At the core of GTM’s philosophy is bringing people together as one big community. Or as we like to call it, comooooonity. It brings us udder joy to showcase the offerings and support the communities of each region we visit. We’re thrilled to announce what we’ve got in store for Canberra in 2023.

Community Workshops
Tamsin Kemp has a long-standing relationship with Groovin the Moo and will once again coordinate free community workshops that offer a space for young people to explore their creativity and develop their skills. These workshops will create décor used within the festival.

LGBTQIA+ Safe Spaces
Local entertainers Phish & Phreak Productions will be hosting the Safe Space and bringing good vibes with DJs, drag queens and lots of sparkle. The team behind What Were You Wearing? will be joining us for the Canberra leg of the tour. They will be providing a chill out space for those that need a break from the crowds or who may be feeling a little overwhelmed.
What Were You Wearing? are a community organisation focussed on providing awareness, education and advocacy against sexual assault.

Local Artist Showcases
The Plot stage is a space dedicated to local artists and DJs, all handled by local stage managers. GTM will work with a local promoter to program this stage, which historically has gone off and is an absolute highlight for locals and visitors alike.

Local Fundraiser
The Men’s Shed at Tuggeranong in South Canberra will be assisting this year at GTM with event parking. A gold coin donation from each car will support the Men’s Shed and all they do for the community. The UC Hockey Club will manage the car park and the proceeds will help sustain the clubs multiple programs for juniors and seniors alike!

Powder Pen
Powder Pen providers Kyndred will keep you looking festival fresh! Local hairdresser Cindy Rue and her team of make up artists and hairdressers will be on hand to give festival goers a place to glam up for a small fee. They will then donate a portion of their proceeds back to a local animal rescue charity.

Ticket Exchange Program
Oasis Youth Support Network provide education, training and employment support for disadvantaged and marginalised youth in Canberra. Oasis sees these services as the primary pathway out of homelessness for young people. A number of social workers will escort participants to GTM.

Welcome to Country
Serena Williams will perform the Welcome to Country and welcome GTM patrons to the land and the festival.

Work Experience and Volunteer Placement
Girls Rock! Canberra is a community arts organisation working to increase the participation of young people of marginalised gender identities in music. Marginalised gender identities include girls (trans and cis), trans-boys, and gender diverse young people. Girls Rock! create safe and inclusive spaces for young people to learn, create and collaborate through promoting inclusivity, diversity, respect and accessibility. Girls Rock! will be taking on key roles within the festival team to gain some valued experience in the music industry.

GTM is working with Black Mountain School in 2023 to provide volunteer opportunities for young people with disabilities to participate in the arts and music communities. Their inclusion gives them hands on work experience and access to the festival with their support worker. To revisit the National Community Program press release, please head here.