Amaroo is a highlight in the calendar for many people, and this year approx 2,500 travelled from 55 countries to attend. The 5 days of events offers a wonderful learning environment to focus on peace, and understand more about the practice of
Self-Knowledge.
It wasn’t certain whether Amaroo would be confirmed this year.
Prem Rawat has been responding to speaking requests from countries where the
Peace Education Program is having a positive effect, and he is also launching the program in new places. This year he has spoken at 60 events in 21 countries across 6 continents, and has just opened a new
'Food for People' in Cape Flats, Sth Africa!
So, when Prem accepted our invitation in May, the teams were delighted and sprang into action. There was a lot to do in a short timeframe.
Thank you to everyone who supported the events and made Amaroo 2024 possible. We know many people were not able to come this year. We look forward to welcoming you back next time.
Below are some insights that we hope you find interesting.
Amaroo 2024 - photo Eleni Pouliezou
Amaroo Team
When Begoña Trillo took on the role of WOPG Global Event Manager in 2023, identifying a replacement manager for Amaroo was a priority.
Cath Carroll, Kaye Farmer, Sanjay Willie, Debbie Cations and Ben Salk formed the ‘Amaroo Project Management Team’. It is a fitting name as Amaroo is very much a large project. One of the first tasks was building the team, and inviting back and recruiting new Area Managers.
Over 45 people from around the world took on key roles and met weekly via Zoom. Areas included Registration, Website, Productions, Catering, Transport, HR, Pavilion, Volunteer Early Arrivals, and more. Narelle, Neil and Rebecca (Ivorys Rock year round staff) took care of Guest Services, Facilities and Finance, supported by volunteers and contractors.
Stats & Fun Facts
The ‘Save the Date’ email was sent out within 2 days of Prem confirming his availability. Registration opened less than 6 weeks later on June 28th!
60+ contractors were employed, including local businesses such as security, transportation, cleaning, equipment hire, waste removal, catering and medical, as well as people from the local area employed in admin, facilities and the like.
500+ people signed on to volunteer their skills and energy.
Read more1,300 people stayed in tents, caravans and cabins. The average age of onsite guests was 69 years.
More than 100 guests registered for Assisted Access, 40% more than in 2022.
The Security manager’s grandfather once owned Ivorys Rock! Nicholas expressed he has fond childhood memories and enjoys returning to Ivorys Rock for events.
Volunteer Cathy Addessi managed the Help Desk from the USA, even though she was unable to attend the event this time. Thank you Cathy!
Two koalas were spotted in the campgrounds, with one delighting campers as he sauntered past tents before climbing a near-by gum tree.
Did you know 'Amaroo' means 'a beautiful place' in a local aboriginal dialect.
New Campground Kitchens
The new Campground Kitchens enjoyed by early arrival volunteers. Photo Janet Wallace
The Shelters in Yellow and Green Campgrounds have been converted into Campground Kitchens, and were finished just in time for Amaroo. Thank you to our sponsors who helped to fund this project, and thank you to the Queensland Government for the Accessible Tourism Infrastructure Grant.
The Kitchens are connected with concrete paths to the accessible Bathroom Blocks, so people with mobility issues will now be able to enjoy a camping holiday at Ivorys Rock.
Early arrival volunteers appreciated the new kitchens, which were put to good use before the Pavilion catering commenced. We have had lots of positive feedback!
Prior to the commencement of Amaroo, MP Shayne Neumann, Councillor Pye Augustine and representatives from Ipswich City Council and ‘Destination Scenic Rim’ toured the new accessible kitchen facilities and the event venues, ending with afternoon tea at Dayas Restaurant with the Foundation's Board.
“The events and camping facilities are so impressive; it is easy to see why this destination is such a huge economic driver for the region” MP Shayne Neumann.
Left - MP Shayne Neumann, Councillor Pye Augustine (blue hat) & IRF Secretary Jeffrey Johnson-Abdelmalik (far right) with Ipswich City Council & Destination Scenic Rim representatives.
Amphitheatre drone photo - Mike Brown
