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Hinterland to Headland

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland to Headland Poetry Trail is a community project by poetry trail poets Judith Bandidt, Deanne Lister and Lyn Browne, all members of the Sunshine Coast Pente Poets group.
The project 
was completed over five years 2015 – 2020.




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THE HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND POETRY TRAIL 2015 - 2020

Following Concept Development research and a Poetry Trail design project by the Pente Poets during 2015-2016, the Hinterland to Headland Poetry Trail commenced as a sculptural poetry trail in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. There are three sites on the Hinterland Trail: at Maleny and Montville on Blackall Range, and Little Yabba Creek near Kenilworth. Stage 1 of Hinterland to Headland was completed in 2017.

In 2018 the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to Headland Poetry Trail began to make its way towards the coast, with 'Walk and Drive' Audio Poetry Trails at Yandina and the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary near Bli Bli. These sites opened in 2019, marking the completion of Stage 2.

Stage 3 of the HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND POETRY TRAIL was completed in March, 2020 with the establishment of the Poetry Place alongside the Coastal Pathway from La Balsa Park to the sea, at Point Cartwright Reserve, Buddina.

SCROLL DOWN TO TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE COMPLETE HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND POETRY TRAIL IN MAPS, IMAGES AND STORIES.

TO PURCHASE HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND POETRY TRAIL BOOKS, JUST CLICK HERE.



CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO LISTEN TO HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND POETRY TRAIL POEMS 

To listen to the poetry trail poets read their poems from each stage of Hinterland to Headland, click on the coloured links below. 

The Hinterland Poetry Trail poems (Maleny, Montville and Kenilworth)
After listening, scroll to the bottom to return to this webpage.

Yandina Audio 'Walk and Drive' Poetry Trail poems
Click on Visitors. Scroll down to Poetry Trail. Scroll down to read about the Trail and access the listening post links. There is a click point to return you to this site in the introductory paragraphs.

Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Audio Poetry Walk poems
Click on What's on at the Wetlands. Scroll down to Poetry Trail to read about the Trail and access the listening station links. There is a click point to return you to this site in the introductory paragraphs.

 Point Cartwright poetry place poems
After listening, scroll to the bottom to return to this webpage.


This project is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council's grants program.
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TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF  THE HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND POETRY TRAIL

Stage 1, a sculptural poetry trail established on the Blackall Range in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, was completed in 2017. Poetry sculptures and installations carry excerpts from poems written about the history and environment of each local area.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Poetry Trail

Walk and drive, let the beauty of the hinterland come alive .....

Drive the hinterland trail to the sites at Maleny, Montville and ​ Little Yabba Creek near Kenilworth.
Walk to view the poetry sculptures by local artists 
Barry Smith, Wayne Markwort and Wayne Smith.

At Maleny and Montville sites scan the QR codes provided to access audio of poems written about the natural features and history of the hinterland by Pente poets Judith Bandidt, Deanne Lister and Lyn Browne.

CLICK HERE to listen to poems from the Hinterland Poetry Trail.

To purchase your copy of  'On the Poetry Trail: Hinterland' the book that tells the story of the Hinterland Poetry Trail project JUST CLICK HERE.







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In 2018 the Sunshine Coast Poetry Trail continued to make its way towards the coast, from 'Hinterland to Headland', with two audio trails opened in 2019 marking the completion of Stage 2.

​Y​andina Audio 'Walk and Drive' Poetry Trail

Visit the Yandina Audio Poetry Trail online by clicking here. You will find information about the Hinterland to Headland Poetry Trail and be able to listen to poetry about Yandina's history and heritage, written and read by three of the Pente Poets – Judith Bandidt, Deanne Lister and Lyn Browne and local poets Meg Woods and Phillip Richards.

The Yandina Poetry Trail sites:

Listening Post 1 – North side of the footbridge over the South Maroochy River.
Listening Post 2 – Footpath outside the old Anglican church.
Listening Post 3 – Beside the seat outside the School of Arts.
Listening Post 4 – Beside the railway goods shed in Memorial Park.
Listening Post 5 – Under the mango tree near the railway in Memorial Park.
Listening post 6 – At the beginning of the walking trail at Mt Ninderry, and at the lookout at the top.


