Report: Australian Bush Poetry Championships 2008

“We think that went off alright, eh!” under-states the fact that the 2008 Australian Bush Poetry Championships hosted by the North Pine Bush Poets, was a resounding success.

They came from near and far to battle it out over three days, to grab a piece of glory and determine this years Overall Australian Champions. The pressure was on from the out set, and a finer field of talent is rarely gathered in one place.

Friday morning saw 25 children from around Brisbane and Redcliffe show us what they could do, and quickly put the older performers on notice something special was in the air. The Novice Field while down in numbers rated highly for talent and entertainment value. The next event was the Billy Hay Memorial Yarnspinning, and while there were true tales told, Dear Old Bill would have been chuckling, at some of the liars this segment produced. They’ve still got it mate. MC Milton Taylor’s renowned compassion and kindness, as opposed to Garry Lowe’s, Melanie Hall’s and Noel Stallard’s less than encouraging scores and comments in the Friday Night Show, must have made some of the new comers wonder what sort of a viper’s nest they had dropped into.

Saturday morning came early, as all mornings do during Festivals and she was on from the start. Magnificent performances one after the other, “That’ll take a bit of beating” to be followed by, “I dunno, this one could be better. ” One unofficial, astute judge ( aren’t they all) said she had 16 winners at one stage in a field of 20. A tough league and this went on for two whole days.

Unrelenting pressure on performers and judges alike, and an endless energy that propelled us on saw everyone rising to the occasion. Some faltered as happens but they will return stronger to once again thrill their listeners. The weather was great, we had some whinges, some hiccups, but hey what’s a picnic without ants. Saturday night’s Gala Concert was a sell out two weeks prior. Garry Lowe, Melanie Hall, Noel Stallard and Milton Taylor performed in a manner worthy of such high expectation. The presence of the talented contestants, possibly inspired them more than a little.

Sunday morning dawned super early, competition commenced at 8.30am, an all original day, serious, solemn, beautiful words painting beautiful pictures. Magic stuff. Lunch, then the competitors final chance to impress. Original Humour swept over us through the afternoon towards the Awards Ceremony.

Councillor Rae Frawley officiated. The 2008 Female Australian Champion for the second year in a row was Carol Heuchan from Cooranbong NSW. The 2008 Male Australian Champion was Greg North from Linden NSW. The Overall Winners won $1,000 and a Royal Doulton Crystal Bowl each.

The 2008 Australian Bush Poetry Written Competition received 123 entries. The numbers were disappointing, but the quality of poems submitted was high. Graham Fredriksen of Kilcoy Queensland took out the Trophy and $500.00 major cash prize for his powerful poem. The Only War We Had.

Congratulations to Graham and all entrants, for without our writers there‘d be nothing to perform.

 

John Best
President, North Pine Poets' Group

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RESULTS