What its all about
About us
It is with the support of the community through sponsorship and a dedicated team of volunteers that makes Caltowie COFU what it is… a day to come together with our mates and family while enjoying the best of South Australian food and beverages.
The inaugural Caltowie Chilled Up and Fired Up Music Festival was held on Saturday September 21st 2019, at the Caltowie Oval. Our primary goal is to raise funds for mental health initiatives within our local region whilst promoting awareness for mental health and wellbeing. The focus and drive of our vision is to unite the community in support of mental health to reduce the stigma associated with discussing depression, anxiety and suicide. Essentially, we promote that “it’s ok to not be ok”, and that someone is always there to listen. Depression, anxiety and suicide among rural communities is tragically on the rise, the importance to remain connected to each other and the community is paramount.
Our last event was held on Saturday March 25th 2023, from midday until midnight. Attendance far surpassed all our hopes! Over 1,300 people from all over the state (and interstate)… not too bad for a town with a usual population of 50!
How the festival supports mental health
There’s more to it than a fundraiser…
Proceeds from ticket sales go into programs in our community schools, our focus is preventative care… everyone has emotions, and sometimes these can be so overwhelming that we don’t know what to do with them, so we hope through our contribution we can give our kids the tools to help themselves, recognise triggers and also help their mates when they are having a tough time.
Mental health organisations are invited to attend on the day, the resources are there for anyone who needs help or a friend or family member who wants to help someone they might know who is struggling.
Bringing people together, old and new friends, family… it’s about bringing people together, comradery, friendship, companionship… by coming together we hope that people won’t feel alone and can reach out when they are not okay.
Conversation…encourage people via social media, EDM’s, our website and on the day to have the courage to openly talk about mental health… it doesn’t need to be a stigma, we hope that this message alone will help even just one person and save a life.
Music! There is science around it; psychologist and mental health professionals talk about the importance of music and its benefits for a person’s wellbeing… and that’s exactly what the festival is about… music is simply good for the soul!