The internationally recognised bush poet and author visited Minmi Public School last week to impart some wisdom to the next generation of wordsmiths. 

“Bush poetry is an important part of preserving Australian national pride and culture,” Skelton said.

His categories for judging bush poetry are story, rhythm and rhyme, but he said a good dose of humour goes a long way.

“If you can’t have a laugh when you’re living, you’ve got no flaming chance when you’re dead,” he said.

The bearded icon is perhaps better known as The Minmi Magster, a name he picked up because of his love of storytelling. 

“In other words, I talk too much,” he laughed.

Last year’s competition runner-up Taylor Hingst will enter the competition again this year in the hope of taking home the gold. 

“This year I’m writing about the bush, specifically where I holiday with my family on the Myall Lakes,” she said “It’s a really lovely place and I wanted to write about the animals and plants I’ve seen there.”

Entries for the Tocal Field Days Primary School Poetry Competition must be submitted to www.tocalfielddays.com/visitors/for-schools by April 22.