AUSfolk is a conference with a difference. Attendees for the event are as varied as former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke through to Redgum singer John Schumann, Mushroom Music M.D. Ian James and Bluesfest founder Peter Noble.
The idea for AUSfolk came from founder Bill Hauritz AM, who expects to turn AUSfolk into an annual event. "Never had there been a conference or gathering of cultural events of any significance," Bill tells Undercover News. "We are going to run it for the next three years.""Festivals and cultural events have a huge impact on where culture is going," he says. "We wanted to build an event that was different to most conferences, where people can meet each other. We can make things happen as we go along because people can meet and discuss."
The event will mix music, comedy, the arts and business across three days in September. Bob Hawke will speak at the Town Hall on the first night. His wife and biographer Blanche D'Alpuget is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
"Bob came to the Woodford Festival," Bill said. "I got talking to him and he is very much into Australian culture. He loved Woodford and he loved the idea of this."
The event will give the attendees an opportunity to mix with the speakers. "He will be there that night and the following morning. He is a very approachable man," he says.
About 130 people have registered to attend the first AUSfolk so far. Bill expects around 300 will be there for the event.
Presenters at AUSfolk are Aime Green, Alan Glover, Amanda Jackes, Any White, Bill Hauritz, Blanche D'Alpuget, Bob Hawke, Brian Ritchie, Brain Sansom, Charie Cush, Dave O'Neill, David Fishel, Davis Garratt, Deborah Conway, Dya Singh, Faridah Cameron, Gray Burke, Geoff Phillips, Gerry Dacy, Gil Scrine, Gretchen Young, Ian James, Ian Lowe, Jamie McKew, Jane Haley, Jessica Ducrou, Jill Morgan, Jim Macquarie, John McAuslan, John O'Sullivan, John Schumann, Jordan Verzar, Jyllie Jackson, Keith Preston, Leah Flanagan, Lenine Bourke, Michael Doneman, Michael Laverty, Michael Williams, Neal Hunt, Neil Cameron, Nigel Lavender, Noel Blair, Paul Mason, Penny Smith, Peter Noble, Rhoda Roberts, Sam Cook, Sebastian Flynn, Sim Symons, Stephen Nuske, Ted Egan, Dr. Tim Sharp and Tony Doyle.
AUSfolk, the folk alliance Australia convention, will be held in Woodford, Queensland from September 2 to 4.
