Wooden Heart was among the works poet Paddy Dewan shared as part of the Writers, Readers and Poet’s Weekend in Beechworth.

Mr Dewan said the ode to a former colleague was drawn from his time as a junior medical officer at the Mayday Hills in 1981.

“What I read this morning was about the experience I had and the impact that had on the rest of my career,” he said.

“The physical and mental problems of the patients can be a barrier to care.

“You have to look past those things, that might otherwise stop you finding the truth.”

From Friday to Sunday, 17 guests ran workshops for literacy fanatics, who came as far as Sydney for the event. 

Vivienne McWaters, authour of Beechworth’s Little Canton, kicked off the program with a tour of sites relevant to the town’s Chinese history. 

The free workshop for children was run by Mr Dewan and musician Marisa Quigley on Saturday. 

“It involved the power of words and the ability to play with words – teaching kids to have fun with words, and with a powerful form of expression,” Mr Dewan said. 

Co-ordinator Estelle Paterson said it was the biggest year of the event yet. 

“Everyone who comes loves the town and that’s in a way why WRAP has managed to grow over the years,” she said.

“People treasure this weekend.”