Herring Island (Bush poetry fundraiser - Yarra Riverkeepers)

[Stephen Whiteside]

Yesterday I attended a fundraising event for the Yarra Riverkeepers on Herring Island, very close to the Melbourne CBD, on the Yarra River. It was organised by a friend of mine, Andrew Kelly. Andrew explained to me that a similar event had been organised several years earlier using free verse poets, and he would like to try it with bush poets.

I was asked to find the poets, and act as MC.

The following performed, in addition to myself:

Dave Davies (reciter, Newport Fiddle & Folk Club; featured in photo below)
Edel Wignell (prolific writer of children's books, and poet)
Jim Smith (veteran reciter on the folk festival circuit)
David Campbell (no introduction needed)
Jim Brown (see above)

There are very little facilities on Herring Island so chairs, tables, wine, tea, cheese, biscuits, glasses, mugs, plates etc., all had to be taken over on the punt. Fortunately, plenty of volunteers were on hand.

The weather was kind to us, and we were able to perform outside. The audience was appreciative, and the performers were all, of course, excellent.

The afternoon was generally judged a great success, and plans are afoot to do it all again next year!

[Bob Pacey]

Cheers Stephen, this is how we bring Bush poetry to the people I think,


Well done to all involved.



Bob

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Bob. Yes, you make a good point. Andrew made the comment that he didn't really think most people in Melbourne had much exposure to bush poetry, and he expects the event to be better attended, once the word gets out about how entertaining it really is.

[Zondrae]

Congratulations Stephen,

it is a great achievement, getting a new poetry venture off the ground. You did well under difficult circumstances.
More power to you.

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Zondrae.