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OUR THREE POETRY IN ACTION AMBASSADORS
In 2026, Poetry in Action celebrated 20 years of inspiring a lifelong love of learning and literature in school-age students across the nation and beyond, and performed for our one millionth student. To mark these milestones, we launched our inaugural Ambassadors Programme.
We went searching nationally for leaders and emerging leaders in poetry, education and youth advocacy to help us amplify our work and the voices of the young people we serve. Applications closed on 13 February 2026, and the response was extraordinary.
Our Ambassadors were chosen by a panel of industry leaders: internationally recognised poet and founder of Australian Poetry Slam, Miles Merrill; education leader and founder/CEO of Teach To Learn, Cindy Valdez; television actor and co-founder of Poetry in Action, Hazem Shammas; globally recognised education futurist and CEO/Founder of The Learning Future, Louka Parry; and Sydney University Professor Emerita Robyn Ewing AM, a Member of the Order of Australia for her contributions to education and the arts.
Thuy On, Eartha Davis, and Alex Wharton hold this role through 2026 and 2027.
What our Ambassadors do
Mentoring the next generation of poets
Our Ambassadors mentor the winners of the Poetry in Action Student Poetry Competition, helping young writers develop their craft, build confidence and find their voice on and off the page.
Creating a new play
Working alongside our Artistic Director, our Ambassadors are helping create a brand-new Poetry in Action play, generously supported by Copyright Agency. This new work will bring fresh voices and stories to students across the country.
Representing Poetry in Action
Our Ambassadors represent the company at events and showcases, sharing our work with new audiences and raising awareness of the power of poetry in young people’s lives.
Shaping the national conversation
Drawing on their experience across poetry, education and youth advocacy, our Ambassadors guide and advise us on the national poetry landscape, and help us connect with organisations that share our mission and vision.
What Poetry in Action provides our Ambassadors
- Amplification of their own work and achievements
- An honorarium of $1,500
- Travel expenses associated with their Ambassador duties based out of Sydney
- Professional development, including publicity for their work and opportunities to observe rehearsals, readings and developments