Department of Public Works
Before Blazing Swan can become a temporary city, someone has to build it.
The Department of Public Works - or DPW - is the crew responsible for helping transform an empty paddock into the foundations of Blazing Swan.
From preparing the site, carving in our city’s streets and installing infrastructure to supporting the event and helping packing everything away again, DPW is the foundation of our event’s magic.
It's not always glamorous work, but it is some of the most important work at the event.
What Does DPW Do?
DPW is involved in the practical work required to build, maintain, and restore the event site.
Depending on your skills and experience, this might include:
Site preparation and infrastructure
Building and installing event structures
Assisting with Theme Camp and Art installations
Installation of Signage and wayfinding
Maintaining shared spaces
Supporting other event departments
Pack-down and site restoration
The work can be physical, dusty, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.
Before, During & After
For most participants, Blazing Swan begins when they arrive at the Gate.
For DPW, it starts much earlier.
Our DPW crew works months before the event to prepare the site and supports infrastructure installation throughout the event.
And after the event officially closes, the team remains on site to pack everything down and restore the land - to ensure that as an event we ‘leave no trace’.
DPW gets to see a side of Blazing Swan that few others experience — the transformation from empty paddock to temporary city, and back again.
Is DPW for You?
You don't need to be a professional builder, tradesperson or have heavy equipment tickets to contribute - although those definitely help.
We're looking for people who are practical, reliable, willing to get their hands dirty, and happy to work as part of a team.
Whether you bring specialist skills or simply a willingness to help, there's always work to be done.
If you enjoy solving problems, building things, and being part of the crew behind the scenes, DPW might be for you.
Join DPW!
Blazing Swan doesn't build itself.
If you'd like to contribute your time, skills, energy, or elbow grease to creating the city, we'd love to have you on the team.