The Festival of King Island is an all-areas, all-skills, all-in volunteering effort that happens once a year, over two days.
When one festival ends, the core planning for the next year begins and the pointy end of organization and actioning plans is on the horizon. The audiences see and hear the performers on stage, but it’s the behind-the-scenes effort that keeps FOKI going.
There are many who have committed to or captained the volunteer teams every year – since the first FOKI in 2013 – to ensure it’s always a big party and a big happening.
Ben Patton is a ‘recycled’ King Islander and his partner, Sabine Gabauer, is a newer resident. They volunteered for FOKI for the first time last year and shared their experience being on the other side.
“I was in the Post Office, and I saw a sign that was calling for FOKI volunteers,” Ben said on King Island Radio.
“And in a moment of community spirit, I decided that it was something I’d like to do. Sabine said that if I was going to be away all weekend helping out, she might as well join me.”
A King Island native, Ben left well before the festival started and reflected on island volunteering in the past.
“Life is much quicker now: there’s more going on,” he said. “Life’s changed and there’s certainly been an upswing in terms of events like makers’ markets. Back in the day, the Show was the big thing and of course… a lot of community events involved the big population at Grassy, due to the mine, so events were held down there and the whole island attended.”
Ben remembers the rivalry and the races from Grassy to Currie – on pushbikes, in wheelbarrows and baton relay races involving the miners – and when it wasn’t called ‘volunteering’ as much as ‘everybody pitched in’.
Sabine, who grew up in Austria and who has volunteered for the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels in the city, thinks that volunteering in a small community is very different. “I find there’s a lot more community spirit [here].In a smaller place. People are more inclined to say, ‘hey you’re new’, and being new, you are more likely to be interested,” she said.
Reflecting on their first FOKI volunteer experience, Sabine and Ben found it great fun.
“It was informal, but it was well organized,” Ben said.
“I could see that a structure was being followed – people were coordinating and working well together. I’m assuming every year is a learning for the next year and it progresses and gets better.
“People become more cohesive as a team and there are different departments or people responsible for different areas. People band together, there’s no room for ego and it’s all about getting the job done, knowing that what they’re all working towards is for the enjoyment of the community.”
He hopes he’ll be able to help get the big stage marquee up again in 2024 and take on artists and performers’ Green Room BBQ duties.
Sabine said she was given a choice in what she wanted to do at FOKI
“We were shown all the areas that we could volunteer… I was surprised about how much is involved and how many areas and types of jobs. There’s something for everyone,” she said.
“Last year it was casual, this year I have more responsibility and it’s serious business as I have captaincy of artists. Looking back to last year, even though I was busy, I had time to see the bands. I also did some bar service. I had fun the whole time…it wasn’t a chore.”
“The whole time you’re focussed on what you’re doing – the festivals going on regardless. The music is in the background, the energy is in the air, it’s almost like fuel, it keeps you going,” Ben added.
Both agreed that mixing festival volunteering with listening was preferable to only being in the audience.
“We constantly bumped into people that we know and you meet people at the bar, the gate and food vendors,” Ben said,
“For the punters … they’re loving it for the vibe and energy coming off the stage, but we get to see the other side when they [artists] are relaxed and coming down off a set. I love it, it’s great.
“I say to everyone: ‘step up, get involved and you’ll have more of an experience than standing out in the crowd …and that’s in all areas. Volunteering at FOKI is an all-areas invitation to something you wouldn’t normally see or get to do.
“Sometimes it’s just carrying stuff, it could be getting marquees up, decorating, getting barbecues ready or serving, bar and gate work, a bit of selling or cooking some slices or making salads and platters for the Green Room, positioning hay bales, making things safe.
I’d say to someone sitting on the fence, FOKI needs your hands. There’s so much to do prior to the festival with setup and then pack up – just do it, it’s volunteering fun.” .
If you want to let the FOKI committee know you want to be involved: message them via the FOKI Facebook page or ask for Jane and Heidi in the Post Office. Interested food vendors can contact Pam on 0487 274238.