Artists Miles Merrill and Sydney’s poetry patriarch Tug Dumbly coined the idea when they were thinking of ways to plug the Nightwords Festival in March.

“We thought it would be great to do something creative or artistic in terms of a Guinness World Record,” Tug said.

No record stands for them to beat making the task easy, but that is not preventing the guys from pitching for size. To be erected outside the Opera House, the poem will be at least 4.8 metres high by 3.28 metres wide. People from around Sydney have taken up the pen and written a line each on the wall.

“We really wanted to get the community involved,” Miles said. “We’ve been out among the community in Parramatta, Sutherland and at Customs House.” Should make for a good read and a good stage piece when it hangs from the ceiling at the Nightwords Festival.

Get down to the Opera House on March 6, 7 and 8. Tickets are from $20.

Inaugural Yabun Awards

Established by Gadigal Information Service, the home of Koori Radio, the Yabun Awards recognise valuable contributions made by Indigenous people in the previous 12 months. Winners are drawn from within the Koori Radio 93.7FM footprint, which spans Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains and Wollongong regions.

Winners in 2008 are:

Elder of the year: Lorraine McGee-Sippel for her commitment to Reconciliation, particularly in the Lane Cove municipal area.

Youth of the Year: Daniel Conifer for displaying significant leadership skills in his schooling and sporting achievements.

Person of the Year: Ray Minniecon for his extensive work in the Church and on community boards assisting young people.

Artist of the Year: Adam Hill in recognition of being a prolific visual artist and work within Western Sydney.

Koori Radio Volunteer Broadcaster of the Year: Percy Bishop for his years of service producing and co-presenting the Tangata Whenua Show.

Source: South Sydney Herald February 2008 - www.southsydneyherald.com.au