SAVE THE GNOMES – STOP THEM GOING TO LANDFILL!.

By Heather Marcus OAM
Director – Fashion Awards Australia

It all started 10 years ago when I had a big idea. I wanted to create a gnome garden right here in Wyndham City in Melbourne’s West, inspired by the famous Gnomesville in Western Australia. Gnomesville is a huge tourist attraction, and I thought, why not bring that magic to our community?

I reached out to Wyndham Council with my idea, hoping they would help set up a space for a community gnome garden. Unfortunately, I could not get them on board, but that did not stop me. I started small, picking up gnomes from Bunnings, and word quickly spread.

Before long, gnomes began arriving at my doorstep, often with little notes saying, “Please give my gnome a home in your beautiful garden.” My collection kept growing, and then something shocking happened. A visit to the local landfill changed everything.

There, in the waste pit, I saw stacks of garden ornaments and gnomes being thrown away. It broke my heart. I spoke to the staff, and they were more than happy to help. From that day on, they set aside any discarded ornaments for me, and I got to work restoring them.

This became more than just a hobby, it became a mission. I gave new life to old, forgotten gnomes, including some beautiful, heavy concrete ones you just do not see in shops anymore.

Now, my garden is filled with all sorts of characters. Kangaroos, koalas, lions, meerkats, ducks, hens, bears, smurfs, snakes, lizards, snails and frogs. There is even a group of four giant frogs having a meeting with a hen right in the middle of the lawn.

From January to April, when the weather is warm, I spend my time repairing and painting. Every gnome gets a fresh coat, complete with the classic red hat and black boots. Many even have their original homes written on them.

Today, there are over 1,500 gnomes in my garden, and it has become a special place for both kids and adults to enjoy. It is truly a magical spot, a little wonderland built from what others threw away.

So next time you think about tossing a garden ornament, remember there is always a place for a gnome in my garden.

A little slice of gnome heaven, right here in Wyndham!

ABOUT Heather Marcus OAM

I have lived and worked in Wyndham for over 50 years. I was a partner in a Building Business, and I then opened a Fashion Retail Business in Watton Street, Werribee, Victoria.

I closed my fashion store in 2000, and I became an event coordinator organising large events and festivals in our city. I was a councillor with Wyndham City in Melbourne’s West for 19 years.

My passion is fashion, and I now organize the Fashion Awards Australia Awards (FAA) which is one of the country’s most exciting celebrations of emerging talent in fashion and design. Entirely not-for-profit and run by an enthusiastic committee of volunteers. FAA is built on a love for creativity and community.

One of our favourite categories is Rags to Runway, a sustainable fashion challenge. This is an important and exciting event as we are educating students and residents to stop clothing going into landfill across Australia.

I am honoured to work with Secondary and TAFE College students as they are creative and so talented. It is an electrifying celebration of innovation and individuality. And it is all about giving future designers the tools and confidence to thrive.

I look forward to joining the Lions Club of Werribee and continuing my work with the members of the Lions Club. Together we will serve the residents and students in our community, fostering sustainability.

INDEPENDENT NEWS IS IMPORTANT.

Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au