Keeping Little Audrey Skipping.
In 2008, we responded to the public call asking Victorians to ‘Help Audrey Skip Again’. Together with the Heritage Council of Victoria, the Melbourne Restoration Fund and public donations, AGL has helped to get our ‘Skipping Girl’ back into action and skipping again.
When the lights begun to fade
The original neon Skipping Girl sign was erected on the Nycander factory in the 1930s, advertising the Skipping Girl brand of vinegar. She ‘skipped’ across the night skyline for many decades.
In the 1970s a replica of the sign replaced the original and continued to skip on for another 30 years. But time took its toll on the Skipping Girl, and by 2001 she was inoperable – needing significant work on her frame, electrics and neon tubing.
Whilst donations to the National Trust’s appeal were received, there remained a significant gap in funding to undertake the restorative work. The project stalled. And that’s where AGL stepped in.
Switching the lights back on
With AGL’s help, in March 2009, Little Audrey was removed from her lofty perch in Victoria St, Abbotsford and spent three months in the workshop being restored. In June 2009 she returned to Melbourne’s skyline and is now skipping brightly every night.
Skipping all night takes a lot of energy
Over the next five-years, we’re sponsoring Little Audrey’s electricity supply with 100% GreenPower Accredited Renewable Energy. This means that we will source energy equivalent to that required to power Little Audrey every night from a renewable energy source resulting in lower greenhouse emissions. We’ll also provide annual maintenance funding to keep her skipping. That’s energy in action.
For a detailed look at Little Audrey’s past, present and future, please visit the Skipping Girl site at www.skippinggirl.com.au.