About Us
History of the Awards
In 1983, Gunnedah celebrated the unveiling of a bronze statue of Dorothea Mackellar sitting side-saddle on a horse drinking from a stream. The statue is in ANZAC Park Gunnedah, opposite the tourist centre. The statue was the result of several years of fundraising by locals - led by post war immigrant Mikie Maas.
Mrs Maas upon relocation to Australia read My Country and was deeply moved by the patriotism displayed in the poem. Jean Isherwood was also deeply touched by My Country and set herself the task of painting a series of watercolours that she hoped would reflect the beauty described in the verses. For more information on the sculpture and artwork, click here.
In 1983, Mrs Maas (OAM PHF), with the support of volunteer judges Rosemary Dobson and Joan Phipson and local poet Anne Bell, orchestrated the foundation of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society Inc. – the body that now hosts the ‘28 years young’ Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards.
The poetry competition grew from strength to strength. In 1984 with initial numbers of 300 entries from schools throughout NSW the Competition, now Australia wide, attracts up to 15,000 entries each year from school students. The Competition also has a dedicated following from teachers whose support is integral to its continued success.
The Dorothea statue is now one of Gunnedah’s most visited landmarks. The Jean Isherwood watercolours are housed at the Creative Arts Centre reflecting the affinity that Gunnedah feels with Dorothea. And, during peak season, the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards website plays host to thousands of visitors entering their own creative works, honouring the memory of one of the most enduring poets Australia has ever produced.
For more information on Dorothea Mackellar, please click here.