VOLUNTEER
Volunteer applications are closed for 2024.
The Volunteer Support Team is super excited to welcome you back to Tocumwal for our 15-year anniversary.
Event volunteers will work for a ticket in the following roles/departments:
Welcoming committee - This position includes supporting traffic and bus facilitation upon ingress and egress, as well as supporting front gate operations and ticketing at the front gate across the festival.
Sustainability - Reducing our environmental impact is important to us. Participating in the sustainability department may involve helping Clean Vibes with bin flipping and litter picking, as well as sorting, cleaning, and distribution in the Rewash program with B-alternative.
Crowd Care - The crowd care program at SFF is called Strawberry Fielders. Volunteers are stationed throughout the campsites to help everyone have a safe time at the event. Responsibilities may include disseminating general event info, handing out rubbish bags, sunscreen, and smiles, engaging with patrons, promoting safe partying, and escalating to other onsite services where required.
Specialty Roles - If you are interested in being more involved at the event, volunteering in HQ or participating during set up/pack down and have carpentry or other trade skills, we may have a specialty role for you!
Exchange
Event volunteers are asked to complete two 4.5-hour shifts in exchange for their Volunteer Ticket to the festival.
The set-up and pack-down participant exchange may vary and will be confirmed if you are a successful applicant. The exchange is generally two 8-hour days before or after the event.
For more information, please refer to the FAQs below, and if your query has gone unanswered or you need further assistance, please email volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au
IMPORTANT ENGAGEMENT DATES
Applications Open - 19 July 2024
Applications Close - August 9 2024
Confirmations - 16 September 2024
The Volunteer Support Team will email weekly rounds of offers; it may take a few weeks for you to hear from us!
Roster Delivery - 24 October 2024
Your allocated role, shift times and other pre-event info will become available at this time
VOLUNTEER FAQs
How do I apply to volunteer?
Applications will open on July 19th and close on August 9th.
Once applications are open, you can apply on the Volunteer section of the website.
We suggest rallying the troops early, as we will not be accepting any further applications once the deadline has passed.
If I didn’t apply during the nominated dates can I go on the waiting list?
Due to the high number of applications, we will not be opening the waiting list to new applicants at this stage. If anything changes, we will update the FAQs to reflect this closer to the event.
What makes a good volunteer?
We love accountable, communicative, organised and easy-going volunteers who love teamwork! The Volunteer Support Team is looking for participants who are all about our ethos of the "Volunteer Experience"
We ask that all volunteers are organised and prepared and take responsibility for informing us of any issues or changes to their availability; these qualities help us navigate the dynamic experience of managing a festival.
A positive mental attitude and costumes are highly encouraged.
What is the “Volunteer Experience”?
This year, we are improving the things we offer volunteers. These include but are not limited to: a Volunteer Campground (with added perks), discounted bus tickets, and access to the event from Thursday, November 14th.
What we are looking for in our volunteers are people who want to volunteer for an experience other than just doing it for the ticket. We want folk who wish to contribute to this fantastic festival, value the experience of giving back, and understand that volunteering is about helping run the festival. This contribution may require a sacrifice to some prime party time.
How many hours do I have to volunteer for?
Generally, we ask our Event Volunteers to complete 2 x 4.5-hour shifts in exchange for a Volunteer Ticket to the event. A Volunteer Ticket includes camping and access to the event area; however, it does not include a vehicle pass or bus ticket.
Set-up and Pack-down Volunteers must complete a minimum of 2 x 8-hour shifts in exchange for their Volunteer Ticket. This exchange is more involved as they do not give up any of their time during the event, and we want to engage people willing to be part of the crew that builds this fantastic festival.
If you are a successful applicant, we will specify what exchange is on offer at the time of confirmation.
What volunteer roles are available?
The majority of volunteer positions we provide to support the festival are for the Welcoming Committee (Ticketing, Traffic, and Buses), Sustainability, and Strawberry Fielder roles. More information on these roles can be found here.
We cannot guarantee you will get your first preference nominated on your application form.
We have a limited number of speciality roles.
Specialty roles may include volunteering for the Arts department or working with the Info Tent and Volunteer departments.
The application form provides more information on the roles available, and detailed position descriptions will be emailed to you if you are a successful applicant.
When do I find out if I have successfully applied to volunteer?
We will send out weekly rounds of offers starting September 16th, 2024.
