29-664: The Big Golden Guitar is one of the many "big" attractions that can be found around Australia . Located in Tamworth, New South Wales , the monument is one of the best-known points of interest in New England . It is also a major attraction during the Tamworth Country Music Festival . The Golden Guitar was erected in front of the Longyard Hotel on Sydney Road in 1988. It was unveiled by
58-626: A break-away from St Paul's Lutheran Church by members of the congregation who wanted services held in English rather than German. In 1972, faced with declining congregations, Haigslea Congregational Church, Walloon Congregational Church, Rosewood Congregational Church and the Lowood Methodist Church joined together as the Lowood-Roseville Cooperative Parish. The Haigslea Congregational Church became
87-609: A large sculpture in the shape of a bottle of Bundaberg Rum , with the other one situated at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery in Bundaberg . Haigslea Lawn Cemetery (also known as Walloon Scrub-Kircheim-Kirchheiner-Walloon) is at 33-41 Haigslea Cemetery Road ( 27°34′41″S 152°39′32″E / 27.5780°S 152.6588°E / -27.5780; 152.6588 ( Haigslea Lawn Cemetery (also known as Walloon Scrub-Kircheim-Kirchheiner-Walloon) ) ). It
116-515: A popular activity, inspiring road trips where enthusiasts aim to see as many big things as possible. These journeys often culminate in group photographs, using the larger-than-life structures as unique backdrops and symbols of shared experiences. Many of the big things have been recognised as works of folk art . Their whimsical and often exaggerated designs reflect the creativity and ingenuity of their creators. Several big things have been heritage-listed, ensuring their preservation and contributing to
145-684: A sister pair, colorfully painted located within the Berry Springs Wildlife Park. Unofficially named 'Collin' by Google Maps editors. This has been demolished sometime before December 2021 Built out of Paper Mache in 1983, for a float in the Apex Sugar Festival Parade, the Sarina council eventually cast the Big Toad in fibreglass to become a permanent fixture in the town's centre. Haigslea In 2015,
174-528: A stop and explore the surrounding areas. They served as eye-catching attractions, drawing attention to local businesses and promoting tourism in the region. Over time, these structures have evolved beyond their initial purpose and have acquired a special place in Australian culture. The big things have garnered significant attention from locals and visitors, becoming something of a cult phenomenon . Travelling to visit and photograph these structures has become
203-661: A uniquely Australian phenomenon, although they emerged at the same time as the so-called Roadside Giants (fibreglass sculptures of things) of the United States . These structures have become affectionately known landmarks scattered throughout the country. In 2022, there were just over 1075 big things in Australia. There are big things in each state and some territories in continental Australia . Originally, many of these big things were conceived as tourist traps strategically placed along major roads, enticing travelers to make
232-662: Is a locality split between the City of Ipswich and the Somerset Region in South East Queensland , Australia. In the 2021 census , Haigslea had a population of 507 people. The area was originally called Kirchheim by the many German people who settled there as immigrants between 1865 and 1873. It was renamed Haigslea due to anti-German sentiment during the First World War . The locality
261-483: Is at 1-7 Haigslea Malabar Road ( 27°34′14″S 152°37′47″E / 27.5705°S 152.6298°E / -27.5705; 152.6298 ( Len Claus Kirchheim Park ) ). It features open green space and picnic facilities. The Sundowner Hotel is at 2316 Warrego Highway ( 27°34′07″S 152°37′19″E / 27.5685°S 152.6220°E / -27.5685; 152.6220 ( Sundowner Hotel ) ). It features one of Australia's big things ,
290-840: Is constructed out of fibreglass and wood, with steel reinforcements. The Golden Guitar has no strings because it was modeled directly on the Golden Guitar trophies given to winners at the Country Music Awards of Australia ceremony night during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. 31°7′38.85″S 150°55′24.39″E / 31.1274583°S 150.9234417°E / -31.1274583; 150.9234417 Australia%27s Big Things The big things of Australia are large structures, some of which are novelty architecture and some sculptures . In Australia, big things have come to be seen as
