Lively discussion and debate from some of Australia’s brightest minds at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival.

7-10 June 2024

The Words & Ideas Program has been a key feature of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival since its inception 19 years ago. Curated by Festival Director Jacqueline Ogeil, this year’s program promises to be as captivating as ever, expanding into science and music discussions, as leading luminaries discuss challenging contemporary issues such as the rise of AI, understanding the importance of scientific methods, city living versus bush life and an exploration of war versus peace.

Headliners include seasoned journalists, fascinating authors, radio personalities, scientific experts, a Nobel prize winner and more.  

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

Consciousness: Testing theories of consciousness

As machines increasingly match the capabilities of humans, it’s never been more challenging to describe the nature of consciousness. It’s an enterprise that now involves philosophers, psychologists, neuroscientists and engineers. Leading science journalist and author, Elizabeth Finkel, along with a panel globally recognized leaders in this field to discuss this fascinating and ever so relevant topic.

When: Saturday 8 June at 10:30am

Where: Woodend Community Centre

Proof

In the 17th century, the scientific revolution gave us a solid foundation for how to build knowledge. Elizabeth Finkel’s book ‘Proof’ reveals the scientific method in action in the 21st century. She tells six compelling stories of how big theories, from Einstein’s general relativity to theories of consciousness, are currently being put to the test. Finkel’s message is that there has never been a more important moment for the public to learn about the scientific method.

When: Saturday 8 June at 1pm

Where: Woodend Community Centre

The Shortest History of Music

he Shortest History of Music is a new book from award-winning composer and broadcaster Andrew Ford. Set to be released this July, it is a lively, authoritative tour through several thousand years of music. Packed with colourful characters and surprising details, it sets out to understand what exactly music is – and why humans are irresistibly drawn to making it. Interviewed by our Festival Director Jacqueline Ogeil, this session is sure to be entertaining and engaging.

When: Saturday 8 June at 5pm

Where: Woodend Community Centre

Tennis, Termites and Turmoil - an exploration of war and peace

Nobel prize winner Peter Doherty’s career as a writer spans 60-years, during which time the great majority of his opus has been in the specialised science of infection and immunity. He has also published seven books. His latest effort ‘Empire War Tennis and Me’ uses his family story to explore ideas about war and peace, with particular reference to the Pacific conflict of 1942–1945 that threatened Australia. In this insightful discussion, Peter will be interviewed by respected journalist and author Gideon Haigh. 

When: Sunday 9 June at 10:30am

Where: Woodend Community Centre

Talking My Own Book: Gideon Haigh

Sport fans will have no trouble recognising the name Gideon Haigh. He has written for numerous leading newspapers and magazines, mostly about cricket. He has also authored over 50 books. After a career spanning decades, he discusses his embrace of self-publishing – minimum profit but maximum fun.

When: Sunday 9 June at 1:15pm

Where: Woodend Community Centre

City vs Bush

The Sheila Drummond Memorial event will see three of Australia’s most influential writers lead a lively discussion on how we unite the city and the bush in the 21st century. Join Sally Warhaft, Don Watson and George Megalogenis as they explore city versus bush – one of Australia’s oldest divides. How do we build a bridge between the two in the 21st century when our cosmopolitan capitals and parochial regional towns and country areas have never been further apart in terms of age, ethnic make-up, income and cultural outlook?

When: Monday 10 June at 1pm

Where: Woodend Community Centre

Sex, Science & Singing

Join evolutionary geneticist and singer Professor Jenny Graves as she is interviewed by ABC Science Show personality Robyn Williams. Expect a fun and engaging discussion that covers Jenny’s career sorting out the genes and chromosomes that determine sex, along with one of her most recent projects – writing and performing a musical composition that tells the story of creation from a scientific point of view.

When: Monday 10 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.

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate here or visit our website for more information on how to donate.