Celebrating their one-year anniversary was made all the sweeter for the Back Block Bards team, hitting new fundraising heights never imagined possible.
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Over the past 12 months, they have donated a total of $75,000 to Dementia Australia Research Foundation.
The group's spokeswoman Heather Frewin said that figure "was not even on our radar" when their book was launched.
"We thought it would be great to be able to donate $30,000 to the foundation, and any more would be a bonus," she said.
"Ultimately, it's all down to the support of the wonderful Australian public. We were overwhelmed at a recent clearing sale when the vendor donated the proceeds from the sale of hay to the cause.
"A donation like this is just so generous."
Their latest installment was donated on October 12, an incredible $25,000.
The poets have traveled thousands of kilometres on a recitals tour, including appearances at Casino Beef Week, Hungerford Field Days and most recently at Barellan's Good Old Days Weekend.
Ms Frewin said under the current drought conditions, small town get-togethers were an important way of keeping the social cohesion of the communities intact.
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"Back Block Bards is proud to be part of these events. As well as entertainment, the recitals provide another draw-card to these events resulting in a boost for the local economy."
Back Block Bards is an anthology of bush poetry written by four generations of one family.
All were born and bred in the Hillston - Ivanhoe area, and some have settled in far-flung places such as Gundaroo, Hungerford and Tooraweenah.
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