Listening Posts 2, 3, 4 and 5 are situated at significant 
historical points in Yandina and this part of the trail may be followed on foot. 'Go on foot' around the town and look for the green bollards bearing QR codes. Scan the codes to listen to the poems.

Post 1, at the South Maroochy river crossing, and Post 6, at Mt Ninderry, are accessed by car.

​Maps and brochures are available at the Yandina Historic House and community noticeboards.

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The Yandina Poetry Trail – walk and drive, let history come alive .....


The Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Audio Poetry Walk

At the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary a second Audio Poetry Trail is available to visitors. Here Pente Poets Judith Bandidt, Deanne Lister, Susie Faint and Lyn Browne present poems inspired by the natural environment, bird life and unique ambience of this special place.

When visiting the Wetlands, scan the QR codes displayed at three listening stages at seating beside the boardwalk to listen to the poetry trail poets reading their poems about the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary.

To visit the Wetlands Poetry Trail online, go to https://www.maroochywetlandssupport.org.au/ and click on What's on at the Wetlands.  Scroll down to Poetry Trail to read about the trail and listen to the poems.

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The Point Cartwright Poetry Place

Stage 3 of the HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND POETRY TRAIL was completed in March, 2020
with the establishment of the Poetry Place alongside the Coastal Pathway from La Balsa Park to the sea,
​Point Cartwright Reserve, Buddina.


This final stage of Hinterland to Headland may be found along the Coastal Pathway leading from La Balsa Park, Buddina towards the coastline beneath Point Cartwright. At a sheltered section of the pathway with a view of the boat harbour, artist Wayne Markwort has carved haiku and other short verses about the area into sandstone blocks beside the path. A QR code on the final block at the poetry place gives access to recordings of the Poetry Trail poets reading their poems about the Sunshine Coast. 

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THE FINAL STAGE OF HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND POETRY TRAIL, AT POINT CARTWRIGHT

Where it all began ...
​THE HINTERLAND POETRY TRAIL STORY
​AND PHOTOGRAPHIC ARCHIVE

2015 - 2017


The Sunshine Coast HINTERLAND POETRY TRAIL, the first stage of HINTERLAND to HEADLAND, was launched with community events in December, 2017 ​at the poetry trail sites at Maleny, Montville and Kenilworth. 


The Pente Poets wish to thank David Peart for creating a photographic record
of the development and launch of the Hinterland Poetry Trail.


The launch of the Hinterland Poetry Trail was proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council's 50th Anniversary Fund.


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Maleny Launch at Pattemore House December 2017

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Montville Launch at Russell Family Park December 2017


Kenilworth Launch at Little Yabba Creek December 2017

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A group of visitors discovering the Hinterland Poetry Trail, 2018 ...


'On the Poetry Trail: Hinterland'

The book that tells the story of the poetry trail project in poetry, photographs and prose
​is
now available at


The Bookshop, Caloundra 
Maleny Information Centre, and Pattemore House, Maleny (on open days)
Nanna McGinns and Shirley Moreland, Kenilworth
​The Book Nook, Palmwoods
Judy Bandidt, Montville area

or directly from the poets Judy, Dee and Lyn via this website.

​
To order a copy of  'ON THE POETRY TRAIL: HINTERLAND', ​JUST CLICK HERE.

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Poetry Trails are based on the principle of arts-based place-making, providing creative spaces that help to build public awareness of the links between poetry, people and place. By their very nature poetry trails can create a better understanding of the power of poetry to appeal to the imagination, to inspire, to entertain and to move – for people of all ages.


