The iconic Noosa alive! Festival, now in its 24th year, 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 wife Kristin in 2002, and known for delivering ten days and ten nights of world-class arts and cultural experiences, the festival continues to bring together outstanding performers, artists and audiences from across the country in a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.
Noosa’s beautiful weather in winter is a drawcard for visitors from right across the globe, who relish the opportunity to soak up the World-Class entertainment the festival offers each year.
Leading the organisation into its next phase of growth is newly appointed Chief Executive Office Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi, a three-time NA Festival Ambassador and Queensland media identity who brings an extensive background in the arts, events and the creative industries. 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.
Together, the new leadership team is focused on building on the festival’s strong reputation while expanding its cultural impact, audience reach and artistic programming.
President Sharon Wright said 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, bringing incredible artist from around the world and showcasing our own homegrown talent. With Damien’s depth of experience 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,” Wright said.
CEO Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi said 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.
“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. My involvement with the festival over these past twelve years has been extremely fulfilling. I’m excited to collaborate with our festival director, Ian Mackellar, NA 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 showcases a diverse program spanning music, theatre, dance, literature, visual arts, conversation and live performance, attracting audiences from across Australia.
With renewed leadership and a clear vision for the future, the Noosa Alive! Festival is poised to continue its tradition as one of the country’s most distinctive and celebrated arts festivals.
“Kristin and I are delighted to see such impressive new talent and energy come together to form a strong new team. 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,” said David Williamson, Playwright and Founder of Noosa alive!
Don’t miss Noosa Alive’s pre-festival treat with media power couple Lisa Wilkinson and her husband, Peter FitzSimons, ’in conversation’ for this Queensland Exclusive Double Bill – Literary event on 11 May – Tickets on sale now at noosaalive.com.au
The festival program will be announced soon, and tickets for the festival will be on sale in April 2026. Join the festival mailing list now at www.noosaalive.com.au for all the latest updates.
