Media release 14 Oct 2003:ACTEWAGL SCARECROW COMPETITION LISTENS TO THE PEOPLE

More than one million bulbs and annuals are planted throughout Canberra’s Commonwealth Park for Floriade, and the scarecrows are on display in the park for a month. This year Floriade attracted 300,000 visitors.

The scarecrow is surrounded by two small boats and one rusty seive, each holding asylum seekers. It is commentary on what I consider our present government's iniquitous new policies on border protection, detention of asylum seekers, and spreading racist fear in our community for its own ends.

Design © 2003 Hilary Talbot

"It may keep the birds away, but onlookers flocked to see the John Howard inspired scarecrow which kept the crowds amused at Floriade yesterday."

"The John Howard lookalike scarecrow provided a talking point as well as one of the most photographed attractions as visitors stood alongside him to capure their picture with him."

On Sept 17th the Canberra Times also ran a story about television chef Iain "Huey" Hewitson filming segments of his cooking show at Floriade. In his comments about Floriade he said:

"I think its just great. The scarecrow display is amazing, there's even a John Howard one. He's a bit too good-looking and a bit too tall, but apart from that its a brilliant likeness."