Warrnambool's Ali Kavanagh has stepped into the role, taking over from former director Amy Armstrong.

She brings over a decade of experience in events managements and the arts to the role.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Port Fairy Winter Weekends team for the upcoming 2022 festival," Ms Kavanagh said.

"It encompasses all of the work experience I've done over the last 10 years in the events and art industry, it's very rare to see these kinds of opportunities to come up in my hometown so I just jumped on it at as soon as it was available.

"I look forward to working alongside the creative and dedicated team in offering a series of unique and vibrant events, that celebrate our region's diverse offerings across produce, arts, environment and community.

"The 2022 program will be an opportunity to breathe life into our coldest months, especially so after the COVID-19 pandemic has seemingly put gathering itself into a state of hibernation.

"Now more than ever, we recognise the importance of community, of shared experience and indeed we have a cause for celebrating our incredible region again."

Ms Kavanagh's professional background includes events management at Gasworks Arts Park and music licensing for film, television and advertising.

"I look forward to sharing my experience and insights, in order to present an eclectic array of community-focussed events that appeal to all age groups, locals and tourists alike."

Outgoing director Amy Armstrong held the position for arguably the festival's hardest years as the team worked tirelessly to put on events through the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the coronavirus forced the festival to head online for 2020, Ms Armstrong and her team delivered a vibrant program for 2021 in June and July, with just a handful of events postponed or cancelled.

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