Wendy Free, Allora Advertiser

Allora, the best little town on the Downs will make history again – be a part of the 125th anniversary of Banjo Paterson‘s visit to our town.

Yes, Banjo Paterson was indeed in our town presenting a political speech on March 16th 1901 in the Protestant Hall. And now, three times Australian Champion Bush Poet, Gregory North, will be presenting, at the Community Hall, not political speeches, but Banjo’s remarkable life and your favourite Paterson poems on Sunday March 15th, the same weekend that Banjo was here 125 years ago.

It just so happens that it coincides with the Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival. The show will be a great experience to wind down after such a spectacular weekend in Allora.

Gregory’s show is an extended version of a show that he has been performing for eight years in Winton, the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda. It includes visuals, facts & poetry – a must for any Banjo Paterson fans.

As well as being Australia’s most famous poet, Banjo was a newspaper correspondent at the Boer War in South Africa. From September 1900 to April 1901, he travelled Australia & New Zealand, presenting lectures on the war, & made appearances through 56 places including our town.

More details on the poster, follow us on Facebook – allorahistoricalsocietyinc , spread the word.

Remember: if we don’t have history, there would be no future.

This article appeared in Allora Advertiser, 14 January 2026.