The Henry Lawson Centre
The Henry Lawson Centre is open from 10 am to 3.30 pm Wednesday to Saturday and 10 am to 1 pm Sunday to Tuesday.
Enquiries: Phone: (02) 6374 2049 - Fax: (02) 6374 2400
Henry Lawson remains probably the best known of Australian
writers. His poetry and prose are still widely quoted. Most of his works
are in print. His images are those most often used by Australians to depict
the kind of country they admire.
The Henry Lawson Centre is a museum dedicated to Lawson’s life and
literary works, and to the family, friends, literary characters and places
that filled his years.
The Centre, which was once the Salvation Army Hall, is a few steps west
of the Mayne Street shopping area of Gulgong, just across Medley Street
(C8
on the town map).
The Henry Lawson Centre has been commended by the Museums and Galleries
Foundation for the high quality of its displays, and won an Award of Distinction
in the 2000 New South Wales Awards for Excellence in Tourism.
Henry Lawson’s parents brought him to the Gulgong area when he
was an infant, and he spent his childhood and early teens in locations
between Gulgong and Mudgee. The scenes and experiences of these years
influenced Lawson enormously. They appear, with vivid clarity, in many
of his works.
The Henry Lawson Centre takes the visitor through the phases of the
writer’s life, from his birth in 1867 to his death in 1922, through
a series of illustrated wall displays. These pay special attention to
Lawson’s concerns and his influence on the affairs of the day:
justice for workers, the republic, the plight of the poor, and the emancipation
of women.
There is also a collection of books, artifacts and art works, including
rare items. A large number of items are for sale, including CDs, books,
prints and various small items, with an emphasis on Henry Lawson and
his writings. Henry Lawson’s influence lives on in Gulgong!
The Henry Lawson Literary Awards
(Link to program for the Henry Lawson Festival - June long weekend)
The Henry Lawson Literary Awards are held every year with entries from
all over Australia in poetry and short stories for adults and school
students. The closing date is always the same, 14th March in that year,
and the Presentation is always on the Saturday night of the June long
weekend.
The presentations are held at the Gulgong Opera House.
Anyone planning to join us in Gulgong on the long weekend in June should book accommodation well in advance. Please note that accommodation is normally booked out by March. You will be able to find a list of accommodation options in the Business Directory on this site.
Entries forms: Adult Poetry Award - Adult Short Story Award - Student Literary Awards - Primary - Student Literary Awards - Secondary - Country Energy - Leonard Teale Award
Literary Awards enquiries: Secretary - Cheryl Peters - Phone: (02) 6374 1213 - Fax: (02) 6374 1213 - Email: henrylawsongulgong@yahoo.com.au