Fairy magic overcomes heartless act of vandalism

The magic of community is still a powerful thing in Murray Bridge's west.

Fairy magic overcomes heartless act of vandalism

This post was originally published behind Murray Bridge News’ paywall. Paywalled posts are unlocked four weeks after publication. Can’t wait that long? Subscribe here.

Keira Holmstrom and Mia and Jordan Ireland rebuild the fairy garden at the corner of Adelaide Road and Progress Drive. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

A bit of magic has been restored to the world thanks to the actions of a few Murray Bridge families.

They came together on Sunday to rebuild a fairy garden which had been destroyed by heartless vandals a few weeks earlier.

Jessica Holmstrom Clark put the call out on social media on Saturday afternoon, urging people to help keep the magic alive.

The next morning – as if by magic – a brigade of young helpers and their parents appeared to rebuild the village.

Bit by bit they placed tiny figurines, painted pebbles, pine cones and decorations of all kinds beneath the tree at the corner of Adelaide Road and Progress Drive.

Ms Holmstrom Clark hung little wooden houses from its branches.

A gnome watches proceedings from his basket, hung on the tree. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

The old fairy garden had been “a beautiful fairy tree with a big flagstone path, and people had contributed to it for maybe two or three years”, she said.

Then, one day a few weeks ago, somebody came through and wrecked it.

Council workers had not been responsible, Ms Holmstrom Clark said – someone at the depot told her they’d always looked on it fondly.

On Sunday, as she and the other parents stood back and watched the children play, they smiled.

The new village was even bigger and better than the old one.

Chalk up another win for childhood magic – and community goodwill.


Correction: The fairy village builders got together on Sunday, not Saturday.