Award-Winning Bush Poet • Australian History Writer • Researcher • Retired Teacher
Tony Hammill is an award-winning bush poet, Australian history writer and researcher whose interests reach deep into the stories, folklore and people behind Australia’s past.
A teacher for 33 years before retiring in 2004, Tony grew up with bush poetry close at hand. His father loved the works of writers including Henry Lawson, Adam Lindsay Gordon and Banjo Paterson, and regularly quoted their verse.
That early connection developed into Tony’s own writing and research. Tony advises that he has won six national competitions, mainly for bush poetry, has had more than 30 poems published and has written more than 50 published articles on Australian subjects.
“I love researching Australian history”
— Tony Hammill
Australian History, Folklore and Research
Tony’s interests centre on Australian history, folklore and the stories that sit behind familiar Australian legends.
Among the subjects he has investigated is the identity of “Bribie”, the figure associated with the naming of Bribie Island.
He has also researched the possible identity of the swagman behind Waltzing Matilda, following historical clues in an effort to understand the real people and events that may lie behind one of Australia’s best-known songs.
Now in his eighties, Tony continues researching and writing.
Bush Poetry and Competition Success
Alongside his historical research, Tony has built an extensive body of bush poetry.
Tony advises that he has won six national competitions, mainly for bush poetry, and that more than 30 of his poems have been published.
Individually verified competition results include:
- “Trooper George” — winner of the 2013 Snowy Mountains Muster written competition.
- “Blood and Love: The Irish Saga” — winner of the open poetry section of the 2016 John O’Brien Festival.
- “Walers” — highly commended in the adult open section of the 2014 C.J. Dennis Poetry Festival.
Tony Hammill — Research, Articles & Bush Poetry
This page is a permanent home for Tony Hammill’s work shared through Country Campfire.
As more of Tony’s historical research, Australian stories and bush poetry are published, they will be added here to build an ongoing archive of his work.
The following research, articles and bush poetry by Tony Hammill have been featured on Country Campfire:
The Man Who Waltzed Matilda
Tony Hammill investigates the possible identity of the swagman whose story may have helped inspire Waltzing Matilda.
Country Campfire Legend #18