Rhymes and Rhythm Return to Historic Nebo

Rosie byers cr kelly vea vea john lloyd and dan lockyer with shirley byers community relations officer jennifer ennis brooke mcreynolds and jeannie lockyer

Everyday life in rural and regional Australia turned into a humble bunch of poetic yarns of courage, humour and heartbreak at the recent Nebo Bush Poet’s Smoko.

More than 20 people gathered at Nebo Memorial Hall as it came alive with history, tall tales and a swag of poetry.

Isaac Regional Council Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the historic town celebrated 19 years of spinning bush yarns.

“Those attended were treated to an array of poetry and songs by performers of all ages,” Cr Vea Vea said.

“As well as Nebo locals, poets came from Mackay, Moranbah and Homebush to share their love of the spoken word.

“Emcee Dan Lockyer kept the program running smoothly with the highlights being performances by Brooke McReynolds and John Lloyd.”

Cr Vea Vea acknowledged the event was made possible each year thanks to the pure people power of those involved behind the scenes.

“An event like this doesn’t happen without a lot of organisation and co-ordination,” she said.

“We appreciate the efforts of all the Council staff and volunteers who helped to organise and host this year’s Bush Poet’s Smoko and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.

“Rosanne Byers was the lucky winner of set of leather bags hand-crafted by Nebo leatherwork artist, Mary-Ellen McEvoy. The bags were donated to the Nebo Community Sport and Rec Club Inc who conducted the popular raffle that was drawn at Nebo Bush Poet’s Smoko. A big thankyou to Dot Lindel and the Nebo Community Sport and Rec club for their contribution to the event.”

“It’s great to see our traditions continue under this new normal we all find ourselves in and Council continues to make every effort to ensure all our the COVID Safe Event Checklist provided by Queensland Health is adhered to.”

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