Time is running out for the next generation of poets to submit an original bush poem as part of the 2010 Australian Unity Bryan Kelleher Literary Award with entries closing 30 June 2010.
Now in its third year, the free national competition challenges budding poets to channel the creative styles of greats like Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson to write a poem that captures the essence of something Australian.
Australian Unity Chairman Alan Castleman said last year’s competition received more than 500 entries from all over Australia making it the most popular Bush Poetry competition in Australia.
“Bush poetry is quintessentially Australian and holds an important place in Australian history. This competition definitely honours and preserves the style made famous by Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson so that it can be enjoyed by future generations,” Mr Castleman said.
“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.”
The winning entries will be published in the summer edition of Australian Unity’s Lifeplus magazine, as well as on the Australian Unity website. Prizes will be presented to award winners on Thursday 9 September 2010.
The competition closes on 30 June 2010. Application forms are available online at www.australianunity.com.au/literaryaward or by calling (03) 8682 6701.
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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 over 300,000 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.
