SUPERSENSATIONAL COFU

Funk Me

Caltowie became host once again to another amazing Chilled Out n’ Fired Up Festival on Saturday March 22nd. 

Over 1200 people converged on the old Caltowie Oval. “We had lots of new people stay with us in Caltowie this year to experience our Festival, many from interstate, as far as places like Darwin, Tasmania etc” Renee Ormesher said. Renee is a co-organiser on the Caltowie COFU organising committee. The Caltowie Festival has been rocking audiences since the first event in 2019. The festival’s primary goal is to raise awareness for mental health initiatives and promote awareness for mental health and well-being. “Our aim is to get people talking about mental health, reaching out to ask U R O.K.? Hoping to make people feel less unsure of whether they should reach out for help. I can see the difference in our community since we began this journey, the stigma surrounding mental health is changing,” said Renee.

Renee said that this year’s response from the crowds was overwhelming “Everyone I spoke to said they were having a great time and enjoying the food and drink alongside the live music. I loved seeing people embracing friends they hadn’t seen for some time,” said Renee

This year’s line-up included 10 live acts. Many of the unearthed bands got their first taste of performing live on stage to a large crowd, “they really embraced the experience and opportunity” Renee said. The bands included – The Superjesus, Molly Rocket, Funk Me, Oliver Goss Band, Loose Change, Lickity Split, Dojo Rise, , The Birds are Spies, Fridge Junkies and Looch. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to Lifeline. 

The headline act, The Superjesus, stole the evening with their stage performances of crowd-pleasing classics and outstanding new music. The Caltowie festival aligned perfectly with the band’s album release aptly titled “The Superjesus”. If you haven’t heard it, I insist you hop onto your online music solution to get your taste of the album now. The lead singer of The Superjesus is Sarah McLeod, who is connected to the McLeod family history in Jamestown.

I asked Renee if there was going to be another Caltowie Chilled Out n’ Fired Up Festival in 2026, and she said “Yes, we hope to continue, there is lots of work to do. Hopefully we will have lots of success in the coming year acquiring grant funding”. 

The Caltowie COFU committee are always looking for fresh blood, Renee said “there are always jobs to be done, and some great experiences to be had for anyone willing to get into this type of industry, including grant writing, event management and sponsorship. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram or via our website at
www.caltowiecofu.com. We welcome you to join us.” 

From an editor’s personal viewpoint, I believe that live music is one of the greatest forms of expression, yes, rock music can be loud, it isn’t always to everyone’s liking, but in the words of “Funk Me” at this year’s event, there was “something for everyone” at Caltowie COFU, including the Wiggles big red car and a spot of Abba. So much fun, you don’t want to miss this in 2026.

Well done to the organisers of Caltowie COFU, the sponsors and the amazing community who support this event.

Sponsors included:

Major Sponsor – Max Services – Specialist Lifting, Equipment Hire, Transport

Platinum Sponsors – Caddy Earthworks
and SCA

Gold Sponsors – Austral Supplies and Port Augusta Steel Centre

Silver Sponsors – AJS Lighting Sound Events, Balco Australia, BHP South Australia and IKC Industries

Bronze Sponsors – The Park Jamestown and Morgan Sawmill

Donations – Bendleby Ranges, BSS Excavations, EIF Industries, Farinola Diesel Services, Wood heaters garan Pty ltd, Hunts Fuel – Jamestown Roadhouse, NRAG, Safelift Cranes and Willow & Co

In-kind support – A2 Security, Bar, Brews & Coolrooms, Ben Murray Wines, Dads Pure Water, ECup Australia, FSR Industries – Media House, Greater SA , Little Blessings Brewing, Magic 1059, Mid North Party Hire, Murray Pest Control, North Laura Hotel, Northern Areas Council, Onsite Rental Group, The Plains Producer, Railway Hotel Jamestown, Viterra and Watsacowie Brewing Co.

By Tracey Dewell, The Jamestown Journal, 2nd April 2025