Kennett's Quiff Wins Heritage Nod
The Age
Saturday September 1, 2007
OFTEN compared to a toilet brush and lampooned by political cartoonists, Jeff Kennett's bouffant hair is a surprise nomination for the 2007 Victorian Heritage Icons Awards.
The former premier's gravity-defying locks rank alongside the Nylex clock, Queen Victoria Market and Luna Park in the National Trust's search for icons that have shaped Victoria's cultural identity. National Trust of Australia Victoria chief executive Martin Purslow said he welcomed "left-field" ideas that reflected popular heritage concepts in the community."We are delighted with the varied and innovative nominations to date, and encourage all Victorians to have their say and nominate icons that are important to them," he said.However he said voters could nominate objects, places or traditions but not living people, which may cast doubt on the eligibility of Mr Kennett's quiff. Speaking on behalf of his hair, Mr Kennett said he was humbled by the nomination."I'm almost speechless, but as I give it greater consideration, I think, 'how appropriate'," he said. "I'll be terribly disappointed if I don't get the nod." Despite being ineligible, Victorian cricket legend Shane Warne was also a popular choice, although his golden mane failed to register a vote. Other unusual nominations included Victoria Bitter, Dame Edna Everage and the sculpture of a cow in a tree in the Docklands.The competition was launched in 2006 to commemorate the National Trust's 50th anniversary. Last year's winners included Flinders Street Station, the Melbourne Cricket Club, Phar Lap, the Eureka flag and Puffing Billy.Voting closes on September 21, with the six winners expected to be announced next month.LINKS? nattrust.com.au? theage.com.au/icons
© 2007 The Age
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