Quirky Mayoral Robe brings Maroons Colours to iconic TC Byrnes Monument!
Looking for other ways to get people excited about yarnbombing at the Jumpers in July Festival, the idea to dress the Thomas Byrnes monument in winter woollies was born in 2006 and each subsequent year a fresh matching scarf and beanie set has been made and installed, still taking place early in the morning under the watchful eye of Warwick Art Gallery Director Karina Devine.
This year, 2022, Mayor Vic Pennisi was keen himself to dress up in the spirit of the Festival and requested a “crocheted Mayoral Robe of many colours “- which was beautifully crafted by Heather Waites and Vonda Luck of the Warwick Baptist Creative Craft Group. This was presented officially to the Mayor at Council HQ when the Mayor, suitably attired, presented his “Welcome to the Festival” speech for video recording.
So it was indeed most appropriate that the Mayor be attired in his special wrap for the official wrapping of the TC Byrnes monument…the signalling that the Festival is nigh.
“The iconic Thomas Byrnes monument has over the years become a much loved and integral part in signaling the start of Queensland’s quirkiest winter festival, Jumpers and Jazz in July,” Mayor Pennisi said.
Karina Devine of Warwick Art Gallery added “The festival totally transforms the region into a cultural tourism destination and the dressing of the Byrnes monument announces to everyone that the festival is about to begin and all over the region artwork appears to delight us all.”
The Queensland QRL Maroons team visit to Warwick on the 5th and 6th of July has provided inspiration for the outfit created by local knitter Dawn Booth for the monument this year. The maroon scarf and beanie was installed early on Friday the first of July in readiness for the Maroons visit. Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi was enthusiastic about assisting with the install.
“Each year, volunteers conjure up an outfit befitting of the festival theme and Thomas proudly wears his beanie and scarf for all to appreciate and photograph.
“The 2022 festival theme is Ripple and with the mighty Queensland Maroons bringing their regional fan day to Warwick in July, it is only fitting that Mr Byrnes gets into the Maroons spirit as a proud Queenslander.
“The Queensland Rugby League Regional Fan Day might occur on a single date, but the ripples left in the community will endure well past the event.
“Ripples of pride in Queensland, the local community and our youth, share key synergies with the goals of the Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival. Who knew rugby league and yarnbombing had so much in common!”
Jumpers and Jazz in July begins on Thursday the 21st of July and continues until Sunday the 31st of July. The program is on the festival website www.jumpersandjazz.com.au.
Details about the Queensland Maroons Regional Fan Day are available here https://www.qrl.com.au/Warwick