A GROUP of committed Orange residents have resurrected the memory of Banjo Paterson and together say they're committed to keeping the memory of the famous Australian poet alive in Orange.
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Members of the Orange Historical Society, Rotary Club of Orange and the Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival have spent several days celebrating the life of the poet, journalist and war correspondent and presiding over multiple community activities and events including markets, poetry competitions and community breakfasts.
About 50 people including Orange residents, committee members and poetry fans gathered at Banjo Park on Ophir Road, the site where Banjo Paterson was born, to celebrated his 151st birthday on Tuesday morning.
The event included speeches on the property Narrambla, a history of the park, the Orange Historical Society’s history with Banjo Paterson and a recital of his poetry.
Speaking at the breakfast, Orange councillor Reg Kidd said it was important more people learn about the poet.
“We are the enthusiasts and I think we have an obligation to get the general population to know that one of our greatest Australian poets Andrew Barton Paterson is from here,” Cr Kidd said.
Orange Historical Society member Marie Hammond said commemorations for Banjo Paterson have come and gone in the past with events including a race meeting with races named after some of his famous poems and now the festival has started she didn’t want to let it die.
