Local youth Amplify committee takes lead on Deans Marsh Festival stage
Published on 26 February 2026
Deans Marsh Festival goers can get set for a youth-led takeover of the main stage at the popular March event.
Supported by Surf Coast Shire Council, the Lorne Amplify committee has curated the full program, showcasing an impressive line-up of local young talent. The stage will feature VET Music students and class bands from the region’s two high schools.
The festival is taking place 10am to 3pm on Sunday 22 March at the Deans Marsh Recreation Reserve.
It’s one of a series of local music events that the Lorne Amplify Committee organises each year, ranging from market performances to larger-scale gigs. Among its roughly 16 members is 17-year-old Frazey (pictured), who has grown up with music in her bones.
Raised in Aireys Inlet, she started singing in 2017 after picking up the guitar a year earlier.
“I’ve always grown up around music and I really love it,” she said.
She had long admired the bands performing at the Aireys Music Festival – and through Amplify she’s taken to the stage herself, twice.
These days, Frazey is channelling that love into something bigger than her own performances.
“I really love performing in bands and live music. Being part of Amplify has been such a good opportunity, it’s given me a rundown of organising events and establishing connections,” she said.
Currently studying VET Music Performance, Frazey says Amplify has opened her eyes to everything that goes into putting on a show.
“We pitch to venues to let us play and learn all the things that go into running an event. It’s student-led if we want it to be. There’s support (from Council youth staff) when we need it, but we usually choose to be really involved.”
In November 2024, the committee ran a gig at the Lorne Theatre, headlined by Stella Donnelly alongside local school bands.
“We organised advertising, stage management, ticketing, everything. It’s such a good learning experience, and it’s a really cool thing to do with your mates. We all just love seeing live music.”
The group is now working with Sound Doctor to organise a gig at Anglesea Hall, with two school bands supporting.
Behind the scenes, the committee meets regularly to throw around ideas. They debate whether to collaborate with more established acts and venues or run events themselves, all while keeping an eye on the budget.
For Frazey, one of the best parts is seeing months of work come to life.
“It’s really cool seeing all your months of work coming to fruition and seeing people enjoying it. You feel a part of something and like you’re bringing joy to people.”
“When we go to see live music now, I appreciate everything that goes into it,” she said. “There are a lot of moving parts.”
Amplify is a Victorian Government funded music and arts program, which will see a combination of six events and professional trainings held in 2026 across the shire. The program is led by multiple youth committees across the shire.
“The best part about Amplify is that it’s all about local young people initiating and running events designed for their peers, while they learn practical skills. We love seeing them take the lead and are here to support them,” Cr Leon Walker said.