By Mitchell Clarke
The quirky Spoonville saga has made its way to Pakenham – and a brand new community of spoons have set up shop outside the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
The ‘Spoonville’ trend – which was born out of Winnersh, England – was created to improve mental health by simply making people happy as they were out and about during daily exercise.
Longwarry local Junelle Wilson, formerly of Scotland, came across the initiative from her friend, Helen, who began a Scottish Spoonville.
The Longwarry site was the first of its kind in Australia and within weeks has grown to include sites in Pakenham, Garfield and Drouin – with Nar Nar Goon and Beaconsfield to soon join the list.
“Spoonville helped so many children families and communities during lockdown number one and we sincerely hope it helps those in Melbourne who are having to face this a second time,” Ms Wilson explained.
Cardinia Art Society President Jillian Ronald came across the initiative in the Gazette several weeks ago and thought Pakenham needed its very own Spoonville community.
The art society threw their support behind the initiative and have since been providing spoons for people to get involved and make their own quirky character.
“Its great to see the Spoonville Community grow,” Ms Ronald said.
“People are very creative, and the characters cannot help but bring a smile to those who pass by.
“Everyone is welcome to join in … the idea is that you can plant your spoon character into the Spoonville community on your daily exercise.”
So far, Spoonville families have taken up official residence at the Cardinia Cultural Centre entrance and near the pier in Lakeside.
But in some troubling news out of Spoonville HQ, Mr Minion Spoon has reported his friend, the blue penguin, has gone missing.
“All his friends are concerned that he may have been taken by foxes or kidnapped. If anyone finds Blue Penguin, he may require first aid and then he can be returned to his friends near the pier,” Mr Minion Spoon said.
To follow the growth of Spoonville, visit the Cardinia Art Society Facebook page or the official Spoonville International Facebook page.
