The Kennett Quiff A Heritage Icon?

The Age

Saturday September 1, 2007

Cameron Houston, city reporter

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.

But 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.

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." Other unusual nominations included Victoria Bitter and Dame Edna Everage.

Voting for the competition closes on September 21.

© 2007 The Age

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