Jack Drake was born in rural New Zealand in 1950 but is now a naturalised Aussie and proud of it. His love of words and verse started when his father gave him a copy of Banjo Paterson's verses when he was 10 years old. He now has two books of poetry and short stories to his credit.

His real life experience with horses, sheep, cattle and all bush things adds a ring of authenticity to his writings and renditions. He has been a saddler, farrier, horse educator, blade shearer and horse back trail riding operator outside Stanthorpe, high up in the Queensland border ranges.

His contest wins for written and performance poetry include "Oracles of the Bush", and The Asthma Foundation of N.S.W "Bush Poet of the Year" 2001.