Poetry of the bush gets bash
BUSH poetry will be given a public airing at an Ipswich contest in October.
Entertainers Wally and Mary Finch are well versed in the genre and will judge the Puffin' Billy Bush Poetry Competition over two days.
"We'll also be compering the competition," Mr Finch said.
"We run regular bush poet breakfasts.
"Bush poetry is Australiana in verse, with rhyme and meter.
"It's about Australia, its people and things.
"Bush poetry is very popular. A lot of the caravan parks in the outback have a resident bush poet.
"Australian history is the theme generally."
Traditional bush poetry can be heard in the works of Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson - in poems such as Clancy of the Overflow and Bush Christmas.
Mr Finch said the poetry could also fall into categories such as original and contemporary.
"In the competition, we're combining traditional and contemporary and calling it 'established'," he said.
"We have a tendency to lean on humour. I reckon I can make you cry and make you laugh. A good session will have both."
Co-ordinator Bob Green said his interest in bush poetry was kindled on outback bus trips.
"I was just amazed at the stories they tell," he said. "I thought, Ipswich needs something like this. It'll promote Ipswich.
"I'd like to make it an annual event if I can. I've got sponsorship from the Ipswich RSL Services Club."
The Puffin' Billy Bush Poetry Competition will be held on October 6 and 7 at the club.
Johnny Greenwood and the Country Three Band will entertain on the Saturday.
Entry forms are available at the club, or phone 0448 545 581.
