From humble beginnings, ChillOut has grown to become the biggest and longest-running Country Queer Pride event in regional Australia, and the largest festival in Hepburn Shire. While events in the capital cities might be a lot bigger, ChillOut retains a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to let your hair down, and has found a special place in the hearts of gay men and lesbians across Australia – and the world
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 Victorian Labour Day long weekend in March.
ChillOut is a not-for-profit community-based organisation dedicated to celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer pride within the unique setting of regional Victoria. We’re about building community, celebrating diversity, and sharing our love for this beautiful part of Australia, while helping raise money every year for a dedicated worthy cause.
Some highlights from our history
1997: 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 over the years ChillOut has been accepted as an integral part of the Daylesford and Hepburn Shire calendar.
2005: ChillOut: Cary on Camping. Influential US website www.gay.com called ChillOut one of the best and most important queer events anywhere in the world.
2006: ChillOut: A Decade of Fairytales. Researchers from the University of Wollongong (NSW) estimated that ChillOut generated more than $6m in direct economic benefit within Hepburn Shire, with $24m in flow-on benefit. That number grew to more than $8m in 2009.
2007: The ChillOut festival was not held.
2008: ChillOut: Queer as Country Folk.
2009: More than 25,000 visitors attend our biggest festival to date, ChillOut: Disco Stampede. More than 100 stallholders at Carnival Day.
2010: Despite unprecedented heavy rain, thousands brave the conditions to attend ChillOut: A Bush Odyssey.
2011: With all the color and movement of Bollywood in the Bush ChillOut goes off and not even rain on Carnival Day could dampen our spirits.
Who we are
ChillOut has always been a community-based organisation supported by the efforts of volunteers and in-kind and financial support from businesses. Our Management Committee is made up of volunteer member from the local area, who work with the Festival Director to deliver the annual festival.
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 fourteen year history, ChillOut has raised more than $100,000 for local charities, worthy causes and groups. Without question this support has helped enhance ChillOut’s value within our local community.
ChillOut 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.
Play Safe Policy
ChillOut is a celebration of diversity. We aim to create an atmosphere of fun and festivity and encourage everyone to play safely; be responsible, look after yourself, your friends and mates. Always be mindful of rules and laws, including drink-driving laws. Protect yourself and your partners by always practicing safe sex.