RTBU Song and Poem Competition 2009 [Closed]

$1000 song prize has everyone doing the Locomotion [CLOSED]

Whether you’re doing the locomotion or on a train bound for nowhere, there have been plenty of lyrics written about the iconic railways.

To continue the tradition, the Rail Tram and Bus Union award for poets and songwriters is running again, encouraging artists to capture the contemporary vibe of life on the Australian railways.

First prize is $1,000 for the best original poem or song that is deemed to portray rail – Australian style.

"Themes of the entries in the competition to-date are reflect the wide range of contemporary Australian railway issues – from support for new national railway infrastructure through to local issues and even railway romance," said RTBU spokesman Roger Jowett.

"Railways still play an important part in the daily social and working life of the nation. Hardly a day passes without some story about life on our railway system featuring in some way in the media."

Entries are being sought on issues like:

• the CFMEU ‘Green Ban’ being placed on the Pyrmont Metro station building
• ideas for overhauling Sydney’s rail system
• Perth’s new Mandurah rail line
• the electrification of Adelaide’s rail network
• the importance of rail lines in regional areas.
  

This creative approach to railways is part of a long tradition, which includes the Sydney Railway Waltz written in 1855 by William Paling.

"We look forward to some new classics coming out of this competition." said Mr Jowett.