The Heartbeat of Z Fest
The origins of Z Fest trace back to the close-knit bond between Nick Chugg and his son, Zander, a bond enriched with their love for music.
Nick, a Tasmanian father, builder, and musician, spent countless cherished moments with Zander, sharing the joy of strumming a guitar and revelling in the magic of live concerts. Their shared passion for music became a source of joy amidst the challenges that came with Zander’s health condition, gastroschisis, which required numerous hospital visits and treatments since birth.
Z Fest sprang from the desire to celebrate Zander’s vivacious spirit and his love for music after his passing in 2020 at the age of 17 from a blood infection. The festival embodies the essence of community, music, and the power of coming together for a noble cause. Initially a small gathering of friends and family on the family farm, Z Fest has grown to invite the broader community to join in the celebration and support the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Tasmania and Victoria, a cause that provided solace to the Chugg family during challenging times.
This year, the festival, slated for 21 October, aims to raise $20,000 for the charity, bringing together a blend of musical acts from Melbourne and the local Tasmanian scene. Z Fest is more than a musical festival; it’s a manifestation of love, support, and the continuation of Zander’s passion for music. It represents a day of collective celebration, where each note played and each ticket purchased contributes towards easing the journey for other families facing medical adversities.
Join in the celebration at Z Fest, enjoy a day filled with musical enchantment, and be a part of a community coming together to make a substantial positive impact through the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Your participation in Z Fest is a tribute to Zander’s enduring spirit, the joy of music, and the communal effort to provide support to families when they need it most.
With all our thanks
We extend our deepest and warmest gratitude to each individual and organisation that has rallied around Z Fest, making this event not just a possibility, but a resounding celebration of community, music, and giving. We thank as many of you personally as we can, but there are far too many of you to mention here.
A cascade of extra special thanks flows to our major sponsors, whose generosity has laid a solid foundation for this festival to stand upon. Your support has been the cornerstone that has enabled us to dream big and make Z Fest a beacon of hope and joy for many.
Special thanks to our sponsors, who have stepped forward with open hearts and immense support. Your contribution has been instrumental in shaping Z Fest into a platform of positive impact, mirroring the spirit of togetherness and care we aim to promote.
And to everyone who has extended their support in myriad ways, your outstretched arms of generosity have created a ripple of hope and kindness that resonates through the heart of Z Fest. Every gesture, big or small, has contributed towards crafting a legacy that goes beyond the day of the festival.
Your support means the world to us and resonates with the legacy of Zander. Though his absence is felt profoundly every day, the knowledge that his life continues to foster goodwill and provide aid to families in need infuses our hearts with joy and hope. Each contribution made towards Z Fest is a step towards creating a supportive environment for families facing medical challenges, making a tangible difference in their lives.
We are sincerely grateful for the community of support that has enveloped Z Fest. Together, we are making strides towards a meaningful and lasting impact, echoing the love, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Zander in every aspect of this festival.
Thank you for being a part of this journey, for your generosity, and for keeping the rhythm of love and support beating strongly within the heart of Z Fest.