Committee

Executive Committee 2021-2022
Chairman: Robert Oats
2023 was supposed to be my last year as Chair but somehow I am back in the seat! I have been a member of the WAFF since about 1975 after being introduced to the Stables Folk Club by a friend. I was on the committee in 1978 when the National Folk Festival was in Fremantle and was involved in the Toodyay Folk festival for a number of years. I got back on the committee at the 1997 AGM and served for for about 8 years. During this period I produced the Town Crier (when it was a printed magazine format) and the WAFF web pages and sat in a number of positions on the committee until taking a sabbatical to pursue other things. I returned to the committee as vice chairman after a couple years acting in an advisory role and editing the web pages.
I have been a performer since 1968 and mainly play guitar &amp sing. I have written, recorded and performed my own material, some of which can be found on the Rambling Bilbies CD called “Tread Softly” which highlights some of my songs. I have been in a number of bands and currently play with The Rambling Bilbies . I also do the odd sound engineering job (including Wanneroo Folk Club). I am a life member of The Nannup Music Club and the WA Folk Fed.
I started the WA Acoustic Music and Dance Calendar several years ago and keep it updated, it is now incorporated into the WAFF pages (see the link at the top) which promotes acoustic music events around WA. Contact for Rob: 04 1890 8899 or rob.wafolk@iinet.net.au
Vice Chairman: Wendy Bonnett.
Wendy has been a long time supporter of folk music in WA along side Terry. She has been on the committee for a couple of years and this year takes on the Vice Chair role.
Treasurer: Terry Bonnett
Terry is a Private Dentist in practice since 1977. He has been a member of WAFF for about 18 years and joined the committee in 1998, not long after the Joondalup Festival and was on the committee that helped save the WAFF at that time. He became Treasurer in about 1999 with only one year out of the job during this time.
In Terry’s words: “Unfortunately I have no musical talents (can’t sing, can’t dance, can’t do a godamm thing)”
Terry was made a life member of the WAFF at the 2017 AGM for service to the WAFF and the WA folk community. To contact Terry: phone 9279 2875 or waffinc@gmail.com, if you don’t mind waiting ages for me to reply.
Secretary Jill Oats
Jill has returned to the committee this year. She has an extensive background in music as a teacher and performer. She has played with various bands around Perth and currently plays with the Rambling Bilbies.
General Committee
Yvonne Gray
I’ve been involved in the folk music scene since around 1988 when I joined the Central Australian Folk Society (CAFS) in Alice Springs. The friendly & talented musicians, fabulous club nights, camp outs & festivals got me hooked. Who doesn’t love a session that lasts till dawn – those were the days! I joined the committee & spent a number of years as secretary & then treasurer – it was the most fun I’ve had on a committee. I’ve got a few decades of audience in there as well. Leaving the Territory after 33 years was a big wrench, I moved to Brisbane but came back to the Territory each year for the Top Half Folk Festival . A unique festival that moves venues to the various clubs in the Territory & Mt Isa. It now alternates between Alice Springs & the Top End.
At the 40th Top Half, I met a WA folkie & was lured to cross the country to Perth where he convinced me to marry him. I support Phil in his music, driver, roadie, photographer, where did I put that … etc & with his encouragement, have dabbled in attempts to learn an instrument. I may have found the one for me in a UBass, still very much a beginner but loving it!
Carmel Charlton.
Carmel has returned to the committee this year, She has previously held the Chair and other positions. Carmel runs Jackadders Music club with Erik Hancock & Lynda Martin
Phil Gray. Phil has been around the WA Folk scene for many years and has played in many bands over the years including Loaded Dog and currently Warralakin. He has performed at many festivals and folk clubs around Australia and brings a wealth of experience to the committee . Warralakin’s new CD was nominated for a Folk Music Award in 2023