2025 Charity Partner
Gympie Music Muster Partners with River’s Gift in
‘Stamping Out SIDS’
The Gympie Music Muster is proud to announce River’s Gift as its official charity partner for 2025, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to supporting families and rural communities.
As Australia’s premier not-for-profit music festival, the Muster has a long-standing tradition of giving back, and this year, it is shining a light on the vital work being done to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
River’s Gift was founded in 2011 by Alexandra Hamilton and Karl Waddell after the heartbreaking loss of their four-month-old son, River, to SIDS.
Turning their grief into action, they created River’s Gift to fund world-leading research, raise awareness, and provide education on safe sleeping practices for infants. It is now a nationally recognised charity, with initiatives such as the Genetic Bio Bank—the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere -helping researchers find potential links to SIDS.
At this year’s Gympie Music Muster, River’s Gift will launch its latest initiative, distributing copies of ‘Finding Hope’ — a children’s book that introduces safe sleep guidelines in a warm and engaging way.
With Queensland having the highest rate of SIDS in the country, the charity aims to particularly reach regional childcare centres and families with this important message.
“River’s Gift is all about uniting communities in the fight against SIDS, and the Muster provides an incredible platform to do just that,” Karl Waddell said.
“Families are at the heart of this festival, just as they are at the heart of everything we do.”
A special tribute already exists at the Muster, with a commemorative plaque on the windmill on the main stage in memory of Jasmyn Willcox, the daughter of a member of the Muster community. Jasmyn passed away from SIDS at five months old and her parents, Ben and Liz Willcox, are long-term supporters of the Muster.
Gympie Music Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh highlighted the festival’s dedication to supporting rural and regional families.
“The Muster has always been about more than just music – it’s about community,” he said.
“We’re proud to partner with River’s Gift to raise awareness and support their vital work in preventing SIDS. Every baby’s life matters, and if we can help save just one, we’re making a difference.”
Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Finding Hope, along with very cute ‘Hope the Elephant’ teddies, with all proceeds going toward the charity’s $100,000 fundraising goal. The campaign also aligns with River’s Gift’s annual ‘Shine Blue’ initiative in November, where communities across Australia wear temporary tattoos of the River’s Gift heart on their hand, to spark conversations and raise awareness about SIDS.
As the Muster continues to create a welcoming space for families, this partnership is a reminder of the festival’s core mission: bringing people together for a cause that truly matters.
