General News
30 May, 2025
'Red ute poet' releases new book
BOOKAAR poet Joan Mahony has compiled a number of her poems into a book, with many composed while sitting in her red ute.
The book, ‘The Red Ute Poet’, was released this week and consists of 99 original poems covering a variety of topics.
Ms Mahony said she had poems suited for everyone – some suitable for children, some serious, others funny and some based on real-life events.
“I have had so many poems written – I’ve written about 144, and I thought I might as well put them in a book,” she said.
“They’re relating to the area around here, and events and things like that people may have been through themselves so they might be interested in the poems.
“I picked out the best of the 144 poems, and I’ve collected them into what people might find enjoyable.
“I only collected the books last Friday.”
Ms Mahony said the book title, while unusual, reflected her art practice as she is known to sit in her red ute and write poems.
“The title sounds ridiculous, but my friend Isha (Paasse) said I’ve written most of my poetry sitting in my red ute, so why not call it ‘The Red Ute Poet’,” she said.
“I thought it was crazy to start with, then I couldn’t think of a better name, so I left it as it is.
“It’s true – I do write most of my poetry, strangely enough, when I sit in the ute I seem to be able to create and write.
“It seems easier to write when I’m sitting there out of the wind and rain.”
Ms Paasse wrote a foreword for the book, encouraging readers to enjoy her poetry and let her words “brighten your day”.
“Joan Mahony’s latest poetry collection is a delightful escape into a world of gentle humour, whimsy and heartfelt storytelling,” she said.
“Inspired by sitting in her old red ute whilst creating poetry, she has beautifully compiled these words.
“Joan’s ballads capture the essence of life’s simple pleasures and the beauty of the Australian countryside.
“With her warm, inviting style and a touch of country charm, Joan’s poems will leave you smiling, laughing and reflecting on your own experiences.
“Her expressive illustrations add a visual dimension to her words, making this book a truly immersive experience for readers of all ages.”
Ms Mahony said the illustrations included in the book, with the exception of two, were her original works and photographs.
“One of them is from the big works of art that was in the Courthouse,” she said.
“There’re a few photographs in there as well. Indigenous things are incorporated into the poem in a gentle way.
“There’re some funny ones and some silly ones – I think children will related to some of my poems, such as the pet lamb story and the willie wagtail story.”
Ms Mahony said her main aim was for people to enjoy her poetry and remember things they have done over their lives.
“I would just like people to enjoy the book, have a smile on their face, and perhaps remember things they did in their lifetime,” she said.
“There are poems in there anyone who has lived in the country or appreciates nature may perhaps related to.”
‘The Red Ute Poet’ is available for purchase at the Courthouse Camperdown and the Camperdown Newsagency.
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