Boorowa Irish Woolfest Celebrates Success For 2024 And New Beginnings

IMAGE: The new committee for the Boorowa Irish Woolfest is already planning the next successful running-of-thesheep event.

The Irish Woolfest Annual General Meeting (AGM) and debrief was held on November 11 at the ExServices Club.

Attendees celebrated the resounding success of the 2024 festival while setting sights on a bright and strong future with fresh leadership.

Outgoing Chair Susan Corcoran reflected on her eight years on the Woolfest Committee, including four as Chair.

In her final address, she praised the team’s resilience and dedication through challenges like COVID-19 and evolving the event itself.

“Through date changes, Council staff turnovers and evolving the event itself, we’ve managed to keep Woolfest strong,” Ms Corcoran said.

She also extended special thanks to Hilltops Council Events Coordinator David Munnerley, whose hard work she called “invaluable” to the event’s success.

The AGM saw the election of a new leadership team. New member Glenn Hurry has taken the helm as Chair, with Paige Morby stepping into the role of Vice Chair. New members Anna Dreverman and Georgia Murray also joined the committee.

Chair Glenn Hurry said along with the existing team, the new members were enthusiastic about bringing fresh ideas while preserving the event’s strong traditions, celebrating wool and the community’s Irish ties.

“The Woolfest Committee is always open to new members and ideas, and we’re excited to see where the next chapter takes us,” Mr Hurry said.

The 2024 Festival was a record-breaking success, with 5,345 attendees - a significant increase from previous years.

Data from participants highlighted high satisfaction, with 98 percent of respondents expressing a desire to return.

Former Chair Susan Corcoran said visitors stayed longer and local businesses and community stalls enjoyed a boost in economic activity.

“The Irish Woolfest continues to keep Boorowa on the map, not just as a vibrant community hub but as a key player in regional tourism,” Ms Corcoran said.

Looking ahead, the committee is committed to maintaining the event’s legacy while exploring innovative ways to grow the event as a whole weekend festival.

The future of Woolfest is bright, with guaranteed support from the community bank, community and ongoing economic benefits for the town.

With strong leadership and community engagement, the Boorowa Irish Woolfest promises to remain a cherished tradition for many years to come.