Meet Troy Gerdes (Wal)
Get to know the man behind the poems. From life on the land to finding strength in numbers, discover the journey that inspires Elderslie's heartfelt verses.
Early days in Armidale
Raised and educated in Armidale, Northern NSW, my childhood was filled with the quintessential Aussie experiences: trapping, shooting, riding horses, and tearing around on dirt bikes. Life on the land with my mum, dad, brother, and sister instilled in me a deep love for the New England area, a place that continues to inspire my work at Elderslie.
From banjo paterson to baden howe
My introduction to Australian Bush Poetry began with my father reciting Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson on long car trips. Later, I met Baden Howe, a station hand who wrote bush poetry and country songs. Spending hours with him, listening and learning, truly ignited my passion for writing and shaped my style at Elderslie. My poems are inspired by the people I've met and the events in my life.
Life has thrown me some curve balls – from dances with the “Black Dog,” to a broken marriage, to battling twice with cancer. During the drought in 2019 and the subsequent bushfires, I gained Australia-wide recognition with my poem Strength in Numbers, which received more than 90,000 likes on social media at the time. These experiences fuel my writing at Elderslie.
Life's curve balls
"Troy's poetry is a true reflection of the Australian spirit – honest, heartfelt, and full of life."
A loyal Elderslie customer