Dimension  
 
here where space and time collide
and slide into a new dimension
side by side 
where tap and whack
of club on ball disturb the air
on hillsides bare
they watch the flight
the fade
the fall
then all move on
 
but I see 
contours rake the land
where cattle pads once trailed 
to forest shade
now space constrained
and time assailed
just remnants stand
 
images visceral rise
of cattle camps
earthy
damp
a thousand hooves in dust and mud
deep gusty sighs and chewing cuds
steaming hides in summer rain
a story lost 
not found again
 
I see a tail flick in the sun
wisp of movement scarcely there 
on hillsides bare
the milking's done
 
©   Judith Bandidt

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The Sunshine Coast Poetry Trail

Maleny site

'The Milking's Done'


Poem by Judith Bandidt
Sculpture by Wayne Markwort
Image supplied by Penny Edwards

The Poetry Trail poets Lyn, Deanne and Judy with Candice (Sunshine Coast Council)
​at the Australia Day Awards presentation, Caloundra, 23 January, 2018.

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'On the Poetry Trail: Hinterland'
The book that tells the story of this project in poetry, photographs and prose is now available at
the Maleny Information Centre and Pattemore House, Maleny (on open days).


​To BUY ONLINE, CLICK HERE.

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The Poetry Trail 'Poeticats' Lyn, Judy and Dee at the Kenilworth launch.



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Many thanks to photographer David Peart (www.davidpeart.com) for providing a photographic record of the early days of the poetry trail.


The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Poetry Trail

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Click HERE for Hinterland Poetry Trail grants and funding sources.


Click HERE for Hinterland Poetry Trail Sponsors and Supporters.


Click HERE to listen to the Poetry Trail Poets read a selection of their place-making poems for the Hinterland Poetry Trail sites at Little Yabba Creek, Russell Family Park and the Maleny Precinct.


The KENILWORTH Poetry Trail site
Little Yabba Creek picnic area


Early morning at Little Yabba Creek – artist Barry Smith's Buttress Root
​poetry trail sculpture gleams in the morning sun.

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The Montville site

​Poetry Trail artist Wayne Smith's panels at Russell Family Park, Montville  
catch the sunlight and glow at night.


Sculptor Wayne Markwort's sandstone monoliths, bearing excerpts from poetry by the poetry trail poets
​Dee, Judy and Lyn, now grace the landscape on the Maleny precinct.


MALENY POETRY TRAIL SITE 
Installation Complete 14 – 17 July 2017

Sculptor Wayne Markwort and Council personnel preparing to install the carved sandstone blocks on the heritage trail at Maleny Precinct.

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Artist Barry Smith's magnificent 'Buttress Root' sculpture in brushed aluminium now fully installed at the
Little Yabba Creek Picnic Grounds near Kenilworth, Queensland, Australia (July, 2017).
The lines of poetry inscribed on the sculpture are excerpts from poems by the poetry trail poets
Deanne Lister, Judith Bandidt and Lyn Browne, who found inspiration in the creek, the river and the forest nearby.
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Councillor McKay drops by the combined 50th Celebrations of the Naming of the Sunshine Coast and
Pente Poets Poetry Trail stand at the 2017 Sunshine Coast show, 16-18 June.


14-17 June, 2017      A Poetry Trail Milestone is Reached 
Installing the Buttress Root Sculpture at Little Yabba Creek picnic grounds, Kenilworth, 
by Artist Barry Smith and his 
amazing team.


WORK ON THE SCULPTURES    May / June 2017
From LEFT: Wayne Markwort, carving the sandstone boulders for the Maleny site begins;  Wayne Smith shows Pente Poets Dee and Judy his work on the poetry trail panels for the Montville site; Barry Smith's  buttress root sculpture for the Kenilworth site in the workshop.




POETRY TRAIL SITE SCOPING DAY 
WITH ARTISTS, POETS AND COUNCIL OFFICERS    March, 2017


​Images by David Peart      www.davidpeart.com

Art creation and installation work about to begin.
The Poetry Trail Team meet at Maleny to plan for the year ahead.



'POETRY AT PATTEMORE'   
18 February 2017

with the Poetry trail Poets   Dee, Judy and Lyn
THANK YOU, GAIL, PENNY AND FRIENDS OF PATTEMORE HOUSE!


