Roundabouts are one means of regulating street intersections. Better arguably, than another set of traffic lights, but aesthetically uninspiring. At least until recently...
As part of its road improvement program, the Local Council decided to widen the Bannerman Street - Murdoch Street roundabout in Cremorne.
The bad old roundabout had sported a mini-garden, and some locals lamented its passing.
Who said protest is dead?!!
Passing motorists and pedestrians were suddenly confronted with action!
A sign went up: Where have all the flowers gone?
The Council promised a spring planting. And delivered, but in little side-beds on the margins.
Unsatisfied, guerilla activists struck. One small act of decorative civic disobedience led to more. And soon it was a cause!!! We shall not be moved etc etc.
These things take on a life of their own, and soon the original protest reason got happily lost in a sea of merry creativity. Christmas !!
Then Australia Day which transmogrified into summer tennis with a Gnome placed on the top of two chairs in umpire tennis mode.
Of course every movement has its detractors, and Mr Gnome finally got bashed with a purloined shopping trolley and expired from his injuries. RIP! There was discussion in community social media as to whether a memorial plaque would be appropriate. So far undecided. BUT a pink toy version of the murder weapon appeared, possibly as a commentary on man's inhumanity to gnome.
Anyway, this continued to be a community building exercise - and loads of fun. The magic roundabout got lots of visitors. It's final glory was commemorating the start of the new school year.
But who are we kidding???? This is a genteel area. Protest for its own sake is something a bit distasteful - belonging more properly to student rabble. A bus got into difficulties while trying to navigate the roundabout. It had to be dug out. For a short time the area was barricaded and became a mini red Stonehenge - then the authorities capitulated, moved the roundabout to its original position, and recast it in its original size, planted one tree and a few neat little shrubs.
Inoffensive. Bland. Boring. We heaved a sigh of relief and as this sorry blot was removed from our collective local psyche....
... or most of us did. There are still a few unrepentant rebels about thank goodness, and this cache is dedicated to them!!!
The cache is not on the roundabout, so there is no need to play chicken with the cars. It is a small tupperware container big enough to hold small swaps and trackables.
*** FTF Honours go to BoogieRogue. Congratulations! ***