It looks like poetry is alive and well on Magnetic Island following the workshop held over the weekend of the 7th and 8th of May at All Seasons hotel in Nelly Bay.

Over 20 people attended the workshop which was was led by Professor Don Gallagher from James Cook University.

Organiser Dot Church told Magnetic Times, “Professor Don Gallagher presented a range of poetry from the great poets Keats, Shelley Shakespeare and Australian’s Lawson and more. The professor was assisted by his wife Mary who gave some excellent presentations. Members of the group also presented their own work which was a great success.

“All Seasons catered for the event and the island turned on a variety of weather as well as presentations from the local birdlife.”

The group wrote a short 20 word piece overnight on the techniques presented on the first day and presented same to the group. This will be collated into a small booklet as memento of the weekend.

The weekend finished on a high and everyone was grateful to Don and Mary, All Seasons and MICDA.

The workshop was supported by the Community Development Association (MICDA) which sourced funding from Regional Development Fund and MICDA’s own funds.

The next workshop being investigated will be on speaking and live presentation and all are anticipating another great day.

For information about the Island Poetry Group contact Dot Church on 4758 1404 or emailing dottydogood26@hotmail.com