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> Granite Belt's Local Legends |
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The Granite Belt is privileged to have sons and daughters who work hard and see it worth their while to make a difference in the local community and the community abroad. This section is dedicated to such people. If you have an idea of another local legend that is missing out on having their story told - please contact us and we will make sure these people get the coverage they deserve. Local legends keep the community vibrant, alive and growing. |
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> Jack Drake |
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Born in rural New Zealand in 1950, Jack Drake - a naturalised Aussie and Granite Belt local whom we are all proud of, has loved words and verse ever since his father gave him a copy of Banjo Patterson’s verse when he was just 10 years old.
Reciting his own works and other bush favourites, Jack delights his audiences both young and old. Due to his life experience of horses, sheep, cattle and bush things, a certain authenticity is an intriguing part of his renditions. Recently winning Bush Poet of the Year 2001 in Sydney, The Tenterfield Oracles of the Bush performance and original Performance Section in the National Bush Poetry Championship at the Brisbane Ekka, Jack has concentrated on words and verse, performing always with good humour and great skill. Over time Jack has produced a series of bush poetry CDs - each with it’s own brand of humour. Great for those wanting to hear old-style, authentic aussie bush poetry as we all remember. If you are interested in having a listen then visit the Stanthorpe Tourist Information Centre or contact Jack directly by phoning 07 4683 7169 to order.
To experience what Jack and other poets have to offer, try visiting the ‘High Country Bush Poets Competition’. In its 5th year - the next on 15 March 2003 - this competition has become an endearing favourite for locals and tourists alike. Sit back and hear stories told with a true Aussie ring.
Beginning on Friday night 14 March 2003 - there is a ‘Meet the Poets’ session from 7pm. The competition is held on Saturday 15 March, then finished off with ‘Breakfast with the Poets’ on the Sunday morning,16 March.
THE GRANITE HIGHLANDS
by Jack
(AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION BUSH POET)
Away up high ‘neath the Queensland sky
in the lea of the border range,
‘mid granite tors and cellar doors,
lies a country wild and strange
where fruit and vines form ordered lines,
twisting high roads wend
and wild bush sprawls by sheer rock walls
in a Euro-Aussie blend.
On a high plateau where produce grows,
the air is clear and thin
by creeks once lined by a thousand mines,
stands a country built on tin.
But mining fades and a start was made on the horticultural way
when grapes were tried on Marley’s side, in Jerome Davadi’s day.
History blends with modern trends in a district growing fast.
A railway’s grade marks progress made as present hails past.
Vinters fine tend fruit and vine beneath a hazeless sky
and pause to smile as mile by mile, the tourist train rolls by.
Farmlands neat, contrast complete with scrublands deep and dense.
The Sunshine State amalgamates with Italian influence
a unique slice of Aussie life and continental ways.
Seasons pass and winter’s blast precedes spring’s balmy days.
Lease your care in coastal air and steer for mountain’s crest, a mellow mood of wine and food, the Nation’s very best,
sip of grog by fire of logs, feel feelings that should be felt.
For a break that’s fine in a land of wine,
COME SEE THE GRANITE BELT! |
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> Jean Harslett |
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The following is a short story of Jean Harslett’s contribution to our community…On behalf of the Granite Belt we thank you Jean, for your work in our community!
Thankfully for Stanthorpe, there are people living here who spend many unpaid hours contributing to the community through voluntary work and so ensuring a brighter future for the community as a whole.
Jean Harslett is such a person. Born on the 6th September 1925, Jean is a well known local identity, sought after as an authority on the Historical, entomological and ecological make-up of the Granite Belt region. Not to mention that she has a very likeable and infectiously warm personality that immediately draws people to her in whatever she is a part of.
Receiving many awards in recognition of her contributions to the natural sciences and history of this region - all work has been carried out on a voluntary basis mostly for the benefit of community organisations and schools of the Granite Belt…
How good is she?
2002 Honorary Life Membership of Qld Entomological Society
1997 Included in “Brilliant Careers of Qld”
Book launched by the Queensland Museum about lives of 50 women over the past 150 yrs in development of ecology of Queesland
1995 Queensland Naturalist Award
1994 A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society of Qld.
1989 Lions District Governor’s Bicentennnial Community Service Award in recognition of community service
1985 Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary International)
1985 British Empire Award in recognition of community service.
1984 Stanthorpe Shire Australia Day Award
1979 Silver Plough Award (In recognition of 25 years of active service as advisor to the Stanthorpe Junior Farm Org/Rural Youth)
Special thanks goes to Morwena Arcidiacano for supplying information regarding Jean. |
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