"Leighton B. Watt's poem The Outback captures this feeling ideally and the last verse in particular has been used to immense effect to convey our message."
Bruce Campbell AM MBE, Chairman, Australian Outback Development Consortium - the Year of the Outback



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.. Year of the Outback 2006

The phenomenal success of Australia's first Year of the Outback in 2002 led to the decision that this national celebration would be held every four years. Now, thanks to the dedication of the Australian Outback Development Consortium and the enthusiasm of Australians country-wide, the Year of the Outback 2006 is poised to become even bigger and better than its predecessor.

The official emblem of the Year of the Outback 2006 is the Grevillia Robyn Gordon; the official song is John Williamson's I'll Sing You the Outback. And, in September 2005, it was announced that The Outback, written by Leighton B. Watts, would become the official poem.

According to Bruce Campbell AM MBE, chairman of the Australian Outback Development Consortium, the sentiments expressed in Leighton's poem remind us that the Year of the Outback is for all Australians, no matter where they live.

"We do not define the 'Outback' geographically. It is a word that symbolises the national spirit," he said. "Leighton B. Watt's poem The Outback captures this feeling ideally and the last verse in particular has been used to immense effect to convey our message.

"Bush poetry holds a very special place in Australian life and culture and must play a significant role in the Year of the Outback framework. Wherever possible we are encouraging the organisers of such events across the nation to introduce bush poetry as part of their programmes."

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Click here to read the The Outback by Leighton B. Watts.
Full-length & abbreviated audio of this poem is also available for
free download from the "Samples" page.

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For more information about The Year of the Outback, visit www.outbackinfront.com