Loss of a ‘rare kind of visionary’

Tributes are flowing for cultural leader and creative visionary Bill Hauritz AM, founder of the Woodford Folk Festival and Woodfordia, who has died.

The team at Woodfordia issued a statement yesterday to share the sad news and honour the man who ‘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,” the statement said.

“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.

“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.

Bill was 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,” the statement said.

Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke said the much-loved visionary built a festival dedicated to love and friendship.

“Bob Hawke once told me I would never meet a better Australian than Bill Hauritz. That wasn’t just his conclusion. It was the conclusion of anyone who has spent a moment with Bill,” Mr Burke said.

“He was enriched by music, passionate about the environment, and his instinct for kindness was matched by his humility.

“In the Woodford Folk Festival, he didn’t simply create a home for entertainment. He created an example of how people could live with less conflict and more care.

“Australian artists lose a lot with his passing. But the arts in Australia is forever enriched by his life.”

Woodfordia Co-Founder and Managing Director Amanda Jackes said Bill didn’t just create a festival, he created a world.

“A living village where music, ceremony, story and shared experience passed hand to hand, heart to heart, in the rhythms of everyday life. He taught us how to build something beautiful that lasts, not just in memory, but in the land and in each other,” she said.

“The greatest compliment Bill ever received, and the one he wore with a smile, was that he was a pathological optimist. He lived up to that each and every day. His presence is woven into everything we do.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said the City of Moreton Bay had lost a true champion and inspiration to many.

“I’m extremely saddened to hear about Bill’s passing. He was a visionary who loved nothing more than to harness the power of music and nature to bring people together, from Moreton Bay and beyond,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Council was proud to work hand in glove over many years in promoting the iconic Woodford Folk Festival, which draws more than 100,000 visitors to our City each year.

“City of Moreton Bay’s vibrant arts and cultural community would not be what it is today without Bill’s enormous contribution which ultimately went onto define one of Australia’s most iconic festivals.

“I always enjoyed spending time with Bill at Woodfordia, a remarkable 500-acre parkland that underscored his passion for the environment with an incredibly diverse and award-winning ecosystem.

“Bill will be forever remembered for his environmental stewardship and creating a lasting cultural legacy in City of Moreton Bay.

“This year’s folk festival won’t be the same without Bill.”