GOODFEST — Gathering Of Oral Delights

A festival where voices become atmosphere.

Three days of spoken word, slam poetry, live music and storytelling in the heart of the Maleny hinterland. GOODFEST brings together poets, performers and audiences from across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and beyond — a convergence of expression, connection and raw human truth.

At the centre of the festival is the Joe Lynch Memorial Cup, a major spoken word competition honouring one of Maleny’s most beloved poets. Across the weekend, voices rise through the ranks — from the opening slam to the final showdown — culminating in a powerful celebration of story, courage and craft.

With a total prize pool of $7,000, the stage is set for something special.

What’s On

Friday — Opening Night Slam 6-9.30pm

Maleny Lane

Poets step up, words hit deep, and the festival begins in a room alive with energy, connection and the unexpected.
Cash prizes up for grabs.

Saturday — Joe Lynch Memorial Cup Heats 10am-5.30pm

Maleny Community Centre

The competition ignites!
32 poets take the stage across four heats, each bringing their truth, their fire, their moment. Only the strongest voices move forward.

Saturday Night — Charity Gala Showcase 6.45pm-10pm

Maleny Community Centre

A night of live music, feature performances and celebration.
A carefully curated lineup of guest poets and musicians coming together in a space where art meets purpose, with all profits supporting the Maleny Hospital.

Guest Perfomnaces by:

Juman

JUMAN is a singer-songwriter and music producer originally from Naarm/Melbourne, now based on Bundjalung Country in northern NSW. Her self-produced work explores themes of love and transformation, weaving together downtempo electronic, R&B, neo-soul, future soul, and hip hop into a rich textural sound, grounded in her powerful and angelic vocals.
Drawing from her Palestinian and Turkish heritage alongside a deep connection to the natural world, JUMAN creates music that feels both intimate and expansive. Her live performances are immersive and emotionally resonant, that are at once grounding and uplifting.
Her latest album, Love Is All, was featured in Bandcamp’s Best Soul Releases, marking a significant milestone in her artistic evolution. She has performed at major festivals including Splendour in the Grass, Strawberry Fields, Woodford Folk Festival, and Earth Frequency Festival, and has supported internationally acclaimed artists such as Peaches, Ladi6, and Nai Palm (Hiatus Kaiyote).
Beyond her solo work, JUMAN is deeply engaged in community and creative collaboration. She facilitates a women’s choir and hosts a radio show at her local community station, reflecting her commitment to connection, collective voice, and music as a transformative force.

Hayden Hack

Hayden HackHayden Hack, the award-winning South African songwriter and musician, is a trailblazing maestro crafting sonic wonders. With his unique blend of guitar and vocal soundscape, Hayden seamlessly incorporates live looping techniques into his performances, captivating audiences around the world. His musical journey began in 2000 when he left South Africa to explore the global music scene and refine his craft. Playing his funky afro-inspired journeyman music, Hayden recounts stories from his travels, offering a unique perspective on the world. He has graced the stages of renowned festivals and venues across the world leaving a lasting impression on listeners. Hayden's artistry transcends boundaries, weaving emotional and cultural influences into his music, painting a vivid musical picture for his audience. With each performance, he invites listeners on a transformative sonic journey, showcasing his boundless creativity and undeniable talent. Hayden Hack is a true innovator in the music industry, continuously pushing the limits of sonic possibility and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

With Performance Poetry by:

Archie

Nick Grivas

Possum and Tango

Ian Mackay

Sunday — Semi Finals 10am-1.30pm

Maleny Community Centre

The field narrows. The stakes rise.
The remaining poets bring everything they have, each performance a step closer to the final.

Sunday Night — Grand Final 6-8pm

Maleny Community Centre

The culmination.
The final voices. The final words.
One poet will take home the Joe Lynch Memorial Cup and a $2,500 prize, but every voice leaves its mark.

GOODFEST is more than a festival — it’s a gathering.
Of stories. Of people. Of moments that linger long after the final line lands.

Come for the poetry.
Stay for the feeling.

For Poets

Opening Slam: 3 minutes
Cup rounds: 7 minutes
Original work only
No props — just you and the mic
Progressing poets perform different sets

Full rules and registration details provided prior.

Contact the host of GOODFEST Gathering Of Oral Delights Festival