Bungendore Crafters’ Co-operative member Rhonda Turner says it’s been surprising how many community groups have gotten involved in the yarn bomb project. Photo: Hayley Nicholls.
Cheeky chooks, pink pom-poms and Humpty Dumpty – Bungendore’s trees have a whimsical new look this winter thanks to a kooky and colourful ‘yarn bombing’.
The yarn bomb project has been set off by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) and brought to life with enthusiasm by Bungendore’s community groups, with eccentric installations adorning the trees of Ellendon Street.
One of the community groups involved is the Bungendore Crafters’ Co-operative, members of which meet fortnightly at the Bungendore Learning Hub to work on their individual craft projects in a collaborative environment, gaining new skills and friends.
Their latest project – yarn bombing the village – has resulted in some unique creations.
“So, we’ve got the big knitted boob on the Breast Cancer Awareness tree outside the Medical Centre, a chicken tree covered in eggs and chooks, and another tree wrapped in white crochet tablecloth and covered in nursery rhyme characters,” said Co-operative member Rhonda Turner. “It’s just fun, isn’t it?”
Yarn bombing – the practice of wrapping trees, poles and other public objects in colourful yarn creations – is often a guerrilla-style form of street art, popping up without formal approval.
The Bungendore yarn bomb project however, was kick-started by the local council. Aside from keeping trees fashionable and cozy, the project aims to boost people’s spirits, build community connections, and attract visitors to the village.
“With the cold winters and the colour disappearing from the trees, yarn bombing is a kind of street art that brightens the environment and makes people happy,” said a QPRC spokesperson.
Building on the momentum and reusing materials from previous successful installations in Queanbeyan, QPRC said the community’s response to the event’s debut in Bungendore had been excellent, with plenty of local contributions on display.
“Some of the yarn was used previously in Queanbeyan, but many are new creations that people have made representing their community group,” the spokesperson said, “and it’s even better now that so many community groups have become involved, because that brings people together.
“We’ve seen participation from all kinds of community groups, from the sports clubs and the Lions to local high school students and, of course, the Bungendore Crafters Co-op.”
In place for the next two months, the woolly wonderland offers a vibrant visual experience for visitors of all ages. But each carefully crafted piece is more than just a feast for the eyes – many also invite viewers to engage with the local community, with some trees themed to tell a story or spark conversation.
“The big boob is interactive, so you can feel around and try to find the lumps,” said Emily Cunich, another member of Bungendore Crafters’ Co-operative.
“It’s a funny backstory — this piece actually started out as a Peppa Pig snout I was making for my niece, who loved the show. But then my sister banned Peppa Pig because she thought Peppa was too rude to her dad. So I brought it along to the yarn bombing project, thinking it might go on a tree stump or something. But when we were creating the breast cancer awareness tree, someone said it looked like a nipple — and I thought, perfect!”
In a further testament to the intergenerational and meaningful nature of skills surrounding activities like needle, fibre and textile crafts, Emily was first prompted to take up crocheting when her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia.
“My grandmother was always an incredible crocheter,” said Emily. “When she was diagnosed, I really wanted to continue the legacy. We can’t really talk anymore because she’s non-verbal now, but I feel really connected to her when I’m crocheting.”
A sense of tradition and community is literally weaved into the fabric of Bungendore right now, with a diverse display of heartfelt creations hanging from every branch, sharing stories and encouraging connection.
If you want to ward off seasonal sadness and enjoy a warm celebration of creativity and community, take a walk down Ellendon Street this winter.
