Who was Bill Hauritz and what was he known for?

Bill Hauritz was the impresario who founded the Woodford Folk Festival in Australia, a major annual event known for its diverse lineup and community spirit.

When was the Woodford Folk Festival established?

The festival, originally named the Maleny Folk Festival, was established by Bill Hauritz in 1987 on the Sunshine Coast.

What contributions did Bill Hauritz make beyond music festivals?

Hauritz was dedicated to environmental stewardship, respecting Indigenous culture, and fostering intergenerational knowledge-sharing, creating initiatives like 'The Planting'.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Folk Festival Visionary Bill Hauritz Dies at 71

Folk Festival Visionary Bill Hauritz Dies at 71

9 Dec

•

Summary

Bill Hauritz founded the iconic Woodford Folk Festival in 1987.
The festival now attracts 120,000 guests and 2,000 artists annually.
Hauritz championed environmentalism and Indigenous culture.
UNESCO recognized Woodfordia for intangible cultural heritage.
He received an Order of Australia (AM) in 2005.

Folk Festival Visionary Bill Hauritz Dies at 71

Bill Hauritz, the driving force behind Australia's renowned Woodford Folk Festival, has passed away at the age of 71. Hauritz founded the festival in 1987 as the Maleny Folk Festival, which has since grown into a significant cultural event on the Sunshine Coast. Today, the six-day festival welcomes approximately 120,000 attendees and 2,000 artists, solidifying its status as Australia's largest annual gathering of its kind.

Hauritz's vision for the festival extended far beyond entertainment, focusing on environmental stewardship, Indigenous culture, and intergenerational learning. This commitment led to initiatives like 'The Planting' and Woodfordia's ambitious 500-Year Plan. In recognition of its cultural significance, Woodfordia received the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Award in 2023.