319-570: Is named after General Douglas Haig . He served in India in 1887. He was appointed as the regiment's adjutant in 1888, and appointed as Commander-in-chief of the British Army in France from 1915 to 1918. On 9 July 1873, St Paul's Lutheran church was dedicated by Pastor C. Baustadt. A manse was built beside the church in 1874. The manse was replaced with a new building in 1895 (this building
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#1732787559375348-615: Is restored and hanging up as of March 31st, 2024 crn Princess hwy and Rankins Rd, Trafalgar, VIC, Victoria Dismantled in 1987, restored by the MG Car Club Victoria 2007 to 2009, and erected at the Rob Roy Hillclimb in Smiths Gully on 18 November 2009 1030 Maffra-Sale Rd, Myrtlebank VIC 3851 2388 Geelong-Ballan Rd, Anakie VIC 3213 The Giant Koala is 27 km (17 mi) north-west of Stawell in
377-507: The 2011 census , the suburb recorded a population of 414, 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The median/average age of the Haigslea population is 43 years of age, 6 years above the Australian average. 84.4% of people living in Haigslea were born in Australia. The other top responses for country of birth were England 3.4%, New Zealand 1.9%, Germany 0.7%, Ireland 0.7%, Barbados 0.7%. 94.7% of people speak English as their first language 1% Czech. In
406-407: The 2016 census , Haigslea had a population of 468 people. In the 2021 census , Haigslea had a population of 507 people. Haigslea State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 760-766 Thagoona Haigslea Road ( 27°34′18″S 152°37′47″E / 27.5717°S 152.6297°E / -27.5717; 152.6297 ( Haigslea State School ) ). In 2018,
435-728: The Big Santa was moved to his new home at the Adelaide Central Market , after building changes in Rundle Mall removed the canopy he used to stand on. Now the Big Santa stands proud each Christmas on the Market's red brick Grote Street tower, built in 1900, and has become the new home for the Christmas feature, which weighs almost three tonnes. Materials: Steel frame, polystyrene foam, fibreglass outer The Apple
464-839: The Haigslea Uniting Church in June 1977 as part of the amalgamation of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches that created the Uniting Church in Australia . In 1981, the former Kirchheim/Haigslea Methodist Church was closed and relocated to this site as a church hall. The Haigslea Uniting Church closed on 29 March 2020. Australian Motorcycle Museum was at 3 Butlers Road ( 27°34′16″S 152°37′20″E / 27.5711°S 152.6221°E / -27.5711; 152.6221 ( Australian Motorcycle Museum ) ). It closed in 2014. At
493-669: The Sundowner Hotel, built in the late 1970s. By 1885, a Wesleyan Methodist Church had been established in the area. By 1885, a German Evangelical Lutheran Church was established in the area. In 1896 it became a Wesleyan Methodist Church. In 1981, having closed, the building was moved to Haigslea Uniting Church to be used as a church hall. A Congregational Church opened in 1911 at 765-767 Thagoona Haigslea Road ( 27°34′16″S 152°37′49″E / 27.5711°S 152.6303°E / -27.5711; 152.6303 ( Haigslea Congregationa/Uniting Church (former) ) ) by
522-481: The country music artist, Slim Dusty . Its location in Tamworth is symbolic of the city's recognition and celebration of Australian country music , and its artists. An annual award ceremony takes place where miniature Golden Guitars are given as awards to artists and musicians in recognition of their achievements and contributions in the genre of country music . An estimated 3.6 million photographs have been taken of
551-602: The country's borders. These unique structures have inspired the creation of oversized sculptures and replicas in other parts of the world, highlighting the impact of Australian creativity and cultural exports. Often referred to as the 'Acorn Park', this playground is ideal for kids of all ages. 62-114 Denison St, Deakin No longer exists as of 2022. Made wholly of recycled metal collected from refuse centres, farms, discarded car parts, rusty tools etc. Sculptor Jane lives in Orange and
580-545: The country's cultural heritage. These listed structures serve as reminders of the unique character and history of the regions they are located in. Despite their popularity, some Big Things have faced controversies and potential demolition threats. Factors such as maintenance costs, changing priorities, or debates over their aesthetic value have ignited discussions regarding the delicate balance between preserving cultural icons and allocating resources for alternative purposes. The influence of Australia's big things extends beyond
