River’s Gift was honoured to be the official charity partner for the 2025 Gympie Music Muster, highlighting the festival’s continued commitment to supporting families and rural communities.
As Australia’s premier not-for-profit music festival, the Muster continued its proud tradition of giving back — this year placing a vital spotlight on the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
A poignant part of the event was the existing memorial plaque on the main stage windmill, dedicated to baby Jasmyn Willcox, who tragically passed away from SIDS at five months old. Her parents, Ben and Liz Willcox, long-time supporters of the Muster, remain a driving force behind this tribute and our continued work in her memory.
Our fundraising efforts at the Muster were powered by the generosity and enthusiasm of the entire festival community. A big part of our success came from the can collection initiative, which ran throughout the campgrounds and festival grounds — turning recyclables into real fundraising dollars. Another highlight was the auction of a signed Maton guitar, which fetched an incredible $17,000, with all proceeds going directly to our mission of SIDS research.
Festivalgoers were also invited to take part in our moving Star Wall tribute — a space dedicated to honouring the little lives lost and loved ones remembered. Attendees could purchase a star in memory of someone close to their hearts and place it on our wall, creating a beautiful display of connection, love, and collective support. The wall quickly became a focal point of reflection, drawing people together in a shared moments of remembrance.
During the festival, our incredible team of River’s Gift volunteers helped bring our mission to life by running both the Merchandise Stall and the heartfelt Star Wall tribute space. We proudly offered copies of Finding Hope — our beautifully illustrated children’s book that gently introduces safe sleep guidelines in an engaging and accessible way. Our Hope the Elephant plush toys were a crowd favourite, especially among young festivalgoers.
Muster patrons warmly engaged with our team, with many sharing personal stories and memories — some reaching back decades — about how SIDS has touched their lives. These moments of connection reminded us why our work is so vital. With Queensland having the highest rate of SIDS in the country, our presence at the Muster helped us reach regional families and early childhood communities with our powerful message.
Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh reaffirmed the festival’s values, saying:
“The Muster has always been about more than just music – it’s about community. We were proud to partner with River’s Gift to raise awareness and support their vital work in preventing SIDS. Every baby’s life matters, and if we can help save just one, we’re making a difference.”
Our presence at the Gympie Music Muster in 2025 was not only an opportunity to raise critical funds — it was a chance to unite with thousands of Australians in honouring little lives lost, sharing hope, and empowering families with lifesaving knowledge.
We’re deeply grateful to the Gympie Music Muster team and community for their incredible support and generosity.
Together, we’ve taken meaningful steps toward a world free from SIDS.
