The Gascoyne Region in Western Australia is holding what is believed to be a world first – ‘The Great Aussie Thong Muster’. As part of celebrations for the Year of the Outback, Gascoyne is requesting that thongs be sent in from Australia wide.
They will be displayed during the ‘Coasting the Outback Weekend’ on 24 and 25 August. Depending on numbers, it is proposed that they be set out in the shape of Australia.
The local Year of the Outback committee formed in September 2001 came up with the idea after one of the members went on holiday to Coral Bay and found a thong. Already thongs, thong songs and thong poems have been sent in by the dozen from all over the country.
“It’s out of control, they’re coming from everywhere and some of them have definitely seen better days,” said Project Officer, Michelle Beer.
The ABC Radio is currently researching the legend of right and left thongs arriving by sea from different parts of the world. An army base in south Western Australia has also been spotted getting in on the action. They have created their own display by attaching thongs to their fence.
The great response to the muster may even lead to the collection becoming an annual tradition. Prizes will be awarded to the most unusual thong, the thong that has travelled the greatest distance and the lucky thong.
The local committee will judge the competition.
For further information, contact Michelle Beer on (08) 9941 1803.
