• Competition Judge

• Festival Compere

• Bush Poetry Performer

• Student Poetry Classes

• Camp Oven Cook

• Damper Cook Lessons

• All Round Entertainer

• Will Travel to Events

• Free Quotes

My Story

I was born in country Victoria as the third eldest among ten siblings. “Every day was a riot. Mum and Dad hardly laid eyes on us until evening. Sometimes Dad would manage to corral us for some extra tasks, but most of the time, we were off on our next adventure.” I attribute my love of poetry to two uncles on my father’s side. Both my uncles, along with my grandfather, were shearers and would travel all around Australia.

As a young adult I worked in Western Australia as a shearer’s rousie and was deeply affected by the beauty of the bush.

Later I lived on the north side of Brisbane where I joined the North Pine Bush Poets. It was here that I developed and wrote my poetry out of a lifetime of experiences and learned how to perform.

I have performed at diverse events across Queensland. My poetry has been published many times in national magazines including R.M. Williams Outback magazine and I have been a frequent guest on ABC radio to recite my poetry.

I have judged poetry competitions at many festivals and and I have been privileged to share my poetic knowledge with high school students in schools. I have had a long involvement with the Australian Bush Poets Association and I am currently their publicity officer.

Over the years I have published many audio CDs of performances of my poetry. I have now published 29 of my poems in my new book called Mates at the Gate.

For further information and to order please click below.

While performing in Cunnamulla, I was motivated to initiate a farmer assistance, registered charity with activities including taking farmers, men and women, away for well-earned respite at various holiday style locations. These were so successful that many other activities followed including farm visits and Christmas assistance farm runs to support families. The most recent activities include supply and installation of kitchens for farmers that need them. Groups of tradies and volunteers now assess, visit and complete all sorts of projects. Mick and mates have now started, and continue to run a charity called ‘Mates at the Gate Inc’. For further information about volunteering or making donations to ‘Mates at the Gate’ please visit the website www.matesatthegate.org