2009 Festival Message from Festival Director

This is my 15th Festival as Director having started at the ripe old age of 33 in 1996. It is also my 25th official year in folk music thanks to the modern version of the Bushwhackers.

It has been a privilege to be involved in presenting a truly unique and now multi-award winning celebration of Australia’s and the world’s folk culture and heritage. The move from Jamberoo to Bulli in 2006 has certainly been exciting and challenging!

We've had a few setbacks with the loss of some in-kind supporters due to the current financial situation but we've manged as usual thanks to the efforts of over 130 volunteers and the local business community.

The encouragement received from the Northern Suburbs community and Wollongong City Council has been most inspiring not to mention the very friendly and amenable folk at the Greyhound Racing Club and Harness Racing Club who have trusted our vision for the Bulli Showground in folk festival mode!

Coming from a varied cultural background it has been great to see the harmony that such an event provides between peoples from all over the world. This Festival is no exception with a vast array of performers and participants.

Other aims of the Festival include featuring and nurturing our young talent. It is important for them to be carrying on the tradition and for them to see our more experienced tradition bearers.

Over the years Festival has also been a fine ambassador for Australia to the many visitors that have discovered folk music and have wanted an insight into Australian culture, history and social celebrations.

It is also pleasing to see the Festival also contributes greatly to a number of local charities and organisations through Bush Dances and the festival. We're happy to providing a great financial boost to the local tourism industry in the Illawarra region as well.

Many thanks are also due to our Platinum Sponsor Gujarat NRE, Gold sponsors Tourism New South Wales, BlueScope Steel, WIN Television, i98FM, Illawarra Mercury and our other supporters for believing in an event such as the folk festival.

Thanks to Jody McKay MP and Tourism New South Wales for their ongoing financial support through the Regional Flagship Event Funding program. Thanks also to our local politicians who continue to support where they can - David Campbell, Sharon Bird and Noreen Hay. Thanks to Kevin Rudd for his support as well and for recognising our national significance.

A large debt is owed to all the previous and current Festival Organising Committees and the many hundreds of volunteers over the past 23 festivals, which have ensured the Festival continues. There is a great sense of achievement in presenting the Festival despite at times the many hours of work and personal sacrifices of family time.

I should also thank the tolerance and ongoing support of my terrific wife Tania and son Sam.

We trust all our efforts are appreciated and we value your ongoing support and constructive comment. We hope you continue to celebrate and enjoy the world of folk music at the 24th festival and join us for our Silver Anniversay festival in 2010.

David De Santi
Illawarra Folk Festival Director