Gallery | Musos pitch tents and instruments in Girgarre

From Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 12, the town came alive with workshops, impromptu jams and soul-stirring concerts, delighting music lovers of all ages.

In the blazing Friday afternoon sun, musicians took to the shade of gum trees in front of the Girgarre Town Hall as they practised for their concert.

A standout experience for many musicians was the chance to form instant bands with fellow music lovers, creating harmonies and friendships as they tackled songs chosen by their group leaders.

Team 12’s group leader, Helen Blomquist, led five other members through Eric Clapton’s song Before You Accuse Me.

She said it was an easy one for the group to pick up during the limited allocation of practice time as it was rock ’n’ roll: simple power chords, limited chord progression and repetitive lyrics.

They were one of about two dozen groups splattered across the grassy plains, finding shaded solace under tree branches or playground structures while they rehearsed their songs to perfection.

All of the practice culminated in a concert that saw each group get on stage inside the town hall and perform in front of their musical comrades.

Girgarre Town Development Committee chair Jan Smith said it was events such as the Moosic Muster that made people in Girgarre feel like they belonged.

The event, which began in 2003 with a few hay bales and the founding members jamming on guitars, has since gone from strength to strength, with each muster growing in attendance size and community spirit.

Mrs Smith said 2025 was no different, as with each edition, Girgarre makes its mark on the musical map as a hotspot for musicians.

Journalist Jemma Jones went along to one of the muster’s many jam sessions to capture the musical magic.