By Oliver Lees
The Woodend Winter Arts Festival (WWAF) has established a lecture in memory of a founding committee member who died last year.
Sheila Drummond, who died in February 2020, had been involved in the annual festival since it was established in 2004.
Having founded her own publishing company, Drummond Agency, Ms Drummond, along with her husband, Don, assisted the festival in curating its literacy program, which became known as Words and Ideas.
Festival founder and artistic director Jacqueline Ogeil said establishing a lecture in Ms Drummond’s name was a fitting tribute.
“Sheila was integral to the committee of the festival, we worked very closely for 16 years,” Dr Ogeil said.
“When Sheila and John Dummond came on board, their influence was more than Words and Ideas. It became a way for the community to have access to political commentators, politicians and public intellectuals, to discuss relevant issues in society.”
This year, the inaugural Sheila Drummond Memorial Lecture will feature Barry Jones AC, a lifelong friend of Sheila and Don Drummond.
With years of experience as a writer, politician and activist, Dr Ogeil said Mr Jones is the perfect candidate for lecture.
“Because of her importance and influence with Words and Ideas and literary events, we invited Barry Jones to give a lecture on the importance of community action,” she said.
“It’s all about how to be an active and engaged member of the community.”
Due to coronavirus restrictions, the Sheila Drummond Lecture has been postponed and a new date will be announced soon.
For more information about the festival and to book tickets, visit: www.woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au
