Deep in Victorian farmland, thousands of hippies and backpackers have been partying. But while many festivals have struggled to win over nearby residents, the town of Donald has embraced the bush doof next door.
It's Labor Day weekend, and neither a searing heatwave nor a gastroenteritis outbreak have deterred thousands of ravers baring all to the dust and sun.
Mr DeJong is one of a handful of local DJs performing at Esoteric. He lives in Horsham, an hour south of the town of Donald, which neighbours the farmland festival site. After finishing his shift with the Lions Club, Mr Clark says he likes to mingle and enjoy the festival."I've brought my wife in and we've walked around and had a dance — the people are so friendly here," he says."The golf, the tennis, come from other clubs to help and they get money from it too," she says.For festival founder and managing director Sam Goldsmith, a Donald local, keeping the community on-side is a top priority.
"People don't care about cleaning up after themselves and you see this whole festival site littered in mess." Certainly, police are aware of the substance use. By the end of the weekend, 43 patrons will be arrested for drug-related offences. Inside, Harm Reduction Victoria worker Alexand Anketell says that while festivals have a reputation for illegal excess, the prevalence is similar to other environments frequented by young people.
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