DITF CANNOT HAPPEN WITHOUT A LOT OF SUPPORT. MEET THE FOLK WHO DIG DEEP.
ben
AKA smeetos
The driving force behind Day in the Forrest (DITF) is local legend, muso, and all-round good human Ben “Smeetos” Smeeton from Self Sewn Events. Since the very first festival back in 2015, Ben’s been pouring in endless hours (and plenty of his own coin) to make sure this free community shindig keeps rocking every year.
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In 2024, Smeetos teamed up with Bricey (admin wizard, spreadsheet whisperer, caffeine-fuelled night owl) and together they made things official, pulling in a committee of slaves to help with the grunt. DITF is now fully incorporated, with its own bank account and everything. Yep, we’re a proper NFP chasing grants and funding so this day in the park can stay free for you forever.​
So go on — lock in the first Saturday of December in your calendar and say NO to all other offers. Ben’s little festival deserves your whole day. .
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ion
AKA ion
Ion Jefferson has been with Ben since the very first DITF. You will find him lifting heavy stuff and moving it from one place to the next on his trusty warhorse. And if there is a problem to fix - well.....he just seems to know how to fix it!
He gives of his time so cheerily, never complaining, and is an invaluable and respected vollie we just cannot be without.
Here's three cheers and infinite kudos to you Ion.
Volunteers AKA Vollies
With so much love and thanks to all those who give so much time to DITF. You know you are awesome, and you know who we mean - but we are going to name you anyway!
Firstly, Arusha Ruby, one of the original founders of DITF with Smeetos - big big love and thanks, always! And in no particular order of favouritism, thanks a million to : Brendon Thompson, Jo Barrett, John Barrett, Tim and Marie Brice, Paul McCleod, Ron Smeeton, Dave Pole, Maddie McCleod, Anthony Butto, Wade Colquhoun, Jemma Spradbury, Sharon Dianne, Darrel, Ailish Barret, Ruth and David Gallagher, Gus Skene, Ashleigh Lustica, Nathan Cain, Abi Hall, Jesse Francis, Paul Coughlan, Stephen Webb, Emmet Barrett, Dan Hookham, Douge (GF Sports Club), Shaun Johansson, Klare Buckingham, Helena College, Glen Forrest Sports Club, Glen Forrest Residents and Ratepayers Association, Sharon Hillman.
Committee AKA Slaves
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Deputy Chair Paul McLeod; Researcher Maddie McLeod; Chair Tim Brice; Website/Comms Abi Hall; Secretary/Food Truck Coordinator Marie Brice; Artistic Director/Treasurer Ben Smeeton.
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
Major Funders & Supporters aka Legends
In 2020 Day in the Forrest received its first funding grant from the Shire of Mundaring. SoM have granted DITF another generous contribution towards the costs of running the 2025 festival. Our thanks and gratitude to the assistance given by the SoM Grants Officer.
We are also grateful and so full of appreciation for funding from the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Mundaring. They first assisted us in 2020, and we couldn't be happier to have them onboard with us again for 2025. Thanks Bendigo Bank for your continuous support!
In 2024, we received our first grant from our supporter Lotterywest, to assist us with financing the Festival. Lotterywest is the only government-owned lottery in Australia, and their vision is to build a better WA, together. Lotterywest work with organisations across the State to deliver projects and intitiatives that achieve outcomes for our communities.
We are thrilled, and filled with gratitude to have Lotterywest as a Major Funding Partner again for 2025. Thanks Lotterywest!
With appreciation and huge thanks again to: The mob at Tasman Power, the great team at Earnshaws, and Karl and the crew at Darlington Dental. Thanks for staying onboard with us - so so much gratitude to you all. We would also like to thank the crew at Glen Forrest Gourmet, the talented team at Kiah for Hair, and the peeps at Glen Forrest Physiotherapy for their contributions. Thanks to Billy Bird Designs, who have made us a new website each year since 2020. We also warmly welcome new supporter Real Mountain Restaurant in Glen Forrest. A huge thank you to Property Consultant Jasmine Fyfe of Provincial Real Estate. Legends all! Links and logos below.
If you would like to volunteer at the festival, or SET-UP and/OR pack-down please click the button below. We know ya wanna.
DITF Partners & Sponsors
With much gratitude and thanks, we recognise the contribution of the following organisations and businesses in providing support and keeping Day in the Forrest Festival a FREE community music festival. Legends!
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