Every festival needs a tweak now and then. A juj, if you will. The iconic Noosa alive! festival, now in its 24th year, just had one. The festival has announced a new leadership team, marking an exciting new chapter for the much-loved cultural celebration in Noosa.

Established by renowned Australian playwright and national treasure David Williamson and his wife Kristin in 2002 (it was originally known as the Noosa Long Weekend Festival), it has always been more. Known for delivering 10 days and 10 nights of world-class arts and cultural experiences, the festival continues to bring together outstanding performers and artists from across the country in a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.

The list of past guests includes writers Clive James and Tim Winton; actors Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, Drew Forsythe and John Bell; film directors Bruce Beresford and Rolf De Heer; Oscar-winning cinematographer Russell Boyd; singers Marina Prior and Caroline O’Connor; the famed Goldner String Quartet … I must stop there or I will be accused of name dropping.

Over the years, I have been a guest, a reviewer and a presenter at this festival, forced to spend time holed up in luxury digs in Noosa for my sins. Ha. In fact, one of the theatrical highlights of my life was at this festival back in 2007 … the great thespian John Bell performing a one-man Moby Dick show at The J Theatre. Brilliant beyond words.

Noosa’s beautiful weather in winter is a drawcard for global visitors who relish the opportunity to soak up the world-class entertainment the festival offers.

Leading the organisation into its next phase of growth is newly appointed chief executive officer Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi, a three-time festival ambassador and Queensland media identity who brings with him an extensive background in the arts, events and the creative industries. And a bit of Hollywood pizzazz to boot, truth be told.

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Having recently relocated from Brisbane to Noosa, Avery-Rossi will work alongside a refreshed management committee and newly appointed president Sharon Wright, whose leadership will guide the strategic direction of the organisation. The new leadership team is focussed on building on the festival’s strong reputation while expanding its cultural impact, audience reach and artistic programming.

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Festival president Sharon Wright says the new appointments reflect a commitment to ensuring the festival continues to thrive as one of Australia’s most respected regional arts events.

“Noosa alive! has long been a cultural highlight for our community and visitors alike,” she says. “With Damien’s leadership and the support of our new management committee we are excited about the future and the opportunities to grow the festival while celebrating the extraordinary talent that defines it.”

Avery-Rossi says he is honoured to take on the role and looks forward to working with the board, artists and community to continue elevating the festival’s profile. He will be in his element.

“Noosa alive! is a remarkable celebration of the arts, set in one of Australia’s most beautiful locations – a location I fell in love with on my first visit to Noosa in 1990 and am thrilled to call home now,” he says.

“My involvement with the festival over these past 12 years has been extremely fulfilling. I’m excited to collaborate with our festival director Ian Mackellar, president Sharon Wright and the Noosa alive! board to help shape the next chapter of the festival as we move toward our milestone 25th anniversary in 2027, building on the festival’s legacy of presenting inspiring performances and creative experiences.”

Held annually in the stunning coastal setting of Noosa, the festival’s diverse program spans music, theatre, dance, literature, visual arts and conversation. Who doesn’t want a few days or even a whole festival in Noosa?

With renewed leadership and a clear vision for the future, Noosa alive! is poised to continue its tradition as one of the country’s most distinctive and celebrated arts festivals.

Co-founder David Williamson, Australia’s most famous and prolific playwright (he is 84 and still writing brilliant plays) says he and his wife, journalist and author Kristin, are thrilled with the new appointments.

“Kristin and I are delighted to see such impressive new talent and energy come together to form a strong new team,” Williamson says. “With Sharon, Damien and an experienced and dedicated new board added to the proven skills of Ian Mackellar, we’re sure a bright new future and exciting new directions for the event lie ahead.”

Meanwhile, you can get a little taste of the festival beforehand with media power couple Lisa Wilkinson and her husband Peter FitzSimons “in conversation” for a double bill literary event on May 11.

The festival program will be announced soon but we can tell you that 2026 will also include a world premiere of a new play by David Williamson as well as the opening night signature event featuring Queensland Ballet (which has opened the festival for many years). There will also be a Blanche d’Alpuget “in conversation” literary lunch at Lucio’s Marina Restaurant on July 17 and the Queensland premiere of Ursula Yovich Sings Nina Simone on July 25 at The J Theatre. Just a few things to whet your appetite!

Noosa alive! runs July 17 to 26, with tickets on sale in April. Join the festival mailing list to get festival updates at:

noosaalive.com.au