Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards

Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards Australia's oldest and largest poetry competition for school students, open 1 March - 30 June.

The aim of the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards is to capture the imagination of school students across Australia, inspiring them with a passion for poetry and a love of country. It is a unique national project, giving Australia’s youth a voice and an opportunity to strive for excellence in literature.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new patron, Heather Ewart.Heather is well known for her work on ABC’s ...
01/06/2026

We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new patron, Heather Ewart.

Heather is well known for her work on ABC’s Back Roads and her distinguished career as a journalist and presenter.

Heather’s achievements include winning the 2007 Gold Quill, the Melbourne Press Club’s highest honour, for her coverage of melanoma victim Claire Oliver. Her reporting on 7.30 contributed to legislative changes banning solariums. She is also recognised for her extensive coverage of Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires for 7.30 in 2009.

This year, Heather was awarded the Melbourne Press Club's Lifetime Achievement Award.

To learn more about Heather and our other patrons, Dr Sally Murphy and The Honourable Mark Vaile, please visit: https://dorothea.com.au/our-patrons/

Does your school sit within 100km of Gunnedah? If it does, your poetry entries are instantly in the running for the Kurr...
12/05/2026

Does your school sit within 100km of Gunnedah? If it does, your poetry entries are instantly in the running for the Kurrumbede Award.

The Kurrumbede Award celebrates outstanding poetry from primary and secondary students in schools close to Gunnedah.

Winners in both Primary and Secondary categories will each receive $250, a trophy, and a special prize pack.

Add your name to the proud list of winners from Gunnedah South Public School, Tamworth High School,Tamworth Public, Fairfax Public, and Sacred Heart School Boggabri.

For more information visit: www.dorothea.com.au

Kurrumbede Open Day was a wonderful success! A heartfelt thank you to Whitehaven Coal for welcoming everyone and letting...
09/05/2026

Kurrumbede Open Day was a wonderful success! A heartfelt thank you to Whitehaven Coal for welcoming everyone and letting us all experience the charm of this stunning property.

Did you bask in the sunshine ☀️, revel in the entertainment 🎷, sample delicious food 🧁, or join the Treasure Hunt💰 at Kurrumbede Open Day? We want to hear your stories! Share your thoughts in our Visitor Survey for a chance to win $100: https://dbnzmztr2qv.typeform.com/to/c0MQPz06

See you in 2027 🎉🥰

Enjoy a day out and spoil Mum this Mothers’ Day weekend at the Kurrumbede Open Day tomorrow from 9.30am to 1.30pm at the...
08/05/2026

Enjoy a day out and spoil Mum this Mothers’ Day weekend at the Kurrumbede Open Day tomorrow from 9.30am to 1.30pm at the Kurrumbede Homestead on Blue Vale Rd, Blue Vale.

The program is jammed full of wonderful entertainment and there is even a treasure hunt for the kids.

For more information visit: https://whitehavencoal.com.au/whitehaven-coal-kurrumbede-community-open-day/

Loved seeing words from Dorothea’s iconic poem so beautifully illustrated by Gunnedah South School’s kindergarten Butte...
18/04/2026

Loved seeing words from Dorothea’s iconic poem so beautifully illustrated by Gunnedah South School’s kindergarten Butterflies class on display at annual Gunnedah show today. Underlining the importance of poetry and its local link!

Proud to be part of this amazing initiative. Thanks Arts North West for providing the opportunity.
11/04/2026

Proud to be part of this amazing initiative. Thanks Arts North West for providing the opportunity.

31/03/2026

What is a poem? Our friends from Redeemer Baptist School share their thoughts.

We are very excited to have Karen Comer facilitating workshops in Quirindi and Gunnedah
24/03/2026

We are very excited to have Karen Comer facilitating workshops in Quirindi and Gunnedah

Much planning goes into the annual Kurrumbede Open Day, set for Saturday May 9 this year. Today was a site visit by co-h...
12/02/2026

Much planning goes into the annual Kurrumbede Open Day, set for Saturday May 9 this year. Today was a site visit by co-hosts the DMMS Committee and property owners Whitehaven Coal. Kurrumbede is the former Mackellar family holding near Gunnedah where Dorothea was a regular visitor.

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Gunnedah, NSW
2380

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