One of the nation’s richest poetry competitions, the Cloncurry Prize, is now open for entries, with this year’s theme to be – ‘Outback Heroes’.
Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor, Greg Campbell (pictured) says the annual Poetry Prize shines a light on the Outback and it’s stunning natural beauty, it’s larger-than-life characters and their incredible stories.
“The Prize was created to remind people of the wonderful country we live in, and to ignite a sense of national pride, inspired by Dame Mary Gilmore and her connection to Cloncurry. She was a true hero of the Outback, a pioneer in education and literacy; and her powerful writing continues to inspire,” the Mayor said.
“There is no shortage of heroes in the Outback. They may not wear capes – they’re probably in boots that have covered more miles than there are stars in our sky, hats that could tell their own cracking yarns, and look like they’ve just come off a six-month cattle drove – but that doesn’t diminish their incredible stories.
“This competition gives people from all over Australia – whether you live in the city or the country – the opportunity to express their love and wonder for our amazing country and the people that made it, who live it, and who will continue to live it.”
Among this year’s contest judges, is country music star, Tania Kernaghan. She is joined on the judging panel by Brenda-Joy Pritchard and Allan Cooney.
Inspired by Dame Mary Gilmore, the Cloncurry Prize Poetry Competition is now accepting entries from across the country. Amateur, aspiring and famed wordsmiths are invited to put ink to paper (or log on, as the case maybe!) for their chance to win the $10,000 cash prize.
The inaugural poetry competition attracted over 230 entries in 2020. This year’s theme, appropriately, is Outback Heroes, with all styles of poetry accepted.
Entries for the competition are now open and will close on 1 May 2023. The winner will be announced at an awards evening in Cloncurry on 23 June.