POETRY TRAIL FUND-RAISER AT PATTEMORE HOUSE A GREAT SUCCESS!!
On 18 Feb at historic Pattemore House, Maleny, 40 patrons enjoyed an afternoon of
​house and garden history and tours, and poetry trail poetry by Dee, Judy and Lyn.
​Many thanks to David Peart for providing a photographic record of the afternoon activities. 
​



A HUGE THANK YOU to ALL our wonderful POETRY TRAIL SUPPORTERS! 

Your contributions, both in-kind and financial, are valued so much.

Poetry trail poets and artists get back to work with serious intent.
Planning meeting January 2017



TO READ THE WHOLE STORY OF HOW THE HINTERLAND POETRY TRAIL PROGRESSED
'From Dream to Reality'
CLICK HERE

TO READ POEMS WRITTEN BY THE POETRY TRAIL POETS
​FOR THE HINTERLAND POETRY TRAIL SITES


MALENY TRAIL POEMS 
LITTLE YABBA SITE POEMS
MONTVILLE TRAIL POEMS

POETRY TRAIL AUDIO
VOICES of the POETS

CLICK HERE for MALENY POEMS
CLICK HERE for LITTLE YABBA CREEK POEMS
CLICK HERE for MONTVILLE POEMS

THE SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND POETRY TRAIL
​DESIGN PHASE 2016-2017

sites and poetry excerpts by the poetry trail poets



THE POETRY TRAIL SITE DESIGNS


POETRY TRAIL NEWS  October 2016

The Poetry Trail project committee pleased to announce that the DESIGN DEVELOPMENT STAGE is successfully completed. We appreciate the funding assistance from Mayoral and Councillor discretionary funds to enable the poetry trail to progress to its final stage.

Through the Public Art assessment panel, Council has approved the Hinterland Poetry Trail Project to move to STAGE III – art creation, installation, promotion and launch, anticipated to take place during 2017.
 
Sourcing funding for the final stage of the hinterland poetry trail is now the main focus for the poetry trail committee. A range of options is being explored, including grants for the arts sector, community sponsorship and donations through the Australian Cultural Fund.
 
The poetry trail is a community arts project, driven solely by the poets concerned, for the benefit of community, both local and extended. Funding is required for the art creation work by the artists, installation of the sculptures at the three sites, promotional expenses and launch of the poetry trail.

Public support is a vital component of the funding plan to see the project through to completion.
 
For information on how to support the hinterland poetry trail project, or to request a sponsorship package, contact the project coordinator through the contact page on this website.


The design development stage of the hinterland poetry trail was:
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POETRY TRAIL NEWS  September 2016

The Pente Poets Poetry trail team are delighted to announce that the Poetry Trail project has moved to the DESIGN DEVELOPMENT stage. Poetry sites are now confirmed at Maleny, Kenilworth and Montville.

MALENY HERITAGE PRECINCT
This site will take the form of a poetry pathway, with large boulders bearing relief carvings and poem excerpts placed alongside a section of the Maleny Heritage Trail  from the Trail Head  near the Golf Club car park towards the old cow bails. Here the poetry trail poets found inspiration in the landscape  itself, and the history of Fairview, the original farm on this land. For this site artist Wayne Markwort has designed three sculptures from Helidon sandstone boulders, to be placed alongside the present walking path, with carvings inspired by the environment and heritage of this very special place.
 
LITTLE YABBA CREEK, KENILWORTH
The Kenilworth poetry trail site is on the banks of Little Yabba Creek, at the picnic grounds near the Fig-Tree Walk. Artist Barry Smith has designed an eye-catching sculpture featuring a large buttressed root to be fabricated from brushed aluminium, inspired by the rainforest nearby, with poetry excerpts inscribed on the buttress sides. Poetry written for this site relates to the river and the forest, and how this precious environment was preserved for future generations to enjoy.
 
