ChillOut's History, Purpose and Aims

ChillOut began as an annual festival of the Springs Connection, a local gay and lesbian business group in Daylesford. The first festival was staged in 1997 and each year the festival has been hosted over the Victoria Labour Day long-weekend in March. The inaugural festival was held at the Old Winery in Ballan Road attracting participation from 10 stallholders and 50 – 100 visitors over one Sunday afternoon. The very early festivals drew some local opposition because of the focus on gay and lesbian pride but how attitudes do change.

In 2008 ChillOut celebrated its eleventh anniversary. Since its inception ChillOut has grown to become the largest gay and lesbian festival in regional Australia and the largest festival in Hepburn Shire. Within gay, lesbian and related communities only the city-based festivals attract larger visitor numbers.

With steady growth in attendance each year, over 25,000 people attended ChillOut in 2008 and nearly 100 stallholders participated at Carnival Day. In 2005, major US website www.gay.com called ChillOut one of the best and most important queer events anywhere in the world – which is owed largely to ChillOut’s profile and very unique place in a rural setting.

In 2006 researchers from the University of Wollongong (NSW) estimated that ChillOut generated more than $6m in direct economic benefit within Hepburn Shire ($24m in flow-on benefit). That number grew to more than $8m in 2008.

ChillOut has always been a community-based organisation supported by the efforts of volunteers and in-kind and financial support from businesses. A huge part of ChillOut’s success is owed to the generous volunteer support from individuals – without their help ChillOut simply could not happen.

Over its eleven-year history, ChillOut has raised more than $70,000 for local charities, worthy causes and groups. Without question this support has helped enhance ChillOut’s value within our local community.

ChillOut is dedicated to celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer pride within the unique setting of regional Victoria. It’s all part of the celebration of diversity, with friends and family, combined with our love for this beautiful part of Victoria - that is ChillOut. Come and enjoy!

Our Management Committee aims to achieve the following:

• The festival and its associated events are responsive to and representative of the interests of gay and lesbian and related communities, including friends and families. Our focus is on highlighting gay and lesbian arts and culture and other events in a relaxed, country setting and on introducing visitors to experiences unique to our region.
• ChillOut will continue to grow its importance in the community by raising a meaningful donation to a nominated charity or worthy cause each year.
• Festival organisers will work with the local community and festival participants to deliver a welcoming, safe and healthy environment during ChillOut.
• The organisation will operate in a financially sound manner aiming to return an improved positive cash position to ChillOut at the end of each financial year.
• The Management Committee will apply sound business management practices to ensure the long-term viability, growth and good reputation of ChillOut.