Check out some information on the programme and its theme here.

There's music, bushwalks, disco bingo and cocktails, and among the many instances of proud, unapologetic queer expression throughout the festival, is dancer and performer Joel Bray in his show 'Daddy'.

'Daddy' is a hilarious, thought-provoking, provocative and heartfelt performance sparking conversation. It's set to tickle the nerve endings of desire, while prodding the cavities left by colonisation.

The highs in life can be great, but they can also be short-lived. . . Followed by an inevitable comedown. . . Before the cycle repeats itself and goes on forever.

We sit down with Joel and learn a little more about what's to come in his ChillOut event, 'Daddy'.

Who is Joel Bray?
Joel Bray is a mover and a lover of movement. He is Wiradjuri and passionate about the current renaissance in his culture and language and he is queer. Like, very queer.

Tell us a bit about your beginnings in the world of performance.
I went to NAISDA, which is the National Indigenous dance school. I was originally interested in learning more about my culture and connecting with my community. And when I was there, I caught the dance bug!

What’s your show ‘Daddy’ all about?
'Daddy' is deeply personal and autobiographical. It’s about my search for love among 'the daddies'. It’s about my relationship with my father and the inheritance of both culture and trauma through my paternal bloodline. And finally, it's about my own impending 'daddyhood'.

What was it that made you want to put this together?
This work evolved slowly and in a meandering fashion. At first I was fuelled by a sense of outrage after the Turnbull government’s refusal of the Makarrata. But as I developed the work it took on its own life-force.

This is a part of ChillOut Festival. Why do you think ChillOut has been so lovingly received? It’s celebrating 25 years this year!
OMG, ChillOut is an institution! It’s so unique and so beloved. It’s a genuinely inclusive space.

And why do you think your show belongs among their iconic silver jubilee programme?
I’m so honoured to be invited to join these celebrations. 'Daddy' is a fiercely queer work and is going to sit so beautifully in this programme. My works are not 'sit and watch the stage' type works. They are dynamic, inclusive spaces in which I converse with and dance with the audience and we build a kind of temporary community together. It’s fun, it’s playful and it’s really messy. . . Like, really messy!

What are you most looking forward to about ChillOut audiences seeing ‘Daddy’?
I love this work. It seems to touch people in different and profound ways. I hope people will enjoy some great contemporary dance and some lovingly-written spoken text. But mostly I hope people enjoy a rare opportunity to play and be silly together. That’s pretty queer, right!?

How would you describe your show using one song lyric of your choice?
“Sugar
Oh, honey, honey
You are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you”

Joel Bray's 'Daddy' is on at Daylesford Town Hall as part of ChillOut Festival on 10, 11 and 13 March.