The inaugural Vegan Camp Out at Glenworth Valley on November 24-26 surpassed all expectations, emerging as a triumph of resilience and community spirit.
Organisers Cynthia Gigleux and Abdullah Azhar said despite wet weather, the event unfolded with an incredible atmosphere, leaving attendees inspired and feeling deeply connected.
“Organising the Vegan Camp Out required an immense amount of work and dedication,” Gigleux said.
“There were moments of lost sleep, especially when the weather forecast turned wet.
“However, seeing the event come to life and witnessing the incredible atmosphere that prevailed throughout the weekend made it all worthwhile.”
Designed to celebrate the essence of vegan living, the camp-out attracted a diverse audience eager to explore plant-based lifestyles, engage in thought-provoking discussions and revel in a community united by a shared ethos.
“The positive feedback we’ve received from participants has been truly heartening,” Gigleux said.
“It reflects the hard work of our team, the resilience of our attendees and the success of our vision for the Vegan Camp Out.”
She said the feedback also underscored the growing interest in plant-based living and the need for inclusive spaces that celebrated compassion, sustainability and community.
Central Coast resident and local activist Emily McCallum said she had been criticised and bullied by family, friends and strangers for being a minority and speaking out for animals.
“Most people I met over the weekend share similar experiences, so to have so many people from our community from across the country celebrating together was truly an uplifting and unforgettable experience,” she said.
The event featured an array of engaging workshops, inspiring talks from prominent figures in the vegan community and a diverse selection of plant-based cuisine.
Live music, social activities and a vibrant sense of community prevailed.
Plans are already underway for future editions of the event.
I went to this event – it was actually incredible!
The vegan camp out was fantastic. Together we can change the world for the animals and ourselves. The Campout reminded all of us this.