ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

I actually thought that Slim Dusty's missus was now the patron. Either way it's a bloody joke. Why do we need a patron for? What do they do? What advancements have been made via a patron?

Just my twenty two bobs worth. It is a meaningless joke.

Neil

yes i agree with these past A.B.P.A patrons , which have not attended any general meetings or represented Australian bush poetry in any way. but they seem to get the top job.


Duncan.

Joy McKean is the patron of the ABLA.

Tony Windsor has been the Patron of the ABPA for a lot longer.
As I understand it, he's also the only one we've erver had.

PS. it's an honorary position (no pay)

Joy McKean is a little more than "Slim Dusty's missus". She is an amazing songwriter, having written "When the Rain Tumbles Down in July" and "Lights on the Hill" - and probably many others.

Stephen Whiteside wrote:Joy McKean is a little more than "Slim Dusty's missus". She is an amazing songwriter, having written "When the Rain Tumbles Down in July" and "Lights on the Hill" - and probably many others.

I don't question Joy McKean's ability as a lyricist, but I believe that "When the Rain Tumbles Down in July" was written by Slim himself.

I attended the launch of Joy's book at the Tamworth Library a couple of years ago. I am pretty sure she said she wrote it - she talked in quite a lot of detail about it. My memory could be playing tricks on me, but I doubt it. I think the reason I remember it at all is because I was so surprised.

Wikipedia credits Slim as the author of the song, so I guess I'll have to stand corrected. Funny now the memory can play tricks like that. I do remember her talking in great detail about the particular gully on their property that filled with water during heavy downpours, and which inspired the song.

With this enquiry I checked back to discover why Tony Windsor was made the ABPA Patron.
It links to his influence in Tamworth which has led to the free use of the West Leagues Club which is a very prominent, showcase venue where many of the leading country music artists perform.
It also links to the substantial sponsorship by Essential Energy for the ABPA Golden Damper Awards. The ABPA application for the 2015 E.E. sponsorship to the tune of $2,500 has just been approved which means that once again the ABPA Golden Damper competition can be held without cost to us.

With the many venues for Bush Poetry in Tamworth, including the Longyard, the Rhymer’s Roundup,Sam Smyth’s bowling club and St Edwards Hall, etc. etc. and in addition as Tamworth is the headquarters for the Australian Bush Laureate Awards and the Australian Bush Balladeers, it is most desirable that the ABPA maintains a presence through the ABPA Golden Damper Competition. This competition could be affected if we were to lose the patronage of Tony Windsor. As Patron he attends and judges in the final of the competition without cost to the ABPA. We are grateful for this. If something is working then there is no need to change it.

We can, as an organization, have more than one patron. If you have ideas concerning this and would like to nominate someone (with reasons), then please send through formally to the ABPA Committee via the <secretary@abpa.org.au> and it can be looked in to.

In Poetry
Hal

Thanks for that Hal, cleared up much of my original query of the role of the Patron.


Cheers, Marty

Great Marty.
By the way we do have a constitution (established in 1994) -- which was based on the model devised by the Office of Fair Trading (NSW).
This model can be viewed on their website www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

Just reiterating to all, if you have any questions on any ABPA issue then please get in touch with the committee via the <secretary@abpa.org.au> and we can try to answer or address your concerns.
Thank you all
Hal