival.
Be able to engage politely but firmly with parents and carers, particularly where there is a need to advise that the space is not a child minding facility;
Ensure that Code of Conduct and other relevant protocols are observed at all times eg: ensure there are two WWC Check-holding adults (including self) on shift at all timetabled sessions, as a child protection protocol.
The Festival Office is the focal point for information, problem solving and issues management. Volunteers in the festival office provide a very important service to ensure the smooth running of the Festival. At all times we should have a calm, positive and friendly approach to ensure festival attendees and volunteers have an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Position Title: Festival Site Office Team Leader
Responsible To: Festival Site Manager
Other relevant Information:
Ensure current Contact Lists availability for Festival Organising Committee, Local trades and contract persons, Festival Team Leaders/Managers, Festival Office Volunteers, Performer Contact List, Security Services, Emergency & Support Services;
Ensure availability of documentation for Evacuation Procedure, Two-way Radio Protocol & Log Book sheets, Festival Office Volunteer Roster, Festival Office Procedures & Duties, Festival Office Log sheets, Drinking Water drums labels;
Recording ALL Festival Office activities in the Log Book;
Function as the Lost Property Office for the Festival site and log each item received and/or reported as lost;
Ensure adequate drinking water and cups are provided for performers & volunteers at all venues, the Bar and the Ticket Office. Also for the Construction Team/s pre-Festival;
Duties include:
Liaising with Festival Team leaders and others to resolve issues and acquire resources as required;
Coordinating the 2 way radio communication system;
Ensuring toilets and showers are kept clean and well maintained (this is not a cleaning duty, instead a supervisory and communication duty- ensuring that appropriate team is advised of conditions);
Liaising with Security Team;
Coordinating emergency situations;
Preparing and installing signage for the Festival;
Organise and manage the Drinking Water drums systems for Performers & Volunteers
Desirable Skills;
excellent communication and teamwork skills to help facilitate communication between venues and team and to engage effectively with festival patrons and volunteers. This may involve roaming between venues and/or going off-site.
a calm manner
capacity for effective problem solving
capacity to quickly understand with the festival site layout and to familiarise themselves with festival OH&S, medical, emergency and evacuation procedures
Assist in the smooth running of the festival shop, market and sell festival merchandise. Volunteers must have a friendly and engaging manner, good team skills and reliable cash management skills.
Duties may include:
Setup and/or pack down of Festival shop
Interacting with patrons as they peruse the festival shop and merchandise;
Recording basic and precise inventory of Festival and Performer merchandise;
Consulting with performers regarding their merchandise
Displaying Festival and Performer merchandise in an appealing and sensible manner
Operating a cash register, iPad Point of Sale (POS) and EFTPOS machine;
Handling cash in an ethical manner;
Managing the setup, pack down and storage of merchandise each day;
Liaising, discreetly, with appropriate festival managers regarding resources and funds;
Keeping the counters and shop neat and tidy;
Maintaining a friendly and respectful atmosphere within the festival shop;
Volunteers in this role would be the eyes and ears of the shift management team around the festival. They would be part of mobile teams of two during festival; responding to patrons' questions and problems; escalating issues to shift manager for resolution; troubleshooting where appropriate. They would report to the shift manager on a regular basis.
Volunteers must:
Have excellent people, communication, judgment and problem solving skills;
Be willing to rove the grounds of the festival during shift;
Be familiar with all locations on-site (pre-festival on-site induction beneficial);
Have self motivation and initiative in responding to patrons' needs and requirements.
Ensure the smooth running of the instrument lock-up; ensure that instruments are stored safely and securely; ensure efficient check in and check out of instruments, liaison with performers
Duties include:
Liaising (rubbing shoulders!) with festival performers in a manner that maintains the positive festival spirit;
Recording and keep a concise inventory of performers' instruments;
Debriefing with previous shift's workers as per the inventory and performers;
Keeping the area secure in order to avoid any misadventure or damage to instruments;
Volunteers must have a friendly and engaging manner, good team skills and reliable inventory skills.
Being compere of a stage; introducing performers and acts and thanking them at the end of performance;
Making community announcements to audiences as required, develop a rapport with audience and create an enjoyable atmosphere;
liaising with performers, liaising with the stage managers regarding time and programmed events.
Volunteers must:
Be confident, personable and comfortable on stage;
Be flexible and able to deal with the unexpected;
Be able to undertake research ahead of the event to be able to speak knowledgeably about the acts - read about the performers and acts in the program to stay informed.
