Call for accommodation angels

Generations in Jazz looking for accommodation options for 2024 event

The call is now out for businesses, community groups and individuals to throw their hat into the rung to be part of the 2024 Generations in Jazz accommodation offering.

The 2024 national schools jazz event runs from May 3-5 and after returning this year for the first time in three years, the 2024 GIJ event is only expecting to be bigger. You can play your role by hosting a school with the call going out to hotels, motels, Bed & Breakfast accommodation, caravan parks, private homes, sporting clubs, halls and community groups to provide a place to call home for the weekend for schools, bus drivers and families.

Generations in Jazz accommodation committee spokesperson Kylie Boston said as the event continued to grow, organisers were continually looking for more options and opportunities. “Over the years we’ve appreciated the support of the accommodation providers they have played a major role in the success and growth of the event,” Kylie said.

And those that have offered up their homes for the Generations in Jazz weekend can attest to the value of the experience. Mount Gambier real estate agent Vicki Quinn has been involved with the epic jazz festival for five years.

“I felt like this event was world class and was something that required the whole community to get behind and support in any way we could,” Vicki said. “When you know students and their families are travelling from all over Australia to attend and compete, it becomes a unique opportunity to showcase our beautiful city and surrounds.

“Many of these students are leaving their families for the weekend, it’s rewarding to know I can offer them safe and warm accommodation at really a budget price. I love excitement the kids show when they arrive and you can instantly see it on their faces when they get off the bus.

“I guess I’ve always wanted my house to give off a ‘home vibe’ rather than just a house.”

And part of that is ensuring in the depths of winter when the festival is held, her Generations in Jazz guests, enjoy all the comforts of home.

“I have the heaters on, candles going and music on the and I always like to be home when they arrive and insist that they treat the property like their own for the weekend. I incorporate a welcome note and last year I had Wesley College from Melbourne so I include their logo on the welcome page including Wi Fi passwords and an emergency contact if required.”

A quick house inspection once you have expressed interest also provides an opportunity for the committee to provide the suggested sleeping plan, including how many could sleep in a room, bedding arrangements to ensure that all are included equally and that the correct standards are able to be met. This includes the number of bathrooms and toilets that are available.

There is also a requirement to provide pillows, blankets and linen for any hired airbeds that were assembled and made prior to the guests arriving, as well as towels for each guest, and a selection of bathroom toiletries. It is also necessary to provide breakfast to guests which included cereals, milk, juice, bread, vegemite, jam, peanut butter plus tea, coffee or milo with guests also able to help themselves to a large bowl of seasonal fresh fruit.

Nadine Zanol is another community member who has taken up the challenge of hosting – enjoying her first Generations in Jazz accommodation experience this year.

“I was sharing a cuppa with my neighbour, when she spoke about her involvement over the years by hosting students from away for GIJ,” Nadine said. “One thing led to another, with many questions from me and by the end of our neighbourly coffee catch up, I had been provided the contact details for GIJ accommodation and I didn’t look back. I reached out to the contact that very day and the process began. I felt informed and supported through the entire process.

“I personally get a proud satisfying feeling of helping the wider community, which in this case, is also allowing the students to show and develop their musical talents while in Mount Gambier. “I enjoy supporting our local community and taking the opportunity to ‘show off’ our wonderful city.”

If this sounds like you then please contact (08)7735 0303 to find out how you can be part of this fabulous event