THE region's first heritage festival is off to a running start and one woman is at the helm.

Janice Flood has been Warwick and District Historical Society president for five years and was inspired to initiate the inaugural Southern Downs Heritage Festival only three months ago.

"I'm really pleased with how it's going and the fact so many people came to the launch is a real vote of confidence for what we're doing," Mrs Flood said.

"It has always been about getting our name out there so they value what we are doing to preserve history.

"Whereas before there has been some rivalry, there are so many groups that have come together for this first festival and I think the more we can support each other, the more the community might support us in turn.

"I never could have imagined we would have 24 events in 11 days, and I've already been speaking with people about their ideas for next year."

Mrs Flood and her husband David first came to the Southern Downs 20 years ago, but since finding their home in Upper Freestone have fallen in love with everything the region has to offer.

Originally from Canada, the retired teacher said an appreciation for history was ingrained in her from a young age. "My father really valued history and his idea of a holiday was taking us to as many museums as he could," Mrs Flood said.

"I think that really helped to lay the foundations and I think my brother and sister would feel the same way.

"I taught a lot of local history because I believe it's important to know history and value what you have because with that knowledge you can know if something is valuable."

Although not an easy feat, Mrs Flood said she was passionate about preserving the region's history through vast catalogues of the museum collections.

"People donating items want them to be properly looked after and preserved for future generations to appreciate and understand them," she said.

"I'm very passionate about what we do here and it really is a tremendous responsibility, because if we don't take it on, who will?"