I am so chuffed that the judges shortlisted my poem, At the Foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, for the Jean Stone Award given by the NSW Branch of the Fellowship of Australian Writers.

It's always an amazing moment when your fellow writers see something special in your work and I don't think that I will ever get used to the giddy feeling of excitement that comes with this sort of recognition. Especially as this is only the second time I have had a poem shortlisted for a poetry prize! Writing is a solitary pursuit, so its nice sometimes to hear things back when you send your poems out to make their way in the world!

This poem is super special to me. I wrote it about one of my early morning bike rides to the platypus reserve near my house. The writing of the poem cemented this moment in my memory and coloured in its edges. It's a reminder that words are powerful and that they can make things seem more real. They can also help you to remember those things that are so easily forgotten -  those precious moments of joy.