Assist setup as directed by Team Leader including venue setup, staging, barriers, signage, bins, toilets, cleaning, preparation for use, sound equipment, backdrops, decorations, stalls and electrical installations. Construction experience highly valued but not essential. Construction volunteers often work over and above minimum hours - they get so involved! Core construction team volunteers who come on site two weeks before the festival are provided with free access to power. All other volunteers may purchase powered sites at the gate for $35.
Duties may include:
Construction, liaising with Festival suppliers as directed;
Liaising with Site Decoration team;
Liaising with Electrical team;
Coordination of resources allocated to assist in setup.
Volunteers must:
Be available before the festival begins to be a part of the set up team;
Assist pack down as directed by Team Leader including venue pack down, and deconstruction/storage of staging, barriers, signage, backdrops, decorations, stalls, electrical etc. Volunteers must be prepared for physical effort.
Condition of Entry:
This position is an important role that comes with a condition of entry. This ticket is a great option for those that want to enjoy the WHOLE festival uninterrupted. It is also a great choice for volunteers who have a couple of days after the festival available.
If you choose/accept this role you are also accepting the conditions.
The condition is that, to ensure all volunteers are present and accounted for, credit/debit card details are kept on file until the completion of minimum hours has been approved. Upon completion, all details are destroyed and no fee is incurred. If hours are not met or volunteer does not present to shifts then the card will be charged the full weekend ticket and camping price. This condition is in place to ensure we have sufficient volunteers to help pack down post festival. This condition is in place to ensure that dedicated and committed volunteers choose this role.
Duties may include:
Construction;
Liaising with Festival suppliers as directed;
Liaising with Site Decoration team;
Liaising with Electrical team;
Recording of inventory;
Volunteers must:
Be available for two to three days after the festival ends (the more volunteers the less time required to complete the pack down);
Manage the allocated stage to ensure the best experience possible for performers and audiences. Critical aspects of this role include providing a warm welcome to performers and attending to their needs as required, ensuring the program runs exactly to time, ensuring the facility is kept clean and well-maintained to ensure a safe, comfortable and satisfying experience for performers, patrons and volunteers.
Duties may include:
Liaisoning with performers, sound engineers and others and to assist them as required;
Ensuring concerts/events kept to running sheets;
Ensuring that tea, coffee, sugar, milk and cold water are replenished;
Ensuring venue is clean and tidy throughout the day - with all rubbish picked up and chairs properly arranged;
Assisting with stage set-up - chairs, tables, instruments;
Liaising with Venue Manager and/or Production Manager regarding any artist/programming problems.
Venue Managers and Stage team must:
Stage Managers must:
Be friendly and approachable, with a great deal of tact and diplomacy;
Be confident enough to handle unplanned events;
Have initiative. If a job needs doing or a patron needs your service you are ‘ready';
Familiarise themselves with OH&S requirements and emergency procedures.
To ensure patrons, performers and volunteers are warmly welcomed to the festival when they purchase/scan their tickets for the festival.
The Ticket Office is the Festival shopfront, the first point of contact, and in many ways the face of the festival. The quality of an individual's engagement at the Ticket Office can set the tone for the whole festival. We want to make it the best possible experience! Computer skills are essential and EFTPOS and cash handling experience is desirable.
Duties include:
Welcoming patrons, performers, VIPs and volunteers to the festival;
Selling festival tickets to patrons on arrival;
Scanning pre-purchased tickets as patrons arrive;
Wristbanding patrons prior to entering the festival site;
Selling festival programs and providing information about the event.
Volunteers must:
Be friendly and approachable with excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
Be welcoming to attendees and able to work under pressure;
Have computer skills for using scanners, IPads and EFTPOS.
Prepare lunches for the set up team on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Prepare lunches for the pack up team on Monday and Tuesday after the Festival. Prepare and serve snacks, tea and coffee for volunteers throughout the Festival from Tuesday to Sunday. Prepare food and beverages for the post-festival Volunteers Party.
Volunteers must:
Have a current food-handling certificate (obtained, for free, through the local council's website: Click Here) ;
Assist in the running of a clean and tidy catering facility;
Familiarise themselves with OH&S requirements and emergency procedures;
Be able to work in a team;
Be able to effectively communicate with team members.
Be part of team that runs a festival cafe in a busy part of the site. Job may include, but is not limited to, food preparation; cooking; money handling; dishwashing; tidying; and general hospitality customer service. Experience is preferred but not essential. Volunteers will have a team leader that manages the major decisions.
Volunteers must:
Have a current food-handling certificate (obtained, for free, through the local council's website: Click Here) ;
Assist in the running of a clean and tidy catering facility;
Familiarise themselves with OH&S requirements and emergency procedures;
Be able to work in a team;
Be able to effectively communicate with team members.
