Celebrating the Spirit of Bush Poetry
Join Us in Preserving and Enjoying Australia’s Rich Poetic Heritage
If a picture can paint a thousand words – that’s Art.
But when a few words can paint a thousand pictures—that’s Poetry.
—Graham Fredriksen—
North Pine Bush Poets is a collective of individuals united by a common love for the art of Contemporary Australian Bush Poetry. Founded on the belief that poetry is a powerful medium for storytelling, we strive to keep the spirit of the Australian bush alive through our words and performances.
Our members range from seasoned poets with decades of experience to newcomers eager to share their unique perspectives and voices.
Our mission is to promote and preserve the unique genre of bush poetry, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. We aim to:
- Foster Creativity: Encourage poets to create and share their work, celebrating their stories of beauty, hardships and successes of Australian life.
- Build Community: Connect like-minded individuals who share a passion for our genre of poetry, providing a supportive and inspiring environment.
- Promote Awareness: Increase public appreciation of bush poetry through events, workshops, and performances.
Bush Poetry Clubs
from Brisbane & Toowoomba to Hervey Bay
North Pine Bush Poets
When: 9:00am 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month,
Where: The Men’s Shed, Old Petrie Town Heritage Village, Dayboro Road, Kurwongbah – just west of Petrie.
Bribie Island Bush Poets
When: 6:30pm 4th Monday each month
Where: The Blue Pacific Hotel, Woorim
Contact: Howard, 0431689054
Poets by the Bay
When: 6:00 pm 3rd Thursday of each month
Where: Brighton Hotel Function Room, 196 Brighton Terrace
Contact: Julie O’Neill, 0410 311 458
Logan Poets
When: Second Sunday of each Month
Where: Yurana Activity Centre
129 Springwood Rd, Springwood.
Contact: Gerry on 0411 021 870
Toowoomba Poets
When: 2nd Saturday 10am till 12noon
Where: Cobb & Co. Museum, Lindsay St. Toowoomba
Contact: Peter Frazer 0401 130 636
Bay Poets – Hervey Bay
When: 4th Saturday morning from 9 am
Where: at the radio station community rooms
Contact: Mick 0421514555
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Hire a Bush Poet
Whether you are planning a community gathering, school event, corporate function, or literary festival, a bush poet can add a unique and enriching dimension to your occasion.
Happenings
North Pine Club News
North Pine Christmas Gathering & End of Year Get Together
Featured Works
Poetry Library
A Treasure Trove of Bush Poetry
Our Members Poetry Library is a growing anthology featuring works from both established and emerging poets within the North Pine Bush Poets and the wider South East Queensland community. Here, you’ll find works that celebrate the Australian landscape, its people, and the unique contemporary experiences that define our way of life.
Dive into this expanding Library today and immerse yourself in the captivating world of bush poetry. Let the words of our poets transport you, as well as entertain you, where every poem tells a story and every voice matters.
Explore the Poetry CollectionFAQs
What is Contemporary Australian Bush Poetry?
Contemporary Australian Bush Poetry is a dynamic form of writing and performing that extends the rich tradition of bush poetry and ballads, adapting its themes, styles, and narratives to reflect modern Australian experiences and perspectives.
Who are some famous bush poets?
Some of the more famous Classical Bush Poets include Banjo Paterson, Henry Lawson, and Dorothea Mackellar. Banjo Paterson is well-known for his poem “Waltzing Matilda,” which has become an iconic Australian song. Henry Lawson’s work often delves into the struggles and resilience of people in the bush. Dorothea Mackellar’s “My Country” is celebrated for its vivid depiction of Australia’s diverse landscapes.
Modern contemporary bush poets include …
Kelly Dixon
Marco Gliori
Murray “Muz” Hartin
Ray Essery
Bruce Simpson
Gary Fogarty
“Long” John Best
Shirley Friend
Jack Drake
Glennie Palmer
Marion Fitzgerald
Carol Heuchen
… and the list goes on …
What are the common themes in Bush Poetry
Today’s bush poets tackle topics like drought, climate change, economic challenges, and the experiences of contemporary urban as well as rural life.
Bush poetry serves as a powerful tool for commemorating and reflecting on past events. From the ANZAC story to our current Military involvements, poets are provided with a powerful foundation for exploring themes of bravery and selflessness and honor the memory of those who served.
Not forgetting the many historical (and current) events including the many characters – heroes and villains, past and present, that have and continue to impact on our ongoing history and culture.
Diverse Voices
The genre has expanded to include voices from various backgrounds, including Indigenous poets, women, and poets from diverse cultural backgrounds, who contribute new insights and narratives to the traditional bush poetry canon.
Innovative Forms and Styles
While maintaining the rhythmic and narrative style typical of traditional bush poetry, contemporary bush poets often experiment with form, style, and language. They may incorporate elements from other poetic traditions or use modernist and postmodernist techniques to enrich their storytelling.
Community and Performance
Performance adds a dynamic element to the poetry, with emphasis on oral storytelling and audience engagement. Contemporary bush poetry is not only read but also performed. Poets often share their works at festivals, competitions, and gatherings, such as the annual Australian Bush Poets Association Championships. Performances such as “Bush Poets Breakfasts” in conjunction with the many Country Music Festivals, are held around Australia and are popular venues where poets share their work, continuing to foster a sense of community and connection amongst both the rural and urban population.
The Place of Australian Bush Poetry in literature
Contemporary Australian Bush Poetry is a vibrant and evolving field, maintaining its relevance by engaging with the realities of today’s urban Australia while preserving its historical roots in the ethos and environment of the greater Australian landscape.
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Join Our Poet Directory
Are you a bush poet looking to share your work with a wider audience? Join our directory to connect with poetry lovers and event organizers. Benefits of Joining:
Increase your visibility and reach within the poetry community
Receive invitations to events and workshops
Connect with fellow poets and enthusiasts
Becoming a member of the North Pine Bush Poets directory is a valuable step in advancing your career and passion for poetry. Share your unique voice with a community that appreciates the beauty and significance of bush poetry.
Become a Member
