Non-profit theatre and arts organisation Poetry in Action is marking its 20th anniversary with the launch of its inaugural Ambassadors Program. In addition, the organisation has also announced its first national ambassadors for 2026.
Three mid-career poets have been chosen to act as ambassadors for Poetry in Action’s mission. In particular, their role is to uplift the youth of Australia through artistic expression. As ambassadors, they will receive public profile support and financial assistance.
The ambassadors will be formally announced today at Poetry in Action’s 20th Anniversary Celebration. The event will be held at NSW Parliament House on 25 March 2026. Hosted by the Hon Ben Franklin MLC. The celebration marks two decades of impact and brings together artists, alumni, educators, partners, and government representatives.
Artistic Director and Poetry in Action CEO Bryce Youngman is delighted to mark this significant milestone.
“We are incredibly proud of all we have been able to do in our 20 years since starting as a small theatre troupe in Sydney’s inner west,” Mr Youngman said.
“Each ambassador represents not only outstanding achievement in contemporary creative practice, but a shared commitment to the future of Australia’s art landscape by empowering young creatives,” Mr Youngman said.
Applicants from across Australia were judged by a panel of industry leaders. These included Australian Poetry Slam founder Miles Merrill and The Learning Future CEO Louka Parry.
The selected 2026 Poetry in Action Ambassadors are:
- Eartha Davis is an award-winning poet of Ngāpuhi and Celtic heritage based on Wurundjeri land. A recipient of major literary prizes and fellowships, her work is widely published. Her debut collection Màthair Beinn is out now, and she is passionate about connecting poetry, community, and environmental engagement.
- Thuy On is an arts journalist, critic, editor and poet with extensive contributions to major Australian publications. A former literary editor at ArtsHub and The Big Issue, she has published three poetry collections with UWAP, with a fourth forthcoming, and is a leading voice in Australia’s contemporary literary landscape.
- Alex Wharton is an award-winning literary educator and PhD candidate dedicated to empowering young people through poetry and the arts. With extensive leadership experience across schools, he champions creative expression, critical thinking, and equitable access to literature, and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of writers and thinkers.
Poetry in Action has given me the opportunity as an ambassador to highlight for students, teachers, and communities that poetry has the vital pulse needed to help navigate an increasingly complex landscape,” Alex Wharton said.
As part of the program, ambassadors will mentor emerging school-age poetry competition winners. At the same time, they will also support national engagement initiatives. In addition, they will help strengthen pathways from arts education into professional creative careers.
Each ambassador will receive a $1,500 honorarium, along with travel support, professional development opportunities, and publicity for their creative work.
A national initiative with lasting impact
The initiative has been made possible through the support of two donors. Because of this, the program can ensure accessibility and national participation.
Founded in 2006, Poetry in Action is dedicated to inspiring young people through poetry and performance, grounded in the belief that creative expression strengthens literacy and communication skills, helping children grow into happier, more emotionally intelligent adults.
