Woodford Folk Festival Founder Bill Hauritz AM Passes Away

Australian music industry legend and founder of the beloved Woodford Folk Festival, Bill Hauritz AM, has passed away.

Managing director of the rural music festival, Amanda Jackes, confirmed Hauritz' passing in a statement this week.

"A cultural leader, fierce optimist and creative visionary, Bill transformed the landscape of Australian festivals and community life," the statement reads.

"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. 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."

Read the full statement below.

Hauritz stayed actively involved with the festival throughout the COVID pandemic when it could not go ahead for two consecutive years, before it returned in 2023.

The news of Hauritz passing comes just weeks out from the 2025 edition of the festival, which kicks off on December 27th.