The Sound Country Artist Leadership Retreat is an immersive four-day program designed to equip Australia’s leading musicians with the networks and skills to help build a greener and safer future.
Deepen your knowledge and networks, gain critical skills and learn how to use music to shift the story of our time.
Delivered in partnership with Sound NSW, this year’s program is open to NSW-based artists only, and will take place at Werriberri at Lot 101 in Megalong Valley, on Darug and Gundungurra country.
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Musicians have such a huge role to play in the environmental movement and I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity to recharge my activism and find a path forward as an artist on this continent. — Stella Donnelly, 2024 retreat alumni |
It has mentally, physically & spiritually given me more grounding, but has also given me more confidence in who I am as a person, the importance of the path I'm on & who I want to become. — Noelani Petero, 2024 retreat alumni |
Key details
When: Full 4 day retreat from Monday May 18 (arrive 12pm AEST) to Thursday May 21 2026 (depart 6pm AEST).
Where: Werriberri at Lot 101 in Megalong Valley, on Darug and Gundungurra country, NSW
Who: 10x NSW-based artists, accompanied by facilitators and guests.
Please keep in mind that our 2026 retreat will be at a new location, with a reduced cohort, and a revised format.
An information session will be held on Wednesday February 18 at 1pm AEDT. RSVP here.
2024 Retreat
See highlights from our 2024 retreat which took place in lutruwita/Tasmania.
Who can apply
An artist or working musician who:
- is 18 years or older
- currently lives in NSW (minimum 12 months)
- is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- has not previously participated in a Sound Country retreat
The ideal applicant will:
- be actively engaged in creating, releasing or performing music
- have a demonstrated passion for climate justice, the environment, and/or sustainability
- be committed to stepping up their leadership for greater impact
- be ready to engage fully with facilitators & fellow participants for the duration of the retreat
Musicians of all genres and backgrounds are welcome. Both solo artists and members of bands/groups are eligible. People from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities, people of colour, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities are encouraged to apply.
Previous retreat alumni include Alice Ivy, Alice Skye, Angie McMahon, Annie Hamilton, Beatrice Lewis (Haiku Hands), Beckah Amani, Dale Tanner (Ocean Grove), Didirri, Elana Stone, Eliza Hull, Jaida Stephenson (Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers), Kee’ahn, Kira Puru, Milan Ring, Nicole Murphy, Stella Donnelly, Sunny Luwe and Tim Shiel.
How to apply
Applications close on Monday March 2 at 5pm AEDT. Applicants will be advised whether they are successful by the end of March.
What's included
- Retreat experience: A four day, three night retreat located at intimate Werriberri cottages at Lot 101, with time to connect with place, to nourish and replenish. Food is included.
- Knowledge sharing: Share knowledge with your fellow artists, experts and facilitators all working at the intersection of music, environment and structural change.
- Interactive learning: Using the Sound Country Guide as a central toolkit for change, you will learn about: systems change through First Nations leadership; strategies to reduce your impact as an artist; how to use your voice as a platform for advocacy.
- Brainstorming strategic action: In group sessions, we will workshop music-driven collective actions and campaigns designed for meaningful impact towards positive climate outcomes.
- Community building: Join a network of music climate advocates that includes previous retreat alumni, artist patrons, and hundreds of highly engaged volunteers and musicians around Australia, and establish relationships that will last for years to come.
Location & travel
Werriberri is located on Darug and Gundungurra country in the Megalong Valley. Its cottages are nestled among 600 hectares of gorgeous bushlands and basking in the awe of the Blue Mountains escarpment. It is located approximately 2 hours drive from Sydney.
We have access to 5 two-bedroom and 1 single self-contained units. All participants will have individual rooms, with shared kitchen & bathroom facilities. Food will be provided, though participants are also welcome to bring their own supplies.
Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the event. However, if we have a high number of participants based in Sydney or other areas, we may help facilitate some shared transport options. e.g. chartered bus or carpooling.
Financial support
Retreat participation is free, thanks to SoundNSW funding which covers food, lodging and many of the other costs of developing and delivering the retreat's program.
However, we acknowledge that taking time out to participate often comes at additional personal cost, whether it is through pay lost from taking time off work, childcare expenses, travel from a remote location, or other related costs.
With that in mind, we can offer a small amount of financial support to successful applicants who would otherwise not be able to attend.
To apply for financial support, please fill out the relevant section of our application form.
Further questions
For all further questions, please reach out to Bridget Heazlewood at [email protected].
Green Music Australia is supported by the Australian Government through Music Australia. The Sound Country Artist Leadership Retreat is supported by the NSW Government through Sound NSW.
