About John hayes

Passionate  writer and performer of Australian Poetry with a flare for bush ballads, historical verse and comedy. John was born in Kalgoorlie Western Australia in 1937 and was the third child of "Snowy"  and Alice Hayes (nee Swain). His love for Australia, tradition and family is evidence in his original works

Encouraged to pen verse for his eldest daughter Kerry, and contribute to her school assembly he soon realised an undiscovered talent and love of writing and reciting. Writing for over 40 years he further enhanced his performing and writing by becoming a foundation member of the WA bush poets and yarn spinners association and a leading performing and judge for the Australian Bush Poets Association. 

2003 State Champion Winner Written Poetry Competition with

 "One Day in Paradise"

2007 First Place - Short Poem competition with

"Election 2007"

2009 First Place - Short Poem Competition with

"Mother"

2013, 2015, 2016- WA State Championships third place - Performance

2017 - National Champion for Male traditional poetry

2020 - WA Overall State Champion

2020 Second place - Original Serious with

"The Woodlines"

2020 - State Championships Second place Modern Poetry with 

"Who Gives the Bride Way" by Bob Magor

2020- State Championships First prize Comedy Original with 

"the whole Hog"

2020 - State Championships First Place  Traditionalwith 

"Washing Day" by CJ Dennis