Assist the coordination and management of a new space for the festival, where patrons can sit back and relax and take respite from the heat, feed and change children, gather themselves before the next gig, etc...
Duties may include:
Pre and post festival duties, including set up, assist decoration and pack down;
Daily setting up and packing down duties for volunteers rostered early and late;
Ensuring the venue is safe, clean and tidy;
Top up tea, coffee and water as required.
Volunteers must:
Have a composed demeanor;
Great communication skills when interacting with the public;
Be able to work in a team and take direction;
Be prepared for pre-festival set up;
Be prepared for post-festival removal of furniture and soft furnishings.
This role includes being the first point of contact for performers upon their arrival. You will be briefed by, and work closely with, the Performer Liaison Manager and relevant shift managers.
Volunteers in these roles must:
Have impeccable people skills and an approachable attitude;
Be able to take initiative when it comes to troubleshooting and liaising between the public, performers, Team Leaders and volunteers;
Maintain a professional attitude and represent the CFF in a positive manner;
Be familiar with the names of acts (can be studied on-site);
Role may include but is not limited to:
Greeting performers and their families;
Receiving and/or scanning printed tickets;
Operating an iPad/tablet/laptop operated "check-in" system;
Issuing performer wristbands and programs where required;
Liaising between Team Leaders and volunteers as required;
Distributing performer information and forms as required;
Briefing performers on site layout;
Briefing performers on emergency procedures;
Briefing performers on camping options and Green Room;
Answering performer enquiries;
Alerting Performer Liaison Manager and/or Shift manager of performer no-shows;
The Cobargo Folk Festival's The Crossing Youth Tent is one of the Festival's most important contributions to music development and youth education. The Crossing is looking for an MC who is 18+
Duties include:
Introducing performers and acts and thank them at the end of performance;
Making community announcements to audiences as required;
Developing a rapport with audiences and create an enjoyable atmosphere;
Liaising with performers (and sometimes parents/carers);
Liaising with the stage manager regarding time and programmed events;
Ensuring the program runs to time.
This applicant must have:
Great communication skills;
An understanding of, and empathy for, youth culture;
An ability to improvise when the time calls for it;
An approachable attitude;
Confidence to be on stage to introduce and thank performers.
This is an integral role in the smooth running and appearance of the festival. In this role you will be mobile throughout your shift as you move about the festival site, fulfilling your duties (listed below). This jobs requires volunteers that are physically capable of meeting expectations and responsibilities. Please note: you will NOT be cleaning any toilets, only tidying the bathroom spaces.
This role may include but is not limited to:
Monitoring bins and advising patrons of correct waste disposal when required;
Clearing tables in eating areas;
Redistributing CFF chairs in eating areas;
Keeping grounds clear of waste, including camping areas;
Monitoring Children's Tent, NESTival, Volunteer Respite and Breastfeeding Space for bin collection;
Working with contractor to relocate full bins.
Collecting green waste for distribution after festival;
Resetting of chairs in venues after gigs;
Monitoring toilets and amenities;
Replenishing provisions when and where necessary;
Liaising with Cleaning and Maintenance contractor, and associated staff, regarding issues/concerns.
Liaising with Site Manager and/or 2IC for optimum communication.
This is an integral role in the smooth running and appearance of the festival. In this role you will be mobile throughout your shift as you move about the festival site, fulfilling your duties (listed below). This jobs requires volunteers that are physically capable of meeting expectations and responsibilities. Please note: you will NOT be cleaning any toilets, only tidying the bathroom spaces. This team is known as the ‘Sparrow Fart Team’. Volunteers start their shifts at 6am to tidy the area in and around the bar and venues ready for the day.
This role requires volunteers (working in pairs) to roam the festival site selling raffle tickets to the festival public. This raffle consists of multiple prizes and the proceeds support our Youth Crossing team/family. The right people for this role must be friendly, vibrant, approachable and able to handle money in an efficient and honest manner.
This role requires volunteers to belong to one of 2 teams.
They will either:
Roam the festival site, capturing the essence and vibe of the festival via photos taken with a wifi-enabled device. These volunteers will be well-prepared with information on where to go, what to snap and how/what to hashtag. We aim for diversity in who our happy-snappers will be!OR
Assist the contracted media team as they roam the site taking professional shots and footage for Cobargo Folk Festival or Yuin Folk Club use.
Should you require any further information please contact:
Volunteer registration for the 2019 Cobargo Folk Festival is now open!