You will receive an email to confirm if you have been successful.
We recommend regularly checking your emails starting on September 16th.
The volunteer support team will notify all unsuccessful applicants via email, and you can go on the waiting list.
How do I accept my volunteer position?
You will receive an email from the Volunteer Support Team confirming your allocated role and acceptance into the program.
To secure your position, you must complete the Volunteer Acknowledgement process within the allocated time frame.
Keep an eye out for the acceptance email (save us as a contact and check your junk/spam folder). You will have a specific time window to complete the process. We cannot guarantee your spot outside this window as we may have filled your position with an awaiting applicant.
If I am selected but cannot attend the festival, can I give my position to someone else?
If the person that you wish to receive your position has already applied during the nominated application dates, we may be able to facilitate your request. Please note that as there are more volunteer applications than positions available, we will not be able to offer the position to someone who hasn’t already applied.
When do I find out what shift times I have?
Fri October 24th 2024
Along with your shift times, you will receive the Volunteer Handbook, which includes but is not limited a detailed position description for your role, what to pack and bring with you, and arrival instructions.
The Volunteer Support Team will consider the information available in your application when allocating your shift times.
If your circumstances have changed, please email the Volunteer Support Team at volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au if any information needs updating
Can I change my allocated shift times?
We ask you to provide your availability in the application form. If you fail to update us on any changes prior to the release of your shift times, we may not be able to provide you alternative shifts.
When do I need to arrive at the festival?
This year, all volunteers must arrive on Thursday, November 14th.
This is to ensure that we’ve rallied the team to facilitate the arrival of general admission patrons on Friday, the 15th.
Arriving on Thursday allows you to settle in and enjoy more time at the festival.
Do I need to provide my own tent?
Yes, Strawberry Fields is a BYO camping gear (tent, mat, sleeping bag etc.) event unless you wish to purchase additional Glamping or Camping rentals (subject to availability).
Volunteers have access to the volunteer and general camping area of the campgrounds.
Is there a volunteer camping area?
This year, there will be a dedicated camping area for volunteers. Camping here is not compulsory, but the perks include access to the Volunteer Lounge (with power) and amenities. It's an excellent opportunity to get to know fellow volunteers and enjoy some VIP treatment.
The Volunteer Camping area will be close to Vollie HQ and the Strawberry Fields Bus stop.
Do I get fed as a volunteer during the festival?
Volunteers who complete their shifts during the festival will not be provided meals as a part of the exchange.
You can purchase food available from the food stalls.
Volunteers will have access to the Welfare Station in Vollie HQ, where you can make tea or coffee during your shifts.
You will need to bring your travel mug!
Please familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions of entry. You may not bring naked flames or heat sources (cookers or burners) to the event.
Meals will be provided to volunteer participants before and after the festival (set-up and pack-down volunteers) when food stalls are closed.
When do I get my Volunteer Ticket?
The Volunteer Support Team will email you a Volunteer Ticket within two weeks of the festival.
Does my Volunteer Ticket include a vehicle pass?
No. You must purchase a vehicle pass separately or buy a ticket for the Strawberry Fields Bus.
The Volunteer Support Team will email more information on how to book discounted bus tickets to confirmed volunteers closer to the event.
As private vehicle passes are sold out, you will need to purchase a resale ticket on the Humanitix Resale platform.
A free shuttle will also operate from Tocumwal in accordance with the train timetable. You must register for this free service via the website, which will be available for booking closer to the event.
Do I need to buy a Ticket to volunteer?
No. Confirmed volunteers who have completed the Volunteer Acknowledgement to secure their position are sent a complimentary Volunteer Ticket before the event.
What if I have already bought a Ticket to the festival?
Once you have been confirmed as a volunteer (and you have made the Volunteer Agreement payment to secure your position) we ask that you resell your ticket via the Humanitix Resale system, more information on how to resell your ticket can be found here.
If you need further support with this process, you can email the Volunteer Support Team at volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au
Do I have to be onsite at a specific time to volunteer?
All volunteers are required to arrive at the festival on Thursday, November 14th.
If your first shift is on Thursday the 14th, we encourage you to be onsite at least 3 hours before the beginning of your shift so that you have enough time to be processed by the front gate, find a camp spot, and set up camp before signing on.
