Passionate poets bringing historic town to life

Immerse yourself in the history of Yandina with the sweet sounds of the newest Hinterland to Headland Audio Poetry Trail.

COLLABORATION: The poets behind the Yandina Audio Poetry Trail, Deanne Lister, Lyn Browne and Judith Bandidt. Picture: Contributed

IMMERSE yourself in the history of Yandina with the sweet sounds of the newest Hinterland to Headland Audio Poetry Trail.

Bollards bearing plaques and QR codes mark the journey at six points, allowing those on the trail to enrich their understanding of Yandina's historical significance.

Hunt for the treasured poems with a map and a smartphone using a QR scan app to hear the town come to life in the voices of the poets, at the places that inspired them to write.

The trail was a passion project for three members of the Pente Poets - Judith Bandidt, Deanne Lister and Lyn Browne - who joined forces with the Yandina and District Community Association and Sunshine Coast Council to create it.

One of the poetry trail sites at the historic Anglican Church in Yandina. Picture: Contributed

Poet Judith Bandidt said their mission was to give Yandina residents a chance to interact with poetry.

"A lot of people don't see poetry as part of their lives, so we wanted to incorporate it in the community to engage with it,” she said.

The poems' themes include the indigenous legend of Ninderry, the early days of Yandina town and the people and characters that gave it life.

After conducting research on the history of the town, Mrs Bandidt said it was essential to include poems about indigenous culture.

"Indigenous heritage is a very important part of Yandina's history, you can't even consider telling the story without including the indigenous side of it as well,” she said.

Although those interested can hear the poems on the website in the comfort of their homes, Mrs Bandidt believes the experience of visiting the sites is greater.

"Without even walking around the trail you can listen to the poems but it's much better if you're hearing a poem about the old School of Arts, for instance, to be standing right there to make it more meaningful,” she said.

Four out of six of the sites are in walking distance but a trip in the car is needed to visit the lookout at the top of MtNinderry.

The sites include the Maroochy River, Anglican Church, School of Arts, Memorial Park, Goods Shed and the Ninderry Trail.

A map is available at Yandina Historic House and community noticeboards or online at www.yandina.org/poetry-trail.