Powerhouse Discovery Centre & Poetry

Just a teaser about the Hathorn Technique for Poetry Writing being coupled with wonderful objects from the PDC, e.g Harry's famous Cafe de Wheels and a springy Cobb and Co coach for a Poetry Trail to be launched as part of the National Year of Reading 2012. After many meetings at the PDC and Kenthurst School trailing the program, we are almost ready to roll later this year. Watch this space.

Masterclasses for Budding Writers

I had wonderful fun with young writers of Year 2 at Randwick Public School, teaching The Hathorn Technique of Poetry Writing using my book, The ABC Book of Australian Poetry.

One of the Dads who is an accomplished artist, Todd Hunter, painted an amazing river scene for the back of the class room with the help of several students. We attached poetry words to this beautiful river painting, which helped the children develop their 'word wallets' before waxing lyrical in poems modelled on those in the collection.

The presentation of the student's poetry to parents is still to come.

National Year of Reading 2012

I have accepted an invitation to be Ambassador for the National Year of Reading 2012 a pleasant duty which involves promoting a reading culture to all Australians. I will also be acting as Poetry Ambassador for the State Library of NSW where poems from my book, The ABC Book of Australian Poetry will provide the basis for A-Poem-a-Day.

St Mary's Primary School & a visit to Armidale

This week I read to the beautiful children of St Mary's Primary School at Waterloo Library. I shared I Love You Book and Zahara's Rose and the ABC Book of Poetry. Last week, I also visited Armidale where I went to the bookshop, Reader's Companion who were enthusiastic about I Love You Book.

Tram to Bondi On the Rails Again!

I spoke at the 150th Anniversary of Rail in Australia at the Powerhouse Discovery Centre last weekend. I read The Tram to Bondi Beach, which has been in print continuously for 30 years. A rarity in Australian publishing.

Over 100 people turned up to the session, where I also read from my latest poetry book, The ABC book of Australian Poetry to set the scene.