That's why a competition is being held as part of the Words in Winter Celebrations in August.

Ms Brisbane, who is funding the Reason-Brisbane Poetry Competition, encouraged all interested people to have a go.

"It is very hard to break into the world of poetry. This competition is a good way for people to submit their work and be recognised," she said.

"There is a strong tradition of poetry in Hepburn Shire, which the competition carries."

Ms Brisbane said there was a book in the library called Cosy Poets written by poets from the region.

"There used to be a cafe in Hepburn Springs where people read their poetry," she said.

For the past two years, the Reason-Brisbane Poetry Competition has attracted many entrants from around Victoria.

Ms Brisbane said there had been more adult entrants than children. She said schools encouraged children to enter.

Distinguished Melbourne poet and novelist Dr Kevin Brophy will judge this year's competition.

Prize winners will be announced at the morning poetry event on Saturday, August 5, between 9.45am and 11.15am at the Daylesford Senior Citizens' Centre.

The categories and prizes are:

Open category first prize is $700 plus a five-day poet's retreat at Tarilta near, Smythesdale; second prize $400; third prize $300. Poems in this category can be up to 30 lines in length and must contain the phrase "unvisited by even a wandering ghost". Entry

$5 per poem.

Junior category (under 15s) first, second and third prizes are $150, $100 and $50, respectively. Poems in this section can be up to 30 lines in length and must contain the phrase "I heard voices". Only one poem per person can be submitted in the junior category.

Entry is free.

For full competition rules and guidelines, go to www.geocities.com/wordcomp or phone Gaye on 5348 7879.