Hosted this year by Plumwood Mountain's resident caretaker Anne Edwards, the festival attracted about 40 people last Sunday. Festival highlights included live folk music, face painting and guided walks through the forest and gardens. There was billy tea and coffee over a warm fire, and delicious food provided by those who attended. The crowd ebbed and flowed all afternoon and evening. It consisted mostly old friends of Val's, forming new friendships in the stunning gardens and grounds that Val put so much work into.

The Monga Waratahs that Val had planted around her house were in full bloom, growing abundantly on bushes up to 15 metres high. Spinebills and honey eaters could be seen making a great meal from the bright red blooms. Val's grave was also visited by most guests. Only metres from the stone house that Val built by hand, the grave is well-tended, and was covered in fresh flowers for this event. A stone wombat snuffles at the grave edge, reminding visitors of some of Val's most treasured companions. The Waratah Festival will continue to be held in October each year, and is expected to be even bigger next year.