A Bulli family's decades-long tradition of opening their home to travelling musicians has profoundly shaped their daughter's future, proving that the heart of folk music beats strongest in community connection.
A Home Filled With Music
For years, Siria and Mal Thomas have welcomed performers from across the globe into their Bulli residence as part of the Illawarra Folk Festival's billeting program. This act of hospitality has done more than provide a bed for artists; it has fundamentally altered the path of their 23-year-old daughter, Shalani Thomas.
Shalani's immersion in the festival culture began early. At just ten years old, she busked at the event and won a songwriting competition. Her talent led her to perform at Folk by the Sea in Kiama and the Tamworth Country Music Festival, where she even jammed with country star Troy Cassar-Daley. Yet, her allegiance remains firmly with the Illawarra event. "The culture for me is definitely better than Tamworth," she affirms.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Now helping to run the festival's folk school, Shalani credits the musicians her parents hosted with shaping her artistic identity. Artist Ange Takats left a particularly deep impression. "I had one of my first really emotional responses to music listening to her," Shalani recalls, noting that Takats "very much shaped the type of music I do now."
Siria and Mal, though not musicians themselves, possess what they describe as "the souls of performers." Their motivation for billeting was simple: a love for the music scene and forging connections. These connections directly benefited their daughter, as many artists shared trade secrets and even joined her on stage. "None of them are secretive about their craft, they want to share with others," Siria Thomas explains.
The family's hospitality extends beyond a spare room. They often cook meals with their guests and act as local tour guides, showing them beaches and the surrounding Illawarra region. "We take them down to the beach and look after them like they are tourists," Mrs Thomas says.
The 39th Illawarra Folk Festival Unveiled
As the festival prepares for its 39th year in 2026, first-time director Shane Moon is overseeing several exciting updates. The event, running from Friday, January 16 to Sunday, January 18 at the Bulli Showground, will feature 83 acts across eight stages. A charity night concert on Thursday, January 15 will kick off proceedings.
Key changes for 2026 include an enlarged Black Diamond stage and marquee. In a local collaboration, Unanderra-based Seeker Brewing has joined as a partner, operating a second bar and creating a special festival beer. "They've even brewed a local beer for us, it's a special folk festival beer," Ms Moon reveals.
The line-up remains a major draw, with crowd favourite Koori Voices returning alongside a diverse mix of local, national, and international talent. Both Moon and Shalani Thomas are keen to challenge any narrow perceptions of folk festivals. "Folk music is just storytelling to some tunes," Moon states, highlighting the event's range of world music, reggae, blues, and bluegrass.
Shalani, who will perform twice at the festival, has been a passionate advocate, converting friends into fans. "It's not just a band of old, white men," she laughs. "I've been getting friends to come and then they get hooked."
The story of the Thomas family underscores the festival's enduring community spirit—a spirit that nurtures talent, forges lifelong bonds, and continues to define the unique character of the Illawarra Folk Festival.