RUSSELL FAMILY PARK, MONTVILLE
The Montville Russell Family Park poetry site consists of three separate panels placed in garden beds bordering the lagoons, designed to encourage visitors to the park to stop, engage with the art pieces, read, listen and reflect. In creating these panels, artist Wayne Smith will use a variety of media in an innovative and ground-breaking way, with images and poetry themed around the indigenous heritage of the area, Montville’s early farming era, reflections on changing times and the unique ambience of the park itself.



July 2016

Selection panel Julie, Pam, Dee and Judy review Poetry Trail concept drawings
Artists Barry and Victoria explain their Poetry Trail concept drawings to poets Dee and Judy

Hinterland Site visits  June 2016

Artists with Pente Poet Judy Bandidt and and Pattemore House representative Dr Penny Edwards at Maleny Heritage Trail site

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Russell Family Park, Montville
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Poets, artists and community representatives at Little Yabba Creek, Kenilworth

The Pente Poets Hinterland Poetry Trail design project was funded by the Sunshine Coast Council Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
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Maleny Heritage Trail, Maleny
Hinterland Poetry Trail Design Project site
Russell Family Park, Montville
Hinterland Poetry Trail Design Project site

Little Yabba Creek, Kenilworth
Hinterland Poetry Trail Design Project site

What is a Poetry Trail?
 

Poetry trails are about poetry, people and place, designed to extend the experience of people visiting a particular place, and to make poetry more accessible to everyone. A Sunshine Coast Poetry Trail would link a number of poetry pathways or individual sites across the region. 

​At a poetry pathway or site, the media or 'vehicle' that transports poetry to people and makes the connection to 'place' may be many and varied, often linking the literary, visual and sculptural arts in pieces of public art with poetry as an integral part of the art form. Other arts media and technologies, such as audio, music or photography may also be utilised.

A Sunshine Coast Poetry Trail would comprise a number of sites, from the ranges to the hinterland, urban centres and coastline, designed to enhance the special characteristics of the local environment and featuring poems written specifically for each setting. It would include locations of environmental significance, and poems inspired by the landscape, heritage and culture.

2016 Milestone

The Pente Poets Poetry trail team are delighted to announce that with further Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) funding, the Poetry Trail project will now move to the DESIGN stage.

During May—July, 2016, poets will work with local artists to produce concept drawings for pieces of public art, 
with poetry by the Pente Poets incorporated into the designs, at three Sunshine Coast hinterland poetry trail sites. 



The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
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'Place-making' and Poetry
 
'Place-making' is to do with tapping into the products, skills and cultural knowledge of local communities. Creative place-making projects draw on the creative potential of an area's residents to support the growth of local businesses, arts groups and individuals.
 
Arts-based place-making goes well beyond the idea of 'art for art’s sake', encouraging social interaction with the arts in defined locations, encouraging a sense of community and ownership.
 
A poetry trail is a fine example of effective arts-based place-making through its connection to poetry, people and place.

'Place-making Poetry' at Maleny Heritage Trail
​May 2016


'Place-making Poetry' at Russell Family Park, Montville
​May 2016

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​reflection

 
there's a quiet place beneath a hill
a winding path by waters still
 
sunlight and shadow on either side
nature's sounds keep the world outside
 
a warm gentle breeze
filters down through the trees
 
and the windmill in the water
goes round and round
 
the windmill in the water goes round


​© Judith Bandidt
 
(written at Russell Family Park, May 23, 2016)


'Place-making Poetry' at Little Yabba Creek, Kenilworth
​April 2016



Little Yabba
 
ancient giants wrinkled
knobbly noses
threw stinging barbs
shook regal crowns above the canopy
disdained to look upon
 
the ground dwellers
 
but then
we found green space
a circle of sky 
and bellbirds
 
oh yes
there were bellbirds
 
Judy Bandidt  April 2016

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Lyn and Dee record poetry at the Charlie Moreland campground, near Little Yabba Creek, Kenilworth.


The vote is in!
Best photo from the Ephemeral Poetry Trail, January, 2016.

