Tributes are flowing for Bill Hauritz, the visionary founder of the Woodford Folk Festival, who has passed away aged 71.
Mr Hauritz founded the not-for-profit organisation now called Woodfordia Inc in 1985 and went on to found the festival, which was then called the Maleny Folk Festival, in 1987. He then led the move to what was a degraded 200-hectare former dairy farm outside the town of Woodford in 1994. It was the first festival in Australia to purchase its own land.
Festival manager Amanda Jackes led the tributes.
“With great sadness, we announce the passing of Bill Hauritz, founder of the Woodford Folk Festival and Woodfordia,” she said.
“A cultural leader, fierce optimist and creative visionary, Bill transformed the landscape of Australian festivals and community life.
“Bill’s journey began with a deep love of folk music. In his early years, it was through tunes, song and story that he found connection, and came to understand the power of culture to bring people together, spark dialogue and build community. That passion for folk music remained at the heart of everything he created.
“From the Maleny Folk Festival’s humble beginnings in 1987 to the creation of the 500-acre cultural parkland Woodfordia, Bill’s belief in the arts as a unifying, transformative force never wavered. His work gave rise to one of Australia’s most beloved celebrations of music, ideas and community, the Woodford Folk Festival, drawing over 120,000 people annually to a six-day village of creativity and connection.
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“Under Bill’s leadership, Woodfordia became a living, breathing expression of what a better world might feel like. His vision extended far beyond event-making. It was rooted in environmental stewardship, respect for Indigenous culture, intergenerational knowledge-sharing and the protection and celebration of intangible cultural heritage, and a deep faith in humanity.
“In 2023, this vision was formally recognised on the world stage, when UNESCO presented Woodfordia with the Intangible Cultural Heritage Award at the Jeonju International Awards for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage. This honour reflected Bill’s tireless and loving commitment to fostering living traditions through community, creativity and care. Yet it was his humility, humour and sincere belief in people that made him most loved.”
Mr Hauritz stood down from the director’s role in 2023 upon successful return from a two-year hiatus, passing the reins to Ms Jackes.
“Bill didn’t just think in festivals or years. He dreamed in centuries,” she said.
“One of his most remarkable contributions was the creation of Woodfordia’s 500-Year Plan, an audacious, living document that imagines a future shaped by care for country, community and creativity.
“While others planned for seasons, Bill planned for generations, planting trees whose shade he would never sit under, building cultural systems designed to last. It was both a poetic gesture and a practical blueprint, and it stands today as one of the most enduring expressions of his belief that the best way to shape the future is to start building it now.
“Bill was also recognised as a Queensland Great, received the Order of Australia (AM) and was honoured as a Smithsonian Fellow, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the cultural fabric of Australia and beyond.
“Bill is deeply mourned by his wife Ingrid, sons Tom and Jack, daughter-in-law Mel, and grandchildren Elke and Stellan, alongside the extended Woodfordia family of organisers, artists, volunteers and festivalgoers whose lives he helped shape. He was so loved.”
TurnUp!, the Sunshine Coast’s annual regional music conference, posted a tribute on social media.
“Today we say goodbye to a true giant of the Australian music community, and a man who held an extraordinary amount of heart, vision and generosity,” it said.
“Bill Hauritz AM – visionary founder of the Woodford Folk Festival and Woodfordia – was not only a cultural leader and creative force, but also a deeply valued friend and unwavering supporter of TurnUp! From our earliest days, Bill shared his time, wisdom, encouragement and that unmistakable spark of optimism that lit up every room he entered. His belief in the power of community, storytelling and the arts didn’t just inspire us, it helped shape who we are.
“Bill had a rare gift for seeing the good in people and for championing ideas long before they became reality. His kindness, his curiosity, and his fierce love for creativity and community combined with his relentless positivity made every conversation richer.
“Our team will miss him immensely. His warmth, guidance and gentle humour have left a lasting imprint on TurnUp! and on each of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Tonight, we’ll raise a beer in his honour and remember the joy he brought into the world.”
Queensland Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch also paid tribute.
“A fierce visionary for the arts in Queensland, incredible intellect, friend to all and a genuinely wonderful man – Bill’s legacy is immense and like so many who hold great memories of the Woodford Folk Festival, we will miss him terribly,” she said.
“My deepest condolences to Bill’s family and to the entire Woodford Festival community.”
This year’s Woodford Folk Festival will run from December 27 to January 1 and features Electric Fields, Troy Cassar-Daley, Sarah Blasko, Budjerah, Hollow Coves, Barkaa, Lior, Kucka, Birdz and Fred Leone, San Cisco, Briggs, Mama Kin Spender, Gordi, Dizzy Days, Beddy Rays and C.W. Stoneking.
