The kilt has fallen down – and Glen Innes’ ‘Big Thing’ hasn’t got up.
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The town was in the running for funding from travel company Wotif to build the Big Kilt, featuring Glen’s own signature tartan, and highlighting its early Scottish settlers and Celtic history.
“Tourism is a big part of our economy and especially in times when agriculture is suffering, like it is for many rural towns right now,” council’s manager of economic development Margot Davis had said.
“With the Big Kilt, we’ll have another reason for people to stop and experience what our quirky town has to offer as well as support local businesses”.
The answer – unfortunately for Glen – was a melon.
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Wotif announced on Tuesday that Chinchilla, Queensland, would be the home of Australia’s next ‘Big Thing’.
The company unveiled the newly-constructed Big Melon, ending a two-month nationwide pursuit to create Australia’s next oversized roadside attraction.
After thousands of Australians submitted their ‘Next Big Thing’ ideas, a tight two-week voting process narrowed the finalists to four: Glen Innes’ Big Kilt; Mittagong’s Big Tulip; Kingaroy’s Big Peanut; and the winning Big Melon.
Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said, “We kicked off the search for Australia’s ‘Next Big Thing’ to celebrate Wotif’s 18th birthday in early September.
“Since then, we’ve had widespread involvement from Aussies far and wide.
“While there can be only one winner, we’d like to thank each and every person who nominated, voted and supported the search for Australia’s ‘Next Big Thing’.
The total number of votes equates to 70 per cent of the population in the four finalist towns.
“It goes to show the significance of ‘Big Things’ in Australia and how sentimental Aussies are about them,” Mr Finch said.