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Tribute to Jack Drake

Stanthorpe Today - 2025

The local newspaper paid tribute to Jack’s passing in 2024, honouring his contributions to Australian Bush Poetry. He had a deep and lasting impact on the community, through which his warmth, humour, and infectious laughter brought joy to countless people and left an enduring mark on the bush poetry community and beyond.

Jacks final book launched

Jacks final book launched

12 July 2025

Stella warmly invited the community to Eukey Hall on Saturday to celebrate the release of her late husband’s book, alongside members of the bush poetry community and friends gathering to honour his life's work and lasting legacy.

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Historical book about John Dickie

Stanthorpe Today · 2 May 2024

Article on Jack’s latest historical book about John Dickie, one of Australia’s greatest prospectors, and his lost gold mine.

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Queensland Frontier Wars

ABPA Magazine · Oct / Nov 2021

A history of Queensland’s frontier wars that challenges the myth of peaceful settlement in Australia.

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Tale of some tough truths

Warwick Today · 2 September 2021

Coverage of Jack’s book revealing the true and often violent nature of Queensland’s colonisation.

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Jack’s Golden Poetry

Tamworth Country Music Festival · 2000s

Story on Jack’s first trip to the famous Tamworth Country Music Festival – the first of many appearances.

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Bush poet to star in special rally

Northern NSW · May 2012

Feature on a bush poetry festival with Jack Drake and New Zealand poet Peter Gordon.

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Bushie poet shares work

The Guardian · July 2012

Coverage of the Bundaberg Bush Poetry Muster and Jack’s performances there.

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Australia’s Best Stand Up Poets

The Guardian · 4 July 2012

Article on a showcase of leading Australian stand-up bush poets presented by Bundaberg Poets’ Society.

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The Forty-First Bronze Swagman Award

Bush Verse · 2012

Recognition of Jack’s highly commended placing in the prestigious Bronze Swagman Award.

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Australian Bush Laureate Awards

Tamworth · January 2011

Jack wins Album of the Year for Australian Bush Poetry Classics, a CD forming the basis of a teaching package for schools.

This was Jack’s second Golden Gumleaf Award, after The Cattle Dog’s Revenge.

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Local poet wins big at Tamworth

Border Post News · February 2011

Report on Jack’s major success at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

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Festival proof of poetry's popularity

The Northern Daily Leader · January 2011

Coverage of a packed festival program showcasing modern bush poetry.

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Former journo writes book of the year

The Northern Daily Leader · January 2011

Story on a book of the year award, noting Jack’s role in contemporary bush literature.

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“On the Shelf” – Narnia Bookshop review

The Northern Daily Leader · January 2006

Review of Jack’s work in the context of regional literature.

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Sex, lies and bush poetry

Bush Telegraph · July 2005

A colourful feature on Jack’s performances and storytelling style.

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Wild West

Highlife · Winter 2005

Two-page feature capturing the rugged spirit of Jack’s bush life and poetry.

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Stanthorpe’s big weekend of Australian Yarns

Going Places Stanthorpe · Winter 2005

Promotion of a major weekend dedicated to Australian yarns and bush poetry in Stanthorpe.

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Wild Contest

RM Williams Magazine “Outback” · April–May 2005

Book review of The Wild West in Australia and America, highlighting Jack’s historical research.

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Jack’s Poetry in motion

Stanthorpe Border Post · 6 May 2005

Feature on Jack’s dynamic live performances and growing profile.

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Award-winning bush poet returns for recital

Otago Daily Times · 11 April 2005

Article marking Jack’s return to New Zealand for a special recital.

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Fans can’t seem to get enough

North Daily Leader · January 2005

Coverage of packed audiences and strong demand for Jack’s performances and recordings.

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Jack wins Golden Gumleaf

Bush Telegraph · March 2004

Announcement of Jack’s Golden Gumleaf Award win for outstanding bush verse.

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Sense for ridiculous fuels Jack’s poetry

Queensland Country Life · 12 February 2004

Profile exploring Jack’s humour, timing and sense of the ridiculous in his verse.

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Golden Gumleaves fall on bush poetry book, record

Stanthorpe Border Post · 22 January 2004

Report on Jack’s Golden Gumleaf success for both book and recording releases.

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Jack’s dog could have its own statue

The Bush Telegraph · September 2003

A light-hearted piece on the beloved dog behind The Cattle Dog’s Revenge.

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Balladeer well versed in bush treasures

The Courier Mail · 7 January 1995

Front-page feature on Jack’s deep knowledge of bush life and history.

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The Devoted Bushman

Outback Magazine · August / September 2001 · Issue 18

In-depth profile of Jack’s life as a bushman, horseman and poet.

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Bush poet writing high in the saddle

The Courier Mail · 2 April 2001

Article on Jack’s work as both a rider and writer, capturing stories from the saddle.

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Jack’s verse comes from his bush life

Dalby Herald · 16 April 2002

Story on how Jack’s poetry is grounded in real bush experience.

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Ballads of the Bush

Australian Horseman · July / August 2002

Jack’s regular column on bush poets and ballads in Australian Horseman.

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The Ultimate Revenge

Stanthorpe Border Post · 3 April 2001

Front-page story on Jack’s book The Cattle Dog’s Revenge.

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Eukey poet releases new book and CD

Stanthorpe Border Post · 25 July 2002

Announcement of Jack’s new poetry book and companion CD.

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Drake is ducking in

The Guardian · 12 June 2002

Coverage of Jack’s visit promoting his Duck for Cover series.

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Jack’s Still Ducking

Stanthorpe Border Post · 27 June 2000

Article announcing Jack’s follow-up book Still Ducking.