Groovin the Moo

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:45): I would like to bring the chamber's attention to a very successful Australian touring event that I had the pleasure of attending on Anzac weekend—Groovin the Moo at Oakbank. The day began with a memorial service for our fallen soldiers followed by a set from Adelaide artist Jessie Davidson, fresh from a Like a Version performance on Triple J radio. The home crowd was very responsive.

The two main stages which braved the weather hosted local and international artists. Locals included recent award-winning Tkay Maidza, veterans Timberwolf and Sparkspitter, and headlining Adelaide sensation The Hilltop Hoods closing the night. Such was their appeal that thousands stood in the rain and mud, happily singing and cheering them on. Interspersed were internationally renowned artists including Wolfmother, Sticky Fingers and Charli XCX.

Across the racetrack, safe from the weather under the Moolin Rouge tent, the vibe was electric. Watching from the Udder Mayhem VIP area situated about 100 metres away, the sea of people were moving as one jumping mass to the amazing sounds of acts such as Meg Mac, DMA and Peaches, who, despite temporary technical difficulties, wowed the audience who were only too willing to forgive, forget and stay in the festive mood—a tribute to those behind the scenes, those performing and the event in all.

Whilst it could be said that many festivalgoers were informed yet fashionably ill-equipped to handle the weather conditions, they certainly were not complaining. In the area directly in front of the Udder Mayhem tent, dubbed 'Stage three', sliders both deliberate and unfortunate were cheered on and encouraged—fun certainly had by all—and a great view of the whole grounds was had from this area. Not that I would like to make the comparison; however, it was certainly commented that, unlike sporting events played in muddy conditions where the players could not show off their skills, the crowd enjoyed and were entertained by spectacular light and sound shows and brilliant performances from these artists.

Cold weather and partying calls for hearty meals, and Groovin the Moo certainly catered for that. With a broad selection of local catering vans offering pizza, burgers, curries, coffees and much more, festivalgoers were more than satisfied. In spite of adverse weather conditions, the crowd was well behaved and had a wonderful time.

Congratulations must go to Rod and Steve of Cattleyard Promotions who own Groovin the Moo, the promoters and organisers, the crew, the artists and the South Australian public who came out in support of live music and ultimately made the day a sold-out success. An interesting statistic was that the sell-out crowd of approximately 20,000 fans was made up of 66 per cent females and 34 per cent males, according to ticket providers Moshtix.

Groovin the Moo provides approximately 1,000 employment opportunities to local South Australian residents and incorporated volunteer programs, partnerships and work experience programs with MusicSA and TAFE to encourage youth within all related industry sectors. Additionally, local hospitality, accommodation, touring, transport and retail businesses were engaged both directly and indirectly as a result of Groovin the Moo.

There were approximately 100 buses transporting approximately 4,000 people to and from Oakbank, and this is not counting taxis, minibuses, artists' transport and private transport. South Australia Police were very happy with the crowd behaviour and traffic management at the event. Despite negotiating the obstacle course of council approvals, a heavy dose of rain throughout the day and naysayers who argue that Adelaide has not got what it takes to draw a decent festival crowd, Groovin the Moo proved them all wrong and put on a brilliant, sell-out event with a plethora of talent, mainly local, who really added some sparkle to an otherwise wet and windy day.