ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Thought this might have been mentioned previously on this site:

Bush Laureate Awards deferred.
For the first time in 21 years, the Australian Bush Laureate Awards will not be staged in Tamworth during the Country Music Festival in January 2016.
In a statement, the organisers said that for some time the event had not been financially viable with venue and other costs increasing and audience numbers declining substantially. This decline seemed to reflect a general trend seen in similar events elsewhere.
In addition, there had been a significant reduction in the numbers of nominations in some categories. New categories had been introduced and a number of alternative approaches had been tried including a change of time last January, but there had been little improvement in either attendance or entries.
The organisers said they had found it difficult under these circumstances, to present the sort of Awards the bush poetry scene deserved.
After considering all the alternatives, it has now been decided that from and including the Awards for January 2016, the event will be put on hold until further notice.
"We are very proud of what has been achieved over the years and sincerely regret the necessity of this action. However it is felt there is no alternative in the short term," the organisers said.
The situation will be reviewed in the future with the hope of reviving the Bush Laureates if circumstances change.
In the meantime, they said they would like to recognise the multitude of friends who have played such an active part in the success of the Australian Bush Laureate Awards since they started in 1995.
"Whether you’ve been poets, performers, presenters, entrants or audience, we thank you all for your wonderful involvement and support."
The organisers Australian Bush Laureate Awards
For more information, email info@bushlaureate.com.au

Click on the Awards logo for more information about the Awards

hmm. another one bites the dust.

Vic Jefferies wrote:This decline seemed to reflect a general trend seen in similar events elsewhere

That's an ominous statement.

Just saw that in the ABPA Mag

So what happens now? The people organising the BLA treated the whole thing as a commercial proposition, which of course was quite legitimate, but wouldn't it be good if the ABPA now stepped in and organised an awards process that was perhaps not commercial.

... yes, it would ...

Here Here Vic.

ok executive get onto it.


Bob

It died six years ago. They just got around to actually burying it.

Neil

We are 'on to it' Bob, just had a meeting. Are you putting your hand up to help with the organisation Roberto?
BJ

When I retire BJ when I retire .


Bob

Seriously Bob (and all), there are many aspects to consider and a lot of historical background and it is not something that we will rush into. Nothing will be done without observing due courtesies or without the approval of the ABPA Membership. As always, the Committee welcomes input of ideas and thoughts from clubs and/or individual members.
Hal