Why Volunteering at Festivals Could Be the Spark That Fuels a Career.

By Vanessa Briody, Director of Oregional Collective

When Ballarat teen Darcy Callanan entered a recipe competition, she never imagined it would lead to cooking live on stage with Australian culinary icon Geoff Jansz. But that’s exactly what happened at Grampians Grape Escape in 2022, all thanks to a humble meatball recipe, a little courage and a willingness to give volunteering a go.

At just 15, Darcy’s meatballs not only impressed a celebrity chef and crowd but caught the attention of festival organisers, a moment that further fuelled the fire for her culinary career. Now, she’s studying Cookery and Patisserie at William Angliss Institute with the support of two scholarships, already carving out her place in Australia’s vibrant hospitality scene.

Darcy’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of volunteering, particularly within regional events and festivals. It’s not just about getting a free ticket for handing out programs. Volunteering can unlock passions, uncover talents, help people explore new paths, and discover what truly makes them tick.

So why should we invest in building meaningful volunteer programs and pathways into our festivals and regional events?

1. Volunteering builds confidence and character

Darcy admits she wasn’t a confident public speaker. But being thrown in the deep end (or, in this case, the cooking stage spotlight) gave her a huge boost. Events provide safe, supportive environments for people to learn by doing – whether it’s handling a mic, coordinating logistics, prepping produce or working with professional teams. Real-world experience is unmatched.

2. It connects people to place

There’s something special about contributing to an event that celebrates your region. For many volunteers, it’s not just about clocking hours for a free ticket; it’s about being part of something bigger, building pride in place and forming lasting community connections. That sense of ownership is powerful and long-lasting.

3. It opens unexpected doors

Darcy’s story shows how a single moment of involvement can open the door to opportunities, mentors, and networks. Volunteering can be the first step on a professional journey — particularly for regional youth who might not yet see the full breadth of careers available to them.

4. It’s a two-way street

Events gain energy, passion and local know-how from volunteers. But the benefit goes both ways. When we invest in proper volunteer coordination, provide skills development and recognise contribution, we’re not just delivering a smoother event; we’re investing in the region’s future workforce and cultural capital.

This year, Darcy will return to Grampians Grape Escape, but not as a backstage hand for the first time in a while. Instead, she’ll be a proud supporter, watching her uncle, country music artist Aaron D’Arcy, perform on the festival’s main stage. But no doubt, she’ll be popping into the cooking tent to catch a glimpse of stars like Dani Venn and Justine Schofield doing what they do best, perhaps even imagining herself in that role one day.

Darcy’s story is proof that when young people are given a chance to contribute, they rise. All it takes is a door to open and a festival like Grampians Grape Escape that sees volunteering not as a gap to fill but as a launchpad for dreams.

Interested in creating meaningful volunteer pathways at your event or within your regional initiative? Let’s talk. Oregional Collective supports communities and councils to shape experiences that matter — for visitors and volunteers alike.