ArtsGuide Community
01/21/09
Obituary: Val Vallis 1916 - 2009
Tributes flow in for celebrated Queensland poet and author, Val Vallis
The Australian arts community lost one of their truly original voices with the recent passing of celebrated Queensland poet and educator, Val Vallis aged 92.
In a career spanning more than 50 years, Val's contribution to the development of Australian and particularly Queensland literature will always be remembered. Significant works by Val Vallis include, Dark Wind Blowing, Songs from the East Coast and The Queensland Centenary Anthology (as editor).
On World Poetry Day in 2002, the Honourable Matt Foley, former Minister for Employment, Training and Youth and Minister for the Arts announced the naming of a major poetry award, the first Arts Queensland Val Vallis Award for Unpublished Poetry to commemorate Val's contribution to poetry in Queensland.
Val's work captured the landscape of the east coast and our hearts. He will be deeply missed.
Queensland Arts Minister Rod Welford also paid tribute. "A renowned Queensland poet, Val Vallis made an incredible contribution to Australian arts and cultural life in a career spanning more than 50 years," Mr Welford said.
"Educated at The University of Queensland (MA) and London University (Ph.D.), Val was an accomplished poet, author and scholar.
"Involved not only in writing, his knowledge also extended to music as a distinguished opera critic for The Australian newspaper and lecturer at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
"His initial inspiration came from his early memories of the port of Gladstone and his fisherman father Michael."
Val placed Queensland on the literary map with his early sea-inspired, salt of the earth yarns invoked by the winds, ocean and bustling lives of the fisherman and their families in his hometown harbour.
His later inspiration came from his time with the 5th Division Headquarters in New Guinea and Australian Army Education Unit in during World War II.
His moving poem, The Ballad of Changi Chimes recalls the day after most Australians had left the infamous prison camp, when the prison clock of its own accord began 'irresponsibly chiming'.
His extraordinary literary achievements are well documented and his significant contribution as a lecturer in English and Philosophy at The University of Queensland will long be a part of his great legacy.
Mr Welford said Val would be greatly missed by the literary and wider community, but his legacy would live on.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Val's friends and family," he said.
"Val will continue to be honoured annually during the Queensland Poetry Festival through the presentation of the Arts Queensland Val Vallis Award for Unpublished Poetry, an award committed to encouraging emerging poets throughout Australia."
Val will be remembered by family at a private funeral with a public memorial expected to take place early this year.
In a career spanning more than 50 years, Val's contribution to the development of Australian and particularly Queensland literature will always be remembered. Significant works by Val Vallis include, Dark Wind Blowing, Songs from the East Coast and The Queensland Centenary Anthology (as editor).
On World Poetry Day in 2002, the Honourable Matt Foley, former Minister for Employment, Training and Youth and Minister for the Arts announced the naming of a major poetry award, the first Arts Queensland Val Vallis Award for Unpublished Poetry to commemorate Val's contribution to poetry in Queensland.
Val's work captured the landscape of the east coast and our hearts. He will be deeply missed.
Queensland Arts Minister Rod Welford also paid tribute. "A renowned Queensland poet, Val Vallis made an incredible contribution to Australian arts and cultural life in a career spanning more than 50 years," Mr Welford said.
"Educated at The University of Queensland (MA) and London University (Ph.D.), Val was an accomplished poet, author and scholar.
"Involved not only in writing, his knowledge also extended to music as a distinguished opera critic for The Australian newspaper and lecturer at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
"His initial inspiration came from his early memories of the port of Gladstone and his fisherman father Michael."
Val placed Queensland on the literary map with his early sea-inspired, salt of the earth yarns invoked by the winds, ocean and bustling lives of the fisherman and their families in his hometown harbour.
His later inspiration came from his time with the 5th Division Headquarters in New Guinea and Australian Army Education Unit in during World War II.
His moving poem, The Ballad of Changi Chimes recalls the day after most Australians had left the infamous prison camp, when the prison clock of its own accord began 'irresponsibly chiming'.
His extraordinary literary achievements are well documented and his significant contribution as a lecturer in English and Philosophy at The University of Queensland will long be a part of his great legacy.
Mr Welford said Val would be greatly missed by the literary and wider community, but his legacy would live on.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Val's friends and family," he said.
"Val will continue to be honoured annually during the Queensland Poetry Festival through the presentation of the Arts Queensland Val Vallis Award for Unpublished Poetry, an award committed to encouraging emerging poets throughout Australia."
Val will be remembered by family at a private funeral with a public memorial expected to take place early this year.
