The poetry competition is just one small part of the five-day Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival, which commences on February 17.

Including overseas entries, there have been submissions from Sydney, Port Macquarie, Yass, Tumut and the Central Coast,

Public relations director at the Rotary Club of Orange, Clivia Frieden says she wants to see more Orange entries.

“We want to encourage more people from Orange to enter, as we already have people from all over the place,” Ms Frieden said.

The Canobolas Hotel will host the poetry competition, with prizes of up to $600 on offer, but entrants must perform their poems.

With 20 entrants last year, organisers are hoping for around 30 entrants this time round.

Festival committee member Len Banks said the poetry competition “excites people”.

“We want to encourage Australian poetry through the competition and we use Banjo Paterson as the focal point,” Mr Banks said.

To kick-off proceedings, Orange and District Historical Society members will host the Banjo Paterson breakfast.   

“The festival starts on Banjo’s birthday on February 17 and finishes on the 21st,” Ms Frieden said.

Other events include the Dead Men Talking performance on February 18 and the family market day on February 21.

The poetry festival, now in its third year, is co-run by both the Rotary Club of Orange and Brand Orange. 

More information can be found by contacting Ms Frieden at 6361 7702 or Mr Banks at 0428 459 117.