Supporting a festival of arts and winter in woodend

The Victorian Government is again proudly supporting the upcoming Woodend Winter Arts Festival with $20,000 in funding to help ensure the success of this exciting regional community event.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today joined comedian Max Gillies and writer Rodney Hall at St Ambrose Church Hall in Woodend, ahead of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend festival.

The Andrews Labor Government has provided $72,500 to the Woodend Winter Arts Festival since 2015.

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival, now in its fourteenth year, brings together acclaimed Australian and international artists and the Macedon Ranges music, literary and arts community over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

The festival offers a program of vibrant, traditional and thought-provoking performances for audiences in the heart of one of Victoria’s best food and wine regions.

It is expected more than 5,000 visitors will travel to the Macedon Ranges for the festival, which includes a program for young people and children and a series of free community events to ensure that the event remains accessible to as many people in the community as possible.

The 2018 event features Victorian Opera, Italian, Brazilian and Middle Eastern music performances, literary events, photography and film, and a pottery exhibition.

The festival was the original idea of locals Jacqueline Ogeil, now the artistic director, and John O’Donnell, committee president, who themselves are acclaimed classical musicians with international reputations.

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a not-for-profit event, which is also supported by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, with further funding coming from sponsorship, local grants and ticket sales.

Festival details can be found at woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Woodend Winter Arts Festival produces a wonderful eclectic mix of art, music, food and wine, bringing Woodend to life over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend."

"It’s a festival that brings locals and tourists out during winter to enjoy all that Woodend has to offer, creating a great boost for local businesses."