Help us nurture and safeguard Woodfordia

From the beginnings of our organisation in 1985, Woodfordia’s journey has been dramatic, risky and has required courage from all involved. It’s been underpinned by the philosophy “live as if we will die tomorrow and plan as if we will live forever”. Woodfordia, we realise, is not merely a festival or a place for concerts, political talks and citizen science. We imagine it as a centre for pilgrimage, discovery and exploration for people seeking inspiration and hungering for deeper connections.

We are all humbled by what has been created from a simple idea in the beginning. We think it’s important to nurture and safeguard the hard-won culture that characterises Woodfordia and do everything we can to pass it on through the generations. We invite you to consider leaving a gift in your Will to help build the long-term financial sustainability of Woodfordia.

Leaving a Legacy

We are reaching out to those who love what we do. If you feel you have benefited from Woodfordia, or recognise all that Woodfordia gives, we ask you to consider a gift of money. In return, we can promise that the funds will help protect the organisation we all love; your legacy will continue the magic of Woodfordia for generations to come.

“Many before me have contributed so I could love Woodfordia, so my bequest is my repayment to them, and my gift to those who will come after me. Long may Woodfordia continue; to encourage our artists and creatives, and spread excitement, joy and love to all.”

– Friend of Woodfordia, Stephen Pronk

Our Guiding Principles

1. We understand your family and loved ones will always come first.

2. We are grateful for any bequest, big or small, you may choose to leave Woodfordia after you have looked after those most dear to you.

3. If you decide to leave a bequest to Woodfordia we would love to hear from you, so we can express our gratitude. If you wish your decision to remain private, we will respect your wishes and have no further contact.

4. We will use your gift carefully and cost-effectively to nurture and safeguard Woodfordia for generations to come.

Where do the funds go?

Bequests will be deposited into the “Woodfordia Perpetual Fund” until a $10 million target has been reached. This fund, which will buffer the organisation from unforeseen financial hardship such as extreme weather, is managed by appointed trustees charged with the role of directing the funds appropriately. After that, funds will be invested principally to infrastructure, site improvements and projects that strengthen the organisation’s ability to successfully fulfil its charter.

How to leave a bequest to Woodfordia?

Step 1. Speak to your family and loved ones

Leaving a gift is a personal decision. We recommend you speak to your loved ones so they are aware of your decision to leave a gift to Woodfordia Inc.

If you already have a Will you can add a codicil (an amendment to an existing will) to include Woodfordia Inc. Your solicitor can help you with any changes.

Step 2. Decide what type of gift to leave

There are three ways to leave a gift in your Will.

Residual
After your estate has taken care of your loved ones and expenses, you may make a gift of the remainder, or a percentage of the remainder.

Specific
You may nominate a gift of a specific dollar amount in your Will.

Asset
You may gift a specific asset, such as a real estate, shares or bonds, or an item of particular value.

Step 3. Speak with a solicitor

We recommend you get the help of a solicitor before writing or updating your Will. The following information will be of use.

Woodfordia’s legal name: ‘Woodfordia Inc’. ABN: 74 616 312 239

Woodfordia Inc is a not for profit with a deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.

Example wording:

“I give to Woodfordia Inc ABN 74 616 312 239 (indicate expressed percentage of estate, dollar amount and/or the item or property to be given) for general purposes and declare that the receipt of the Finance Officer at the time shall be sufficient discharge of my executor’s duty.”

A sample codicil (amendment to a will) can be downloaded here.

Information to support using the sample codicil is available here.

Why I make Wills for Woodfordia

“Woodfordia is essentially my second family. People of good character and warm hearts sharing love, music, dance, stories, arts, conversation and reflection. I have been coming to Woodford since I was five and first started volunteering in my early 20s – a custom I have kept up for over a decade.

When I heard Woodfordia was encouraging its citizens and volunteers to make bequests in their Will, I needed no convincing that this was a great idea. After all, it’s standard practice for not-for-profits throughout Australia.

As it happens, I have specialised in estate planning for the past five years at Queensland’s best wills and estates law firms. I’m a freelance lawyer now which allows me to provide free consultations and a significantly reduced-cost professional service to the community that I love.”

– Dion McCurdy Lawyer, Direct Lawyers

You are welcome to contact Dion: dion@directlawyers.com.au

Please let us know

If you make a bequest we would love to thank you personally, so please get in touch. We will respect your confidentiality and not share the good news if you don’t want us to. However, if its ok with you, we may spread the word as your support may encourage others to consider leaving a bequest too.

We welcome your enquiry

If you would like to have a confidential conversation about leaving a bequest to Woodfordia Inc you are welcome to contact the Executive Director or General Manager:

Phone: +61 7 5496 1066 Email: bequests@woodfordia.com

Mail: PMB 2, Woodrow Rd, Woodford, QLD, Australia, 4514

Your enquiries are in no way binding and will be treated in the strictest confidence. We would be grateful for your consideration.

Pass it on

If you know a friend and fellow Woodfordian who may be interested in bequesting, perhaps you might pass this information on.

Woodfordia’s 500-year plan

Woodfordia has a 500-year plan. It’s not a vision of how things are going to look in 500 years’ time, or a business plan of how to get there. It’s not a design for future generations, but rather a set of simple principles of how we might behave now so we can sustain.

We recognise, appreciate and graciously receive gifts from our ancestors

We understand these are the gifts of lore and the celebration of our existence

We aim to gift future generations a clean slate; an organisation unencumbered with financial, social or environmental debt

 We’ll cultivate a convention of decision-making, strengthening through time, that will resonate in our work and nurture our future

We’ll plant a forest of goodwill and benefit from its shade

We will build with the eyes of artists

We’ll provide space for our descendants to meet the challenges of their generations with vigour, courage and imagination and encourage them to celebrate their journeys with levity and frivolity

The 500-year plan lives in our minds.

It is our myth. It is a vision for how we might be and sensed by all who feel our welcome.