If your first shift starts before the gates open, the Volunteer Support Team will contact you to explain how early entry applies to you.
Please note: Volunteers may be allocated shifts from Thursday, November 14th to Monday, November 18th.
Why do I have to come on Thursday?
We are creating a “Volunteer Experience” this year and want to ensure we’re setting up the team in the best possible way.
Not only do you get more time to enjoy the festival (there is programming on Thursday), but we want to ensure that everyone who is needed for the arrival process on Friday is onsite on Thursday. We’re lining up our ducks, so to speak.
We’re also planning a little get-together on Thursday night. It’s going to be a good time!
Can I come to the festival early?
For safety reasons, early arrival (before Thursday 14th) is only issued to volunteers who need to be onsite before the festival officially starts.
Buses will be available for volunteers to purchase, to arrive on Wednesday.
If I am approved for arrival on Wednesday the 13th and have a vehicle pass, can my friends come in early, too?
General ticket holders can only enter the site after the gates open on Thursday at 2 p.m. if they have an Early Access Vehicle Pass or an Early Entry bus ticket to arrive on Thursday from 2 p.m.
If you show up on Wednesday with general admission ticket holders, they will be turned away until the festival is open to patrons.
General admission ticket holders without an Early Entry Vehicle or Bus Pass can only arrive from noon on Friday, November 15th.
Can I volunteer with my friends?
We will do our best to schedule you with friends who have provided the same unique group name. However, this cannot be guaranteed and should not be an expectation of volunteering.
Please ensure you all use the same unique group name (do not use individual names). Variations of spelling make it difficult for us to identify you and reduce the chance you will be rostered together.
Do I have a uniform?
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
Bring a sunhat to wear on your shift if you volunteer during the daylight hours.
The Volunteer Support Team or your supervising Manager will provide you with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to wear during your shift. You must return it at the end of your shift.
Be practical and sensible when packing for the festival. Look ahead at the forecast; bring warm things, layered things, water-proof things, sun-smart things, things with lights, a torch, snacks, a water bottle etc.
How do I sign on and off for my shifts?
Volunteers are asked to arrive 15 minutes before their shift start time at Vollie HQ.
You must sign on and off for all your shifts at Vollie HQ to ensure you are not penalised for failing to meet the Volunteer Acknowledgement. Signing on and off for your shifts demonstrates that you have completed your allocated shifts in exchange for an entry into the festival.
The Volunteer Support Team at HQ are a friendly and approachable bunch. We ask for your accountability and communication. We can’t help find solutions to problems if you don’t tell us about them in a timely manner.
What should I bring to my shift?
Strawberry Fields takes place in November, and there can be a variance of maximum and minimum temperatures — you need to come prepared for all weather conditions and look after yourself!
We want your experience to be enjoyable.
Please bring a refillable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, a hat, a scarf or dust mask (festivals can be dusty), and lots of warm/wet weather gear for colder temperatures.
Bring your positive mental attitude; the experience is what you make it!
What is the Volunteer Acknowledgement?
The Volunteer Acknowledgement outlines your engagement and expectations as a confirmed participant. We utilise a payment gateway (Stripe) that securely stores your details until your allocated shifts are successfully completed.
A nominal, non-refundable fee is processed so that we have your details. In the unlikely event you do not complete your shifts or break the terms & conditions of the festival or the Volunteer Acknowledgement, you will be back-charged the total price of a final round ticket ($428) plus a $100 administrative fee.
Please email the Volunteer Support Team at volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au for further info if you have any queries.
Is the $50 Volunteer Acknowledgement fee refundable if I can no longer volunteer?
No. You commit to your volunteer position once you accept your position and pay the administrative fee, which covers the cost of processing you and replacing you if you withdraw.
What if I miss my shift?
Participants must present to the Volunteer Support Team at Vollie HQ ASAP.
Failure to do so will result in the penalty fee (the total price of the ticket plus the administration fee) as per the engagement agreement in the Volunteer Acknowledgement.
My email/phone/credit card details have changed. How can I update this?
Please email volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au ASAP to ensure you don’t miss any important info!
I want to talk to someone about my experience as a volunteer. Who can I contact?
If you feel comfortable talking to one of the Volunteer Support Team, please approach the HQ Manager during the festival.
If you wish to talk to somebody else, you can email info@strawberry-fields.com.au
For any post-event feedback, please email volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au