TIPSLIFEHACKS

Scott Hutchinson, the powerhouse behind Australia's largest privately-owned construction firm, Hutchinson Builders, is trading his hard hat for desert dust once again. He's heading to Nevada's Black Rock Desert for his 14th consecutive Burning Man festival, joining a vibrant community of over 80,000 participants. This year’s journey begins on Monday as he departs from Brisbane, ready to immerse himself in the unique and transformative experience that Burning Man offers.

For those unfamiliar, Burning Man isn't your typical festival. It's a week-long experiment in community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. Located in the harsh, remote environment of the Black Rock Desert, it challenges participants to create a temporary city powered by gifting and collaboration, culminating in the symbolic burning of a large wooden effigy – 'The Man' – on the Saturday night.

Hutchinson’s dedication to Burning Man is remarkable. Having attended for 14 years straight, he's become a familiar face within the community. His involvement extends beyond simply attending; he actively participates, contributing to the festival's ethos of creativity and resourcefulness. While he prefers to keep the specifics of his involvement private, it's understood that he brings a pragmatic and problem-solving mindset honed from years of leading a major construction operation.

“It’s a really unique experience,” Hutchinson told The Australian. “It’s a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with what’s important – community, creativity, and self-expression. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to see how people can come together and build something amazing from scratch.”

The contrast between Hutchinson’s day job and his Burning Man pursuits is striking. During the week, he's overseeing multi-million dollar construction projects, managing teams, and navigating the complexities of the building industry. At Burning Man, he's part of a temporary society built on radical self-reliance and participatory culture. This duality seems to energize him, providing a valuable perspective shift and a source of inspiration that he brings back to his professional life.

The logistics of attending Burning Man are considerable. Participants must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing their own food, water, shelter, and supplies. The desert environment presents unique challenges, including extreme temperatures, dust storms, and limited access to services. Yet, this self-reliance is a core tenet of the Burning Man ethos, fostering a sense of independence and resilience.

As Hutchinson prepares for his 14th Burning Man adventure, he embodies the spirit of the festival – a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the enduring human desire to build, connect, and express oneself, even in the most challenging environments. His ongoing participation highlights the festival’s ability to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for self-discovery and collective creation.