Why the Changing Tides Festival in Kiama NSW?

While spending 7 days in the ICU with Cam, sitting in silence for the first few days, one of the nurses suggested we play some of his favourite music for him. We weren't really sure what he was listening to these days (we knew he used to listen to Hilltop Hoods at High School), so we played his Spotify playlist from his phone, 24/7 for the next few days. We listened to his music with him, his songs and some of his favourite bands, on repeat. We liked his choice in music, and it really helped us get through those last days with Cam, listening to his music with him.

We wrote down the names of those bands, because we wanted to remember the bands and the music, and to be able listen to Cam's music as we grieved and remembered him. Cam's mum Sonia chose The Terrys' song "Hopscotch" from Cam's playlist as her personal choice for her memorial photo tribute to Cam at his memorial service, and Cam's younger sister Tayla chose Ocean Alley's cover of "Baby Come Back" for her personal tribute to Cam at his service.

This festival had 5 of those bands that were all on Cam's Spotify playlist that we had been listening to with him on his final days with us.

The Terrys, Old Mervs, Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale and Hilltop Hoods, all playing on the same day. Cam's older sister Brianna found out about it and told us. We then told Cam's best mates about it, and those who could make it, made it! In the end 13 of us attended. 10 of us drove over 10 hours from the Gold Coast just to be there, because it was meant to be!

We had special shirts made up for the event, something to mark the occasion and to show our love, support and solidarity for Cammy. Most of those who were attending the festival came to our house for a BBQ a few days before it, and we gave them all their shirts. We even had Channel 9 News Gold Coast attend, to cover it on the news.

So, a 10 hour drive to Kiama on the Friday, for the Changing Tides festival on the Saturday 14th December 2024. After a few months of sadness and sorrow, we needed a reason to get out and have a good time. It had been hard to even leave the house, so this was a bit of an emotional challenge. But once we were there, the natural beauty of Kiama took hold. We walked beaches, sat in parks, ate at local cafes and visited the famous Kiama Blowhole.

The bands were all amazing, the crowd was awesome, and everyone had a great time. It was just what we needed to get us out and put a smile back on our faces. It wasn't easy, but The Terrys and Old Mervs, two of Cam's favourite bands were early on the line-up and we danced, sang and just let it all out in joy and happiness. Just like Cam would have wanted.