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Embedding Poetry in the Landscape – a challenge for poets
 
What is the connection between poetry and the environment?
 
There is a symbiotic relationship between poetry and the environment that brings out the best of both worlds.
 
Poetry is an expressive and powerful medium that can be utilised to cast a spotlight on the broad canvas of our physical environment in a number of ways. We are all familiar with poetry that describes the natural world of landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna and how the poet interacts with this world. We also find poetry that draws attention to serious issues particular environments face going forward into an uncertain future. In all cases poetry, particularly when it is honed, refined, and without obfuscation, can deliver a targeted, encapsulated message with immediate impact.
 
The environment, on the other hand, by its very existence, both inspires and terrifies writers. Certainly, the environment can help invoke the poet's muse by providing a plethora of settings that promote creativity and stimulate the desire to experience, to connect to 'place', to describe and to relate. But it also exposes the need to listen, to make sense of contextual clues and to question, and herein lies the challenge for poets to communicate their responses in a meaningful way.

Judith Bandidt
February, 2015

PATHWAY TRAIL POSSIBILITIES  - Media and methods
 
Permanent Structures - individual installations and poetry pathways:
 
Public Art
 
Poems on transparent media as part of an individual public art piece
            - acrylic
            - glass
Rocks, sandstone or boulders, engraved
Using elements of environment 'in situ' - rocks, fallen logs, trees
Pavement - various treatments
Combination of media - eg timber, glass and stainless steel or aluminium
Illustrated text (poem) on information board
Tiles - hand or machine made
'See through' metal cut-outs of poems
Metal cut-outs of poems on backing
Linking poetry to existing structures, various treatments
            - walls
            - sandstone blocks
            - stairs
            - fences
Poetry in public spaces as one-off single installations
Story poles
Monoliths - engraved or poems on plaques attached
'Sun writing'
Poetry Murals
Tactile Notebooks
Message Stick
 
 
Other
 
Rocks, poems on metal plaques
Timber, poems routed into wood
Timber, poems on plaques
Cement or stone plinths placed on ground, poems on plaques
'Stop and Listen' motion detected solar powered audio
iBeacon technology
Bollards - various treatments
Information boards in specific settings with poems about that setting
 
 
Non-permanent – an Ephemeral Poetry Trail:
 
Poetry readings at a number of sites – coast, hinterland, range

POETS READING in the HINTERLAND, FOREST and by the SEA
Hinterland to Headland: Poetry in Place
An Ephemeral Poetry Trail
​January 22 – 24, 2016


HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND: Poetry in Place
An ephemeral poetry trail

​January 22 – 24, 2016


The weekend of themed poetry readings and associated entertainment was deemed a resounding success by both audience and participants.

YANDINA - As the sun set behind the mountains, birds flew overhead to the sound of welcome to country and the didgeridoo. Following an interlude of  ukulele music the pente poets read their poetry of the Ninderry legend, the story of Yandina and the crossing at the ford in the river. In true Australian style, the evening concluded with a sausage sizzle, tea and damper. An amazing community effort.

MAROOCHY BOTANIC GARDENS - Beneath a canopy of tall trees in the sculpture garden, under the watchful eye of the resident wombat (sculpture) the pente poets read experiential and descriptive poetry that reflected their joy in the natural bushland around them, and the birds and creatures that inhabit this environment.

MARY CAIRNCROSS SCENIC RESERVE - On the butterfly deck at the Reserve, set in the misty heights of Blackall Range, the poets read poems inspired by the rainforest, forest trails, and mountains. And right on cue, the butterflies arrived.

THE BLUFF, ALEXANDRA HEADLANDS - Perfectly scripted, the afternoon showers cleared, the sea calmed, and the moon rose over the water just after twilight. From the viewing platform on the headland overlooking the sea, with the lights of Maroochydore twinkling in the distance, the pente poets shared their poetry drawn from their experiences within the local coastal environment .... and poems about the moon. The evening continued with live music, drinks and canapés, a stunning ending to a creatively stimulating weekend.


