Can you string a sentence or two together or maybe you have a knack at expressing yourself using a distinctive style and rhythm. If this sounds like you then you need to enter this competition.

The Rotary Club of Orange is calling for poets to enter the 2019 Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Competition. This is an opportunity for people of any age to write their own poem, recite it in February and have a chance to win good prize money.

Poetry Organiser, Len Banks is looking forward to the competition and says, “The competition is an annual event in association with the Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival held in Orange to celebrate the birth of our most famous Australian poet”.

There are sections in the competition for school students, novices and experienced poets. All the rules and the entry forms are available on www.banjopatersonfestival.com.au 

Len Banks added, “While entries don’t close until early February, now is the time to put pen to paper and compose an original poem. There is no restriction on the topic, as long as it can safely be described as good family entertainment”.

Renowned Australian poet, Marco Gliori, ran workshops with local Primary Schools in August this year to give students the skills to write and perform their own poetry. So, the competition in February should see a big boost in junior entries. The Primary School Prize will be in memory of Helen Locke, who gave so much to school performances and eisteddfods.

Prize money for the other categories has been generously donated by local businesses who would love to see a good line-up of local poets in the competition.