I've put this website together so that I can tell you a bit about myself and my work.
To see my published titles of bush poetry, click on the WORKS menu item on the left. You'll learn a bit about them all. There are sample poems from each title as well.
In the BIOGRAPHY item I've given you an outline of my life. I must say it's been a varied and colourful journey until now and if I remain positive, the best and most creative periods are yet to come. So I will be adding to this section.
If you are interested (after reading some of the information provided) in my poetry and wish to buy any of the items displayed, then I've provided the means for you to do so under the BUY menu item.
I give performances of my own work, Traditional songs, bush poetry, bush ballads and poetry by past writers and several current works, done with the permission of the authors.
I also have a special show that I do for Primary school kids and children's groups. My beautiful “Bonza Blue Dog” Jessie is of course, the “Star”.
I am one of the N.S.W. Education Department's approved performers and can be found on their website www.schools.nsw.edu.au/pfs
Again, if you're interested, have a look at the BOOKINGS menu item on the left.
I've won a lot of awards and recognition for my poetry and performances. I've listed these under the AWARDS menu item. Not to big note myself but to show there's others beside myself who see value in my work. I hope you become one of them.
STORIES COMING SOON
After returning recently from the Upper Murray town of Corryong, where I had a great time at the festival (performing lots of poems and singing lots of songs) I have been fired up to write and tell a lot of the stories that have been living inside me, since I played a fairly major role in helping the Gurindji tribe win back the rightful ownership of their land!
While I was at Corryong (through some prize money, book and CD sales and a few bob for a couple of gigs) I was able to pay my expenses and get down to Melbourne, where Jessie (my Bonza Blue Dog) and I stayed for two days and nights with Rob and Kay Oke in North Melbourne.
Thrilling and significant, as I had only met Rob and Kay once and that was in Melbourne 38 years ago, the night before my first trip to the Gurindji homeland in the Northern Territory. Rob and Kay (we were all much younger then, with tons of energy and go) were heavily involved with ABSCHOL, which was the driving force behind the original movement to support the Gurindji after their walk-off from Wave Hill station. I was a member (and head of the Work committee) of “Save the Gurindji Campaign” of which Frank Hardy was the Co-ordinator.
We pawed over the files, receipts, letters and my journals from up there (which are still in my possession) and talked about what should be done with them. The meeting brought a lot of the memories back and those are the stories that need to be told.
Incidentally, I stayed at Corryong in my friends, Maurie and Denise Johnson's home and Jessie slept where she always does, (when we are down there) on her special rug in my bedroom. She and ‘Smoky’, their funny little black Russian dog, get on fantastically together. Jess was just as welcome in Rob and Kay's home. It sure feels civilized and makes life a lot easier when you are travelling with a four–legged friend and have to stay in towns!
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EDITING MY OLD MATE'S DROVING MEMORIES
I am at present editing “Life in the saddle” (working title) by Viv Walsh, memories of his many years as a Drover.
I kept pushing and prodding Viv, who lives in Murrurundi, (even though I had recorded some of his experiences and had written poems about his droving feats) to write some of his recollections down when he'd often complain and say - “What's an old Drover do to put in time?”
One day Viv phoned me and said – “I've started writin' a bit of a story!” – I was overjoyed to hear this!
It's just being compiled for family and friends at this stage with a copy to The Stockman's Hall of Fame, but it will be a valuable Historical Document and later, may turn into a bigger book!
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FINALIST – LEONARD TEALE PERFORMANCE AWARD – HENRY LAWSON FESTIVAL – Gulgong Saturday June 7th 2008
At the Henry Lawson Festival in Gulgong I will be one of the ten finalists in The Leonard Teale Memorial Performance Award with my poem ‘CHRIS’.
Written for Chris Kempster just before he went on his Long Walkabout on January 24th 2004.
Chris wrote the most beautiful music to many of Henry Lawson's poems and at the end of my poem I will sing the last verse of Henry's poem ‘DO YOU THINK THAT I DO NOT KNOW’ to the music that Chris wrote.
The finals are held (with a dinner) in the beautiful old Prince of Wales Opera House.
Bookings are essential – email: henrylawsongulgong@yahoo.com.au
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FEATURE POET AT BUSH POET SOIRÉE – BOWRAVILLE THEATRE – August 2nd 2008
Come to the Bowraville Theatre – run by Dorothy Evans – and enjoy a wonderful and entertaining three hours of poetry and songs.
Devonshire teas, snacks and delicious coffee available – before the show, at interval and afterwards.
Roderick is the feature poet and will take you on a great journey around the land he knows and loves!
His Best Friend Jess – “The Bonza Blue Dog” will be by his side to keep things under control and give lots of love and joy to the kids that will be there.
Maureen Stonham works hard every year to make this event a success – and you must come and see the fantastic restoration work (of the old picture theatre) that has taken place under Dorothy's dedication and guidance.
SEE YOU THERE ––– Rod and Jess!!
ENQUIRIES ––– Dorothy Evans – Tel: (02) 6564 7828
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