​All the poems read at the Poetry in Place event were from the Pente Poets HINTERLAND TO HEADLAND collection.

2016 ... and the poetry trail research continues.
Mary-Jane Weld takes us around the Fig Tree Walk at Little Yabba Creek,
​a beautiful part of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, near Kenilworth. Here, at the junction of the creek and the Mary River,
a boardwalk leads past remnant rainforest where 
flooded gums and the buttressed roots of forest 
giants 
ensures visitors leave with a sense of with awe.

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What is a Poetry Trail?
 

A Poetry Trail links a number of poetry pathways or individual sites across a region. Poetry pathways are designed to extend the experience of people visiting a particular place, and to make poetry more accessible to everyone. Poems are embedded in the environment in a manner that builds a symbiotic relationship with that environment.
 
Many installations along a poetry pathway link the literary, visual and sculptural arts in pieces of public art with poetry as an integral part of the art form. Other media and technologies, such as audio, may also be utilised in the establishment of a poetry trail.

A Sunshine Coast Poetry Trail would comprise poetry pathways established at a range of sites, from the ranges to the hinterland, urban centres and coastline, designed to enhance the special characteristics of the local environment and featuring poems written specifically for each setting. It could include locations of environmental significance, such as the wallum, ocean and geological landforms ecosystems, and poems inspired by place, heritage and culture.

Poems written for a Poetry Trail may celebrate the beauty of the natural environment and the biodiversity of a particular ecosystem for example, with particular reference to local flora and fauna. Poems may also draw attention to challenges facing a particular environment or ecosystem, such as climate change, loss of habitat and invasive species. Poems could even challenge people's perceptions of natural beauty.

What is an Ephemeral Poetry Trail?
 
An ephemeral (ever-changing) poetry trail comprises a number of poetry reading events conducted at selected locations over a period of time. In January 2016 the Pente Poets will be part of an ephemeral poetry trail event that encompasses areas of the coastline, the hinterland and Blackall Range. SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS.
 
At each event the themes of the poems will be relevant to that particular location, ecosystem or culture. Poetry readings will take place at different times to maximise potential impact of the event, for example morning or afternoon readings, or twilight readings to capture the ambience of the full moon rising over the sea.

Follow an ephemeral poetry trail

​January 22 – 24, 2016


Linking poetry and the environment
 
The Sunshine Coast Environment Council, in partnership with Creative Alliance and the Pente Poets,
are pleased to announce
Hinterland to Headland: Poetry in Place,
a weekend of poetry written for and about the Sunshine Coast.

 
Hinterland to Headland: Poetry in Place is a series of themed poetry readings
at four different venues over the weekend of January 22 –24, 2016,
with refreshments and entertainment at the opening and closing events.


Heritage theme – Friday, 22 January, 6.00pm, Yandina
Bushland theme ­– Saturday, 23 January, 10.00am, Maroochy Bushland and Botanic Gardens, Tanawha
Rainforest Theme – Saturday, 23 January, 2.00pm, Butterfly Deck at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny
Coastal theme – Sunday, 24 January, 6.00pm, Alexandra Headlands Bluff area
​

Some seating is available at all venues, but it is advisable to bring a folding chair.

ENTRY IS FREE
GOLD COIN DONATION APPRECIATED TO OFFSET COSTS


Poems read at this event are an outcome of a Poetry Trail Concept Development project conducted by the Pente Poets during 2015, 
funded through the Sunshine Coast Council Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

For full program of EVENTS
and to REGISTER INTEREST in ATTENDING, go to

​www.scec-action.org.au/poetry_trail

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The Poems

During 2015, the Pente Poets explored the Sunshine Coast hinterland and coastline from Mapleton to Maleny, Yandina to Tanawha, Coolum to Caloundra, seeking inspiration and immersing themselves in a number of different environments.

The poems written as a result of their research have been compiled into a book, Hinterland to Headland: A Poetry Trail for the Sunshine Coast. There are over 200 poems in the collection, and at the above Poetry Readings in January 2016, you will have an opportunity to hear a selection of these poems, written specifically about the Sunshine Coast, with a Poetry Trail in mind.

