Bush Poet • Entertainer • Author • Storyteller
A change of hat, a different voice, and Gregory North has another character on his hands. Greg writes and performs bush poetry and yarns, bringing Australian verse to life with humour, observation and a willingness to throw himself into the telling. His voice is already part of the Bush Poetry Podcast, and we’re pleased to welcome him around the campfire.
Based in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Greg found his way into bush poetry in 2003 and went on to win the male Australian bush poetry performance championship in 2008, 2009 and 2010. His work takes him from festival stages and school halls to the poetry and heritage shows of Winton, Queensland.
A Hatful of Characters and a Voice for Verse
Greg’s performances make room for the everyday characters who give a yarn its life: a young bloke with plenty to say, a grandmother with her own complaints, a tradesman, a touch-footy kid or a coal seam gas miner. Voices, hats and the telling are part of the craft. So is knowing when to let a serious poem speak for itself.
His repertoire brings his own writing alongside Australian verse from Banjo Paterson, Henry Lawson, C. J. Dennis, John O’Brien and other poets. He has performed for small gatherings and large audiences across the country, carrying that tradition into festivals, community events and schools.
Winton has been an important part of that work. Greg has presented poetry and heritage shows at the North Gregory Hotel and entertained travellers at Winton Roadhouse Cabins and Caravan Park. His shows explore Banjo Paterson’s life and poems, the story of Waltzing Matilda, and Winton’s place in that history.
Keeping the Words in Circulation
Greg’s interest in Australian verse reaches beyond the stage. His books include The Life and Rhymes of Banjo Paterson, which brings together Paterson’s biography and poetry, and Banjo Paterson: War Correspondent and Lecturer — His Boer War Lecture Tour. He has also written Winton in the Year of Waltzing Matilda.
He compiled Rhyming Verse of Denis Kevans, preserving more than 650 poems and songs by a poet he counts among his mentors. His own poetry is collected in A Voice For Verse. These books give readers another way into the words, people and history behind his performances.
His recordings include Frackin’ Fricker, named Album of the Year at the 2014 Australian Bush Laureate Awards, Fully Sick, Mate! and Winton’s Wisp of Banjo Paterson. Books and recordings can be found through his own website, with audio also available on streaming services.
Making Room for the Next Audience
Through his school show Immerse in Verse, Greg introduces children to Australian rhyming poetry using voices, props and student participation. Classic poems share the programme with his original work, giving young audiences a chance to take part in the storytelling themselves.
Away from performing, Greg enjoys historic Volkswagens, bushwalking and cycling. He is a member of the Australian Bush Poets Association.
Greg and Country Campfire
Country Campfire’s connection with Greg began when Alex met him at the Man from Snowy River Festival. Greg generously supplied a CD for use on the Bush Poetry Podcast, helping bring his work to listeners beyond the live audience. That support is appreciated, and this page gives his contributions a lasting place in the collection.
Follow Gregory North
For books, recordings, performances and booking enquiries, visit Greg directly:
- Website and performance dates
- Books and recordings
- Listen to Gregory North on Spotify
- Immerse in Verse school show
- Email Greg
Gregory North on Country Campfire
The following poems by Gregory North have been shared on Country Campfire:
Love Vee-Dubs
A cheeky, affectionate tribute to the Volkswagen Beetle, its unmistakable Dak-Dak and the devoted drivers who love a car with character.
Bush Poetry Podcast
Rights And Permission
Poems and contributions are shared by Country Campfire with permission.
Poems, recitals, photographs, stories and original works remain the property of their original creator and are shared by Country Campfire with permission.
Country Campfire Legend #26