Grey nomads making a difference

SUE and John Hines will travel more than two-thousand one- hundred kilometres from Ballarat to volunteer at the world’s most remote music festival, the Birdsville Big Red Bash.

Located atop the highest sand dune in the Simpson Desert in south-west Queensland, the three-day festival of Australian music and outback activities raises funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Volunteering and travel go hand in hand for the Hines’ who are retired and in their late 60s.

Involvement with the community is an important part of their travels, whether it’s helping out the Big Red Bash or volunteering at an orphanage in Kenya, Africa.

Mrs Hines said it will take them 12 days to get to the Bash.

“We love the outback, we have such an amazing country you just have to see it,” she said. “We want to enjoy the journey so we like to travel slowly, stop and enjoy the scenery.”

The couple will put their diverse skills to good use as volunteers in this year’s Big Red Bash Merchandise and ticketing team.

The whole organisation wouldn’t survive without volunteers due to the size and scope of the event.

They provide the additional manpower needed to embark on extra initiatives like the charity activities for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“Volunteering at the Big Red Bash provides the opportunity to not only work behind-the-scenes at an extremely unique music festival, but to also give back to the community,” said Greg Donovan, Big Red Bash Founder and Organiser.

“We are extremely grateful for the contribution our volunteers make each year,” Mr Donovan said.

This will be the second time the Hines’ attend the Bash, but the first time as volunteers.

“The experience at the festival is unique because it is so remote,” Mrs Hines said. “The sun setting behind the big red sand dune while the music is play is amazing.”

The couple have travelled overseas and quite extensively in Africa, where again they were involved in local communities.

“We’ve done two stints volunteering at orphanages in Kenya,” Mrs Hines said. “John did maintenance while I did sewing, mending uniforms and clothing, and we both spent time in the kitchen.

“We spent time with the kids themselves in their school room, it was very worthwhile, and we just loved it.”