News
2010 Awards Ceremony
Young Poets Inspired by Music at Iconic Awards
By Jasmine Highfield September 7, 2010 Namoi Valley Independent
The nation-wide renowned poetry competition, inspired by Gunnedah’s acclaimed writer Dorothea Mackellar, has attracted entries rich with inspiration and talent.
Gunnedah’s Civic Theatre hosted the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards presentation on Friday, which drew more than 8000 entries from across Australia.
Project Officer Mila Stone said that the poetry was of a “high standard”.
“We’ve been getting feedback from some of the children saying it was the best day of their life,” Ms Stone said.
She thanked sponsors Whitehaven Coal, BHP Billiton Caroona Coal Project and the New South Wales Government.
“Without them, this would never be possible,” Ms Stone said.
“Also, a particular thank you to Gunnedah Shire Council for their continued support of the awards.”
President of the Dorothea Mackellar Society Philippa Murray praised the performance of pianist Van-Anh Nguyen and violinist Sonja Schebeck, who played an enchanting composition by Chloe Charody, guest speaker for the presentation.
“Their performance got a standing ovation. They managed to up the tempo – it was great,” Ms Murray said.
Composer Chloé Charody described her determination to follow her dream that began when she was a child and a teacher noticed her ability.
She spoke about how it is up to the individual to create their own chances and “make things happen”.
“You have to make your path and creative journey one for yourself,” she said.
“If you wake up every morning and the first thing you want to do is immerse yourself in art ... you have to forge your own path.”
One of the judges, Joanne Horniman, a young adult fiction author from Lismore in Northern NSW, spoke about the effect that judging entries had on her.
“I didn’t expect to be transported by the whole experience,” Ms Horniman said.
“It was very difficult because the standard was so high.”
Primary judge Dr Robert Kimber said that although analysing the high number of entries had taken “a great deal of patience”, the experience had been “great”.
“I Hear Music has proved to be a stimulating theme,” he said
There was an impressive range of entries in this year’s competition, with the theme inspiring students to write about songs on their Ipod, sounds of musical instruments, noises they encounter at night-time, relatives, friends, childhood experiences and how music affects their thoughts.
Gunnedah students failed to win any awards, however Gunnedah High School received a special mention in the Schools’ Award.
Winner of the Learning Assistance and Special Education Secondary section, Ben Kingston from Darling Point Special School in Manly, QLD, is a young man who wrote an engaging poem about his own special world and how music is his “constant companion” that it is often his enemy.
Ben is living with autism and is unable to speak, so therefore his principal, Charmaine Driver, read the poem out on his behalf – a beautiful moment that captivated the audience.
Chloé, also touched by his insight, will be putting his poem to music.
Throughout the awards, Ms Murray commented on the depth of feeling shown in many of the entries.
“Emotion so clearly conveyed in these poems would give any reader great joy,” she said.
Principal of Redeemer Baptist School, North Parramatta, Jonathan Cannon, accepted the schools’ award for his students’ continued contribution to the awards. He spoke about the role that poetry plays at the school and the enthusiasm students show when reading their poems to other students, teachers, family members and friends.
“The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards have made a worthy contribution to literary education for our students,” Mr Cannon said.
Ms Stone, who enjoyed her first year with the committee, said that the presentation was “very moving”.
She was looking forward to being involved in the experience again, although the continuation of the competition is subject to sponsors.
“We are always dependant on funding but we would love to be back next year,” Ms Stone said.
Lastly, she thanked the community for their support throughout the competition’s long and illustrious history.
Photos above: Group photo, back row M Stone, P Murray, B Kingston, J Krynda, T McShane, front row J Ford, L Bolton, L Hatwell, B Downing, and Violinist Sonja Schebeck.