Poets Union
The Poets Union is a not-for-profit organisation representing Australian poets, founded in Melbourne in 1977, it is now Sydney based. Its aim is to advocate the role of poetry as a major art form in Australia. Every second year it presents the Australian Poetry Festival and the Union organises readings, workshops, tours, and festivals around the country. Its flagship publication, 5 Bells (named after the poem by Australian poet Kenneth Slessor) is issued each quarter and features articles and poetry by its members. The poets union has over 600 members.
The Poets Union is currently supported by the Australia Council, the NSW Ministry for the Arts, and Sydney City Council. The Union employs a Poetry Development Officer, currently Martin Langford, and an Office Manager.