Award winners are flying and driving into town today ahead of the presentation at The Civic on Friday.

Society president Juliana McArthur said they're "all ready to go".

"We're very excited. There are some excellent poems. The winners come from all over Australia," she said.

Almost 7000 entries were submitted this year and the optional theme was "Is there anybody there?".

Read also:

Carinya Christian School, Gunnedah South Public School, St Xavier's Primary School, Gunnedah High School, Curlewis Public School and Tamworth Public School submitted poems this year and some students will attend the presentation.

Award winners will be joined by primary judge Kathryn Apel, secondary school judge Meredith Costain from Victoria and guest speaker Gabrielle Chan.

Ms Chan is a former political correspondent who write for Guardian Australia. She has been a journalist for 30 years and has written a book, Rusted Off, about the divide between urban and rural Australia.

"Everyone's coming this year, which is nice. We have both judges coming but no patrons, which is unfortunate," poetry awards officer Brittany Riley said.

The group will meet and mingle over dinner at The Work of Community Art Gallery tonight ahead of the awards.

Related story: Piece of Kurrumbede's history finds new home in Mackellar Centre

Ms Riley has been working full-time in the lead-up to tomorrow and is wrapping up preparations.

"I'm making sure everything's 100 per cent finalised and helping the committee and hoping everyone gets here safely," she said.

This year's awards were handcrafted by Gunnedah Woodturners and the poetry booklet has been designed by former NVI graphic designer Alyssa Barwick. It will be handed out at the presentation as a keepsake.

Local talent Steve McCauley and Alison Stuart will entertain at the presentation.