meets the Forest Dancefloor

The visionary civil and human rights leader, Harvey Milk, once said, “hope will never be silent."

In Daylesford, every year the community comes together for ChillOut Festival; to celebrate queer country pride through a series of events and parties that light up venues across town.

Emma Westerbeek, the festival’s director, says that at the heart of the festival there’s a sense of integrity that draws her in, “Things used to be; kids in regional areas going into the city to find themselves.”

With over 25 years of Music and Events industry experience, Emma has worked at institutions such as Revolver Upstairs, Bar Open, The Big Day Out, The Byron Blues Festival, Meredith music festival, and Ballarat frolic festival Dark Rainbow. “In 2020, I was asked to program the festival. It was fantastic fun working in my own backyard, says Emma. “It was the first Golden Plans Festival I didn’t work because it was on the same weekend.”

For Emma, the story of ChillOut is weaved into the fabric of Daylesford, “the fact that it started in the park as a way to connect rainbow families…26 years ago.” She says, “Growing the festival is part of growing with the community. Everyone from the primary schools, to high school, police, to the elderly, to people with disabilities.”

When she moved to Daylesford, the potential of the ChillOut parade made Emma realise how vital community support was for LGBTQI residents. She says, “every year we would watch the parade to be part of the community that makes ChillOut what it is.”

“This year we wanted to focus on more accessibility and inclusivity. We put a call out for people with disabilities to attend the festival. that's one of the changes, the other change is going for is a no waste festival. We're just kind of easing into it.”

The festival strives to empower LGBTQI community and educate the locals, Emma says, “I feel like we're a bit of an educator for people, to show them how a community can be a safe space.”

ChillOut is now the largest LGBTQI festival in regional Australia. “I like to use the phrase, ‘Chillout is where the forest meets the dancefloor.’ It’s about connection.”

This year the festival will be hosting panel discussions, the famous Bush Dance in Victoria Park, Granny Bingo, cabaret, a pool party and comedy shows among a wild array of colourful offerings.

“I'm excited to see Kate Miller Heidke headlining carnival. I’m really excited about the All Ages Soundshell, it's a great place for families from all over regional victoria to just connect with LGBTQI youth,” says Emma. “Also, there’s a fantastic youth panel of Daylesford College students are talking about gender fluidity and all things queer.

For the first time, ChillOut will be offering shuttles buses and glamping to accomodate the influx of over 30,000 guests.

“I just want to invite all community to come to the opening event to meet us and enjoy our beautiful local primary school choirs.”

Em Westerbeek Director - Chillout festival chilloutfestival.com.au