Some of Australia’s brightest minds descend on the Macedon Ranges for the Woodend Winter Arts Festival

Friday 9 June - Monday 12 June

The Words & Ideas Program has been a key feature of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival since its first inception 18 years ago.

Curated by Don Watson, this year’s program promises to be as captivating as ever, when leading luminaries gather to discuss some of our most challenging contemporary issues. Come along on festival weekend to hear their opinions and predictions on the clean energy challenge, the climate catastrophe, pandemics, peace and war, and politics, media and democracy.

Headliners include seasoned journalists, fascinating authors, international relations experts, political advisors, climate leaders, a Nobel prize winner and more.

Keep reading below to discover some of the Words & Ideas program highlights. You can also check out the full four-day program online. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast.

Words & Ideas: On Climate Catastrophe

With Lauren Rickards and Jamie Button 

Join two of Australia’s leading experts on climate change as they discuss what is the scientific truth of the matter and how long have we got. They’ll chat about what must be done, what the chances are that it will be done, and whether or not Australia is anywhere near where it should be. Listen in as Lauren Rickards and Jamie Button discuss what a ‘renewable’ Australia might look like.

When: Saturday 10 June at 1pm
Where: Woodend Community Centre

Words & Ideas: On Pandemics

With Peter Doherty and Christine Keneally

Nobel prize winner Peter Doherty will join award-winning journalist and author Christine Keneally to discuss how the pandemic has shaped our lives and what we can expect in the future. Join them as they chat about what science has learned from the COVID pandemic, what governments have learned and what Australia got wrong and right. They’ll also discuss what the likelihood of another pandemic and our chances of surviving it.

When: Sunday 11 June at 10:30am
Where: Woodend Community Centre

Words & Ideas: On Peace & War

With Jim Middleton & Nick Bisley

Join political adviser and journalist Jim Middleton as he discusses peace and war with international relations expert Nick Bisley. They will discuss if the world is headed for a new cold war or perhaps a hot one and just how close we are to the precipice. They’ll look into Australia’s options and whether we have any besides the US alliance and AUKUS (the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States).

When: Sunday 11 June at 5:30pm
Where: Woodend Community Centre

Words & Ideas: Sheila Drummond Memorial - On Politics, Media and Democracy

With George Megalagenis, Sean Kelly and Sally Warhaft

The Sheila Drummond Memorial will see three of Australia’s most influential journalists lead a lively discussion on politics, media and democracy. Join George Megalagenis, Sean Kelly and Sally Warhaft as they chat about rampant lies, conspiracy theories, fake news, deepening tribalism, and fashionable fascisms. They’ll also address the questions of how we can ensure faith in democratic institutions, including the media, and how we can invigorate Australian democracy.

When: Monday 12 June at 10:00am
Where: Woodend Community Centre

BOOK YOUR STAY

Have you booked your accommodation yet? There are plenty of options to choose from either in Woodend or the wider Macedon Ranges region. From historic homesteads and stylish retreats, to cosy B&Bs and classic hotels, the choice is yours.