PoetiCas has been hosting regular poetry gatherings in Castlemaine since 2015, following on the tradition of Ross Donlon's poetry readings in the decade prior. It has grown into a wonderful community and their monthly events are beloved by many. Lockdowns and uncertainty put their activities on pause for much of 2020 and 2021, and they are now thrilled to announce a new chapter at a fine new venue.
The usual format brings a feature reader to share their work, as well as an open section for the community to share their own original poems in a warm and supportive space, lovingly MC'd by local poet and publisher Tegan Gigante. All are welcome to attend, to read or just to listen.
Featured Writer; Ross Donlon
Ross has been active in the Castlemaine poetry scene for almost 20 years, running poetry readings in various locations – currently Poetry from Agitation Hill – as well as in publishing many local poets through his imprint, Mark Time Books. He has lately returned from the U.K. where he read at the Wee Gaitherin’ Poetry Festival in Stonehaven (north of Dundee) – note, it’s a huge gathering, the title is ironic, in Glasgow at the SCAP Festival as well as in the Poetry Pharmacy in Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire. Ross was there to help launch the latest Shropshire poet he has published, Jen Hawkins’ & her pamphlet, Moth.
Ross has read at a number of festivals in Australia as well as various festivals the U.K & Ireland & other readings in Eastern Europe & Norway. He is represented in numerous poetry anthologies in Australia & the U.K.
Winner of two international poetry competitions, other awards include the Dorothy Hewett Flagship Fellowship for Varuna Writers’ House & the Launceston Cup, premier spoken word prize of the Tasmanian Poetry Festival where he will feature again in early October this year & in 2024. He reads his work rarely in Castlemaine, since he is normally the m.c. at these events so it feels a bit weird & daunting. Most recent of his five full length books are, For the Record & The Bread Horse.
2pm for a 2.30 start
4th Saturday of every month
in The Coolroom at the Northern Arts Hotel
359 Barker St, Castlemaine
Open section as usual,
limited to 3 minutes per reader.
All Welcome!
$5 donation at the door much appreciated.
So buy a drink from the bar and join us at The Coolroom at the Northern Arts Hotel, the new home for PoetiCas.
Contact Tegan: poeticaspoeticas@outlook.com