Alex Allitt is presented with his life membership badge by grandson Miles Allitt.
Photo by
Wayne Bradley
Alex Allitt is the face of Bush Poetry in Deniliquin - if there’s an event, he’s there reciting some of the best.
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So it seems only fitting that Mr Allitt was honoured as the first ever life member of the Deniliquin Bush Poets.
Mr Allitt founded the group, and served for two decades as president.
He was a late starter in the bush poetry performance arena, not undertaking his first public oration until 70 years of age.
But he has certainly crammed a lot into the following years.
His passion for sharing bush poetry has seen him perform locally and regionally - at the Deni Ute Muster, aged care facilities and club recitals, and at many regional and national festivals.
His travels pursuing his love of bush poetry on the national stage has seen him perform at numerous locations including Tamworth, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne and Corryong.
His many achievements include being named a Living Treasure at the Australian Bush Poetry Championships in Brisbane 2009, as well as a win and an honourable mention at the Royal Brisbane Show (EKKA).
He was runner-up in the novice section of the Australian Bush Poetry Championships in Perth, and claimed the same award in the Man from Snowy River festival at Corryong. He also won the humorous section at Corryong.
His other awards include winning the John O’Brien Festival Award at Narrandera, and the Open Poetry Performance Championship at Milton.
Alex and wife Noel Allitt.
Photo by
Wayne Bradley
Mr Allitt has also delivered poetry recitals at singing events across the country, including when performing with the Deniliquin Sing Australia Choir in Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide and Alice Springs.
Continuing his love for performing, Mr Allitt has also been an enthusiastic member of the Deniliquin Uke (Ukulele) Muster group.
“Alex has been recognised locally with the 2018 Australia Day Senior Arts and Culture Award and the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Award,” the Bush Poets said.
“Alex has also been instrumental in sharing his love for Bush Poetry among local youth for the last decade - attending local primary schools with his club members, coaching and encouraging their performances at a local recital evening.
“The presentation of his Life Membership badge was made by his grandson Miles and, fittingly, Alex also gave a rousing rendition of his signature piece ‘The Man from Snowy River’ to conclude the afternoon.”
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