Poets are invited to submit an original bush poem that captures the essence of Australia, Australians or the Australian way of life for the 2010 Australian Unity Bryan Kelleher Literary Award.
Now in its third year, the national competition aims to honour and preserve the style of verse made famous by Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.
“Last year this competition received more than 500 entries from all over Australia, almost double the entries we had in the previous year, making this the most popular Bush Poetry competition in Australia,” says Alan Castleman, Australian Unity Chairman.
“Bush poetry is Australian and holds an important place in Australian history. As an organisation with our roots going back to the early 19th Century, Australian Unity is delighted to see this resurgence of interest in this iconic Australian art form, supported by people of all ages,” adds Mr Castleman.
Entry is free and the competition closes on 30 June 2010. Winners will share in over $2500 worth of prize money. Application forms are available online at www.australianunity.com.au/literaryaward or by calling (03) 8682 6701.
What is bush poetry?
An Australian Bush Poem is any poem with good rhyme and metre, written about Australia, Australians or the Australian way of life.
Australia’s best known bush poets were A.B. “Banjo” Paterson, who is famous for The Man from Snowy River and Henry Lawson.
About Bryan Kelleher
Bryan Kelleher was a long-standing member of the Australian Natives’ Association (ANA), one of Australian Unity’s predecessor organisations. Bryan was passionate about acknowledging and honouring Australian achievements. He was a regular contributor to Anapress and was the author of many booklets, writing on a range of topics including Australian constitutional reform, ANA literature, art and science awards and Australian poetry.
About Australian Unity
Australian Unity is a national healthcare, financial services and retirement living organisation providing services to more than 560,000 Australians, including some 325,000 members nationwide.
Australian Unity’s history as a trusted mutual organisation dates back almost 170 years. It has grown organically—by continually evolving and providing the services and products needed by the communities it serves—as well as through successful strategic mergers and diversification into new business activities.