6400+ poems, planting 6400+ trees in the City of Wollongong

POEM FOREST has announced the shortlist of 84 young poets from across Australia, whose creative words of wisdom will inspire new generations of Australian poets.

For every poem submitted to POEM FOREST, Wollongong City Council is planting a tree on Dharawal country, here in the Wollongong Local Government Area. With more than 6,400 entries received, Council staff have been rolling up their sleeves and getting to work planting new saplings in parks, schoolyards, and along local streets.

What is POEM FOREST?

It’s a nature writing competition for young poets and accredited teachers. The project was created by Red Room Poetry in 2021 and was delivered in partnership with Wollongong City Council this year.

Wollongong City Council’s Curator Botanic Garden Felicity Skoberne said that of the 6400 poems submitted, 479 poems came from students and teachers in the Wollongong region.

“First of all, I want to congratulate everyone who submitted a poem. We’re absolutely blown away by the thoughtful, urgent, and hopeful poems that have been written by young people across the country,” Ms Skoberne said.

“The poems carry a strong focus on the importance of protecting our environment and a love of nature. It’s humbling to read so many poems that emphasise the importance of respecting our natural areas.

“The POEM FOREST project is aligned with Council’s Urban Greening Strategy and the commitment to increasing the urban tree canopy. It’s a practical approach to increasing trees and plants while also caring for the trees we already have.

“As echoed in the poems, we know that plants and trees are so important to our community. Not only do they make our city a pleasant place to live, but they also cool our suburbs, reduce pollution, improve storm water quality and provide homes for wildlife.

“I encourage everyone to visit the Red Room Poetry website and have a read of the entries. Take a moment to reflect on their strong environmental theme. There are so many great poems to read including some heart-wrenching and beautiful poems that have been penned by students from across Australia.

“One particular poem comes to mind, thanks to its playful take on a recorded phone message. ‘The forest rap’, by Jett from Mount Ousley Public School is a great example of the creative minds of local students. I encourage you give it a read and explore the extraordinary work that’s been submitted.”

The forest rap

By Jett B (Year 5 at Mt Ousley Public School)

Hello, no forest is available for you to take your bush walk

Please leave a sunflower after the tone 

Beep

Run, run, run, run

Go plant a flower, herbs or a tree

Run, run, run, run

Pick any plant and plant it for me

Everybody should respect the trees

I'll pick you a flower from the flower bed

But take care of the earth 

Please

Explore even more POEM FOREST entries by visiting the Red Room Poetry website.

The winning entries for POEM FOREST 2023 will be announced on 16 November 2023. There are a total of eight prize categories to be awarded.

The judging panel includes ABC’s Gardening Australia presenter and Cudgenburra/Bundjalung Aboriginal man Clarence Slockee (NSW), Writer and founding editor of Wonderground Georgina Reid (NSW), climate justice and mental health youth advocate Varsha Yajman (NSW), and 2022 Upper Secondary POEM FOREST winner Hannah Fairbrother (TAS).

Council is working to bring many more plants and trees to your streets and parks, as well as caring for the trees we already have. This is achieved thanks to Council’s Urban Greening Program.

Learn more about the work Council is doing to make the City of Wollongong a greener and cooler (literally) place to live.