Echuca Library is set to come alive with rhythm, rhyme, and raw emotion as it hosts the Australian Poetry SLAM '25 Regional Heat on Tuesday, 24 June.
The Australian Poetry Slam (APS) is a nation-wide spoken word competition where poets perform original pieces in front of live audiences, who then vote to determine the winners. It celebrates diverse voices and storytelling, culminating in a national final.
The Echuca heat will kick off at 6:30pm, with each poet given up to two minutes to perform their original work. Paper prompts are welcome, but props are not – it's all about the power of the spoken word.
The event will feature a special guest host, John Englezos a spoken word poet and Melbourne's 2015 Poetry Slam Champion. John has been a presenter, speaker coach and host for Tedx, runs workshops and one-on-one sessions around poetry, performance, and self-reflection, and was on the first team to represent Australia in 2017 at the National Poetry Slam Championships in Denver, Colorado USA.
The theme for the 2025 APS is Poets Run This! Celebrating the power of spoken word, APS invites audiences across the country to step from the herd, listen, and get heard. Whether you're cheering from the crowd or stepping up to the mic, this is your chance to help elect the next Australian Poetry Slambassador—who will tour Australasia inspiring others to speak their truth.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the event is a unique opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate creativity.
"Events like this bring people together in a unique and powerful way. Whether you're performing or just soaking it all in, it's a chance to connect and be inspired.
"Council is committed to supporting the arts and fostering creative expression. Hosting the regional heat of the Australian Poetry Slam is a fantastic opportunity to showcase local talent and welcome artists from across the region.
"It takes courage to get up and share your words with a room full of people. Whether you're performing or just there to support someone, every bit of encouragement matters," Cr Mackrell said.
This inclusive event is open to everyone – whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-time poet, there are no barriers to entry. Pre-registration is available at Trybooking, or you can sign up on the night from 6pm.
Please note audience members are not required to register their attendance. Just come along, listen, cheer, and vote for your favourite poet in this celebration of community storytelling.
Event details:
- Date: Tuesday, 24 June
- Time: 6pm
- Location: Echuca Library
- Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1407256
The Australian Poetry Slam is supported by: The Australian Government through Creative Australia, and the NSW Government through Create NSW. Also supported by Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, Mumbai LitFest, Singapore Writers Festival and Byron Writers Festival.
