All poets, poetry lovers and supporters are invited to come and enjoy a fabulous poetry-packed weekend at the Binalong Bush Poetry Prize, surrounded by Banjo Paterson history.

The action will begin on Friday, September 12, with a meet and greet, including walk up performances at the Binalong Hotel. It will continue at the Binalong Mechanics Institute (Binalong Hall) over the weekend of September 13 to 14 with adult open, intermediate and novice sections, junior competition, school performance, open mic opportunities and generally a chance for everyone to be involved and have a great time. 

Banjo Paterson, bush poetry and Binalong are synonymous. Banjo Paterson grew up at nearby “Illalong”, he attended the bush school in Camden Street and his statue is in Pioneer Park.

His boyhood at “Illalong” gave Banjo a love of the Australian bush and its characters. 

This was a time of bushrangers, gold transported by Cobb & Co coaches, families reliant on their own resources, tales told around campfires. 

These experiences inspired the poetry so well known today.

Successive generations in Binalong have kept the tradition of Banjo Paterson alive, with the sadly missed Bubbles Garry and Adrian Sykes among those who would break into poetry at community events, concerts, parties, picnics and more. These two local legends will be recognised at the event in September. 

In more recent times Robyn Sykes, Australian Women’s Bush Poetry Performance Champion, George Elliot and others have continued the tradition.