MICHAEL Martin, affectionately known as Mick or Fireman Mick, is among other things, a bush poet known for his ability to bring joy through humour, jokes, and captivating storytelling. While his comedic poetry takes centre stage, he also delves into more serious themes.
Mick has lived in Hervey Bay for the past six months and may be retired but he keeps himself very busy. He is also one of the humblest people that I have ever met.
Born in country Victoria as the third eldest among ten siblings, Mick's upbringing on the family farm was full of adventures. When the sun came up there were daily chores to be done, including, milking, and tending to the animals.
“Every day was a riot. Mum and Dad hardly laid eyes on us until evening. Sometimes Dad would manage to corral us for some extra tasks, but most of the time, we were off on our next adventure.
“It was an absolute blast, and we found ourselves in some truly wild situations. If anyone warned us against something, it was practically an invitation to dive right in.”
Mick attributes his love of poetry to his two uncles on his father's side. Both uncles, along with his grandfather were shearers and would travel all around Australia. Now and then they would visit the family farm and have a couple of sherbets and amidst the late-night haze of smoke and slurred speech, they would recite the works of Banjo Paterson, Henry Lawson, and other poets, often infused with humour – sometimes bordering on the inappropriate. Nevertheless, Mick considered them true rock stars, far surpassing the likes of Justin Bieber They were his heroes, and they left a positive impression that would last a lifetime.
Eventually, Mick ventured to Western Australia to follow a dream. immersing himself in the world of shearers, where poetry abounded.
Later, despite battling cancer, Mick made a life-changing decision to pursue his passion for poetry wholeheartedly, leading him on a journey of writing and performing.
When Mick lived on the North side of Brisbane, he joined the North Pine Bush Poets where he made some firm friends, including life member Dot Schwenke who sadly passed away recently. It was here that he learned how to perform. He also met poet Mal Beveridge and they created a duo called the Wayward Bothers bringing humour and entertainment to audiences across the Moreton Bay Regional Council area. However, Mick's recent relocation to Hervey Bay and his friend's illness have put their performances on hold temporarily.
Mick has performed at diverse events, including the Chinchilla Watermelon Festival and alongside Anne Kirkpatrick, daughter of Slim Dusty, at the Queensland Outback Golf Spectacular in Winton. Recently, Mick took the stage at NQ's Rockin' Queensland in Mackay.
Mick also calls poet and author Rupert McCall a good mate and one of life's true gentlemen and is also the publicity officer for the Australian Bush Poets Association.
While performing in Cunamulla, Mick witnessed firsthand the struggles of local farmers during a prolonged drought. Inspired to help, Mick and his then-wife, owners of Orchard Court Lodge on K'gari, extended an invitation to struggling farmers to stay at their lodge. Despite facing challenges, the event became an annual tradition, fostering connections and providing a much-needed break for the farmers from the demands of farm life.
Mick and a mate were part of the mechanical support for the first Sunshine Coast Dunga Derby and says that Dunga Derby by Rally for a Cause was one of the reasons for his move to the bay and he hopes to do more in this space.
Looking ahead, Mick would like to establish a local poetry group and has plans for a forthcoming book titled "Mates at the Gate" that will feature his poetry.
If you would like to contact Mick about any of his projects, send him an email at ozbushpoet@gmail.com.
By Kim Parnell
from What’s On Fraser Coast