Aspiring young poets from across the country are encouraged to enter in the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards, Australia’s longest-running annual poetry competition for children.
Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, Andrew Gee, said the competition is a chance for students to explore poetry and have their voices heard.
“The awards are named after one of our renowned bush poets, Dorothea Mackellar, who wrote Australia’s most quoted and beloved poem, My Country,” Mr Gee said.
“Students from each year group have the opportunity to explore their love of poetry and foster their creativity while developing important literacy skills.
“They also have the chance to win up to $500 in prize money.
“Last year, there were nearly 7000 entries and it would be great to top that number this year.”
Mr Gee said the Australian Government is providing $160,000 in support for the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards.
This year’s optional theme is ‘We Used to Live There’, which allows young writers to explore a range of geographic, historic and philosophical concepts.
Entries will be accepted until 30 June and the winners will be announced in early September.
Visit www.dorothea.com.au
