Emma Pritchard

Standing tall amongst the blossoming purple trees in Grafton’s See Park is a familiar face.

A giant kewpie doll which gained widespread recognition and community admiration at the 2019 Jacaranda Festival, Jacaranda Jill has made a triumphant return after being set on fire by reckless vandals in Market Square two years ago.

In a scene that shocked many onlookers, the 6m tall kewpie doll, who featured as part of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, had her original skirt significantly damaged as a result of the attack.

After undergoing restoration, she has made a bright return in time to celebrate the 2021 Jacaranda Festival with the local community and visitors to the region.

“It’s absolutely wonderful that she has been fixed up and now she’s back on public display,” said Frankie Gharma, who visited Jacaranda Jill in See Park earlier this week to snap some souvenir shots.

“I think it’s a credit to the Jacaranda Festival Committee for their efforts in getting her set up again.

“It’s a great attraction to have as part of the festival, especially for a lot of kids.

“I’m glad I made the journey from Ballina to come and see her this year because I wasn’t able to see her in 2019.”

Jacaranda Jill will be on display in See Park until November 7.