Are you a poet with something to say who loves music too? For Poetry Month 2026, we have again partnered with ABC Radio National to run this very special competition just for you! 

Middle of the Air celebrates poetry beyond the page, uniting poem and song in new ways while drawing on the rich history between these forms. So if you have a poem or lyrics to submit, send in an entry from August 1-31st 2026.

What can you win?

Two winners will be selected for Middle of the Air in 2026.

The winning entries will have poem or lyrics interpreted and professionally recorded by acclaimed musicians, Missy Higgins and Ziggy Ramo, who will choose the final winning poems. The finished pieces will be broadcast on ABC Radio National as part of The Music Show during Australian Music Month in late November. The two winning poets also receive a $1,000 commissioning fee each, and their poems/lyrics will be published online by Red Room Poetry.

Terms & Conditions for this competition can be read here

You can check out last year's winning poems and songs here.

Presented in partnership with ABC Radio National, supported by The Keir Foundation.