The poems celebrate the great diversity of the region, from its unique environmental significance, lifestyle and heritage, to the natural beauty of its iconic beaches, bushland, forests and mountains.

The writing of the poems in this collection was funded through the Sunshine Coast Council Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

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SOUND BITES
​ and 
sample poems from the collection 
YANDINA
22.01.16  6.00pm


Native Dog Flat
​Written and read by Judith Bandidt
 
They tell me the early timber-getters
were hard-working God fearing men.
 
Called this place 'Native Dog Flat'.
 
Did they consider it carefully
and ponder on it awhile
 
to really put the town on the map?
 
Or did the rum start talking one night
when the wind from the west was howling?
 
Chose the name for them perhaps?
 
Either way it's a pretty fair bet
there was a dingo involved ... somehow.
 
But you've already gathered that.



MAROOCHY BUSHLAND AND BOTANIC GARDENS  
23.01.16  10.00am


I, butterfly ....
Written by Susie Faint
​Read by Nicole Prowse


I dream I float on summer seas
to sip on nectar where tall trees
sway me in their evergreen      
 
where golden sands and vibrant blues    
are burnished by a sea-cast sun                  
I am blossom on the breeze –       
 
the miracle of wings brewed in soup
the stuff of dreams aroused from sleep
beneath candescent moons




​MARY CAIRNCROSS SCENIC RESERVE BUTTERFLY DECK
23.01.16  2.00pm


Mountains of Glass

Written by Deanne Lister
Read by Nicole Prowse


Piled high
In legend shapes
First story told
Of the unknown shore.
 
A fiery birth
Of smoke and violence
A distant memory
Of aeons past
 
Now monuments
To Dreaming Time
Of Tibrogargan
And Crookneck
 
Set in a misty
Emerald plain
Standing sentinel
To passing time.


THE BLUFF, ALEXANDRA HEADLAND
24.01.16  6.00pm


By Moon Composed                                                                         ​
​Written and read by Judith Bandidt

 
Beyond the white tops curling low
to hiss and rush
to nothingness upon the sand
I hear the beat of a different drum
in the rhythm of an ancient song
by moon composed
performed by tides.



Poetry Trail Concept Development Project 2015 Archive
This project was funded through the Sunshine Coast Council Regional Arts Development Fund.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and
​Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

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Pente Poets at Work Slideshow


A Poetry Trail for the Sunshine Coast?
July – October 2015 


The Pente Poets have been working with Community and Arts groups to develop the concept of establishing a Poetry Trail on the Sunshine Coast. Have a look at some of the amazing places we've visited on the Gallery page.
Here we are hard at work, writing poetry and researching potential poetry pathway sites.

Researching bushland trails

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Susie and Judy on the Upland Trail at the Maroochy Bushland and Botanic Gardens, Tanawha    July 2015

(See the Gallery page for more pathway research photos)


Poetry Trail Concept Development
​April 2015 


The Pente Poets of the Sunshine Coast are pleased to announce a successful grant application to develop the concept of establishing a Poetry Trail on the Sunshine Coast. The project was funded through the Sunshine Coast Council Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Over the next six months the poets will be exploring the possibilities of poetry pathways as a way of embedding poetry in the landscape. During their research they will also be seeking inspiration for their writing in parks, gardens, walking trails and other public spaces in a number of locations on the Sunshine Coast encompassing Blackall Range, the hinterland and the coastline from Coolum to Caloundra.

The Pente Poets are looking forward to the challenge of creating a collection of poetry that celebrates the diversity and scope of the Sunshine Coast's unique environments.

A Sunshine Coast Poetry Trail would comprise poetry pathways established at a range of sites, designed to enhance the special characteristics of the local environment and featuring poems written specifically for each setting. Who knows, in the future you may find a poetry pathway in the rarefied air of the range, in the hinterland forest and villages, along the urban strip or on our iconic coastline.



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