609-658: The school had an enrolment of 74 students with 6 teachers (4 full-time equivalent) and 7 non-teaching staff (3 full-time equivalent). There is no secondary school in Haigslea. The nearest government secondary schools are Rosewood State High School in Rosewood to the south, Ipswich State High School in Brassall in Ipswich to the south-east and Lowood State High School in Lowood to the north-west. Len Claus Kirchheim Park
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#1732787559375638-935: The second half of the nineteenth century. The statue stands 8 meters tall (6 meters of statue on a 2-metre base). It has been hand sculptured from polystyrene and has a 1.5 ton steel frame. The 2-metre high concrete base is approximately 15 tons. It was designed by Wayne Johnston of 3D Theme Concepts and sculptured by Steve Bristow. Ballarat Mayor, David Vendy, officially unveiled the statue on 1 December 2006." 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182 Donated by Arthurs Seat Scenic Chairlift KC Metal Products 10 Stony creek rd, Harrietville, VIC, Australia, Victoria 26 Aintree Close, Clyde VIC 45 Campbell Street Rutherglen 3685 -31.63167, 117.0071 -15.4874, 128.12385 313 Goodwood Road, Capel WA 6271 -33.78859, 115.97637 -33.06318, 115.89183 (weights 2000 kg) Artists: Alex and Nicole Mickle, and engineer Mike Kimble. Took 1 year to make. Haigslea Download coordinates as: Haigslea
667-653: The site since its opening. In 2018, the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre at the Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre had 117,000 visitors, and the Council intends to increase visitor numbers. Long-term planning of the site will eventually see a National Guitar Museum established at the site along with a cafe for the tourists. The Golden Guitar stand approximately 12 metres high and weighs over 500 kilograms. It
696-467: The small township of Dadswells Bridge. The Koala is 14 m (46 ft) high, and weighs 12 tonnes (12 long tons; 13 short tons). It is made of bronze set on a steel frame. The sculptor is Mr Ben Van Zetton who was hired in 1988 to design and construct the piece. In 2009 it was renamed Sam to commemorate a koala rescued from bush fires. "The Big Miner stands as a tribute to the tens of thousands of gold prospectors who frequented regional Victoria during
725-669: Was commissioned by Brendan. In 2022 the site became the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the Knight was removed. The Anmatjere Man took a year to construct and was created in 2005 by Mark Egan. Until 2008 the Anmatjere Man a.k.a The BIG Aboriginal Hunter stood alone on top of a hill which is accessible for pictures in dry conditions. Originally the can label was West End Draught but a label change to XXXX Gold occurred sometime between 2002 and 2010 Lefty
754-517: Was moved to Marburg in 1904). On 17 November 1923, the church was destroyed in a cyclone. A replacement church was built at Haigslea (formerly Kirchheim) and re-dedicated on 13 April 1924. A new church building was opened in April 1924 with 300 people in attendance. On 7 March 1971, the church held its last service before closing. The church building is no longer on the site. Walloon Scrub State School opened on 12 July 1876. In September 1884, it
783-422: Was originally gray and created as a float for a local parade. Saved from being recycled a local buffalo trading business purchased him as a company mascot but painted him pink to ensure he stood out from the gray business building he once stood proudly in front of. When the company closed its doors Lefty was auctioned and brought by the car dealership (Travans Cars & Commercials) where he resides to this day. It
812-649: Was previously a garden feature for 'Finlays Joint Cafe'. Originally bought by Tom Finlay, a stonemason, to complement a sculptured Dragon in Mr. Finlay's Landscaping supply section of his business. Mr. Finlay also purchased several other large dinosaurs made by the same Philippine-based Dutch company that produces models for adventure parks but began selling them in 2010. Originally the BIG Frogs were located at Tom Finlays 'Get Stoned' masonry but were purchased and relocated after Toms masonry relocated themselves. The BIG frogs have
841-461: Was renamed Kirchheim State School. By 1885 it had 95 students under headmaster Mr Berry assisted by three pupil teachers . On 16 October 1916, it was renamed Haigslea State School. The first hotel in the area opened in the late 1870s. It was the Crown Hotel built by Wiegand Raabe. By 1885 Henry Lutz was the publican. The site has been continuous in used as a hotel with the current building,
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