Five signs erected in the honor of Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins in her Australian hometown have been stolen within the six months since she was crowned. Mayor Greg Piper has decided he will no longer replace the signs which cost $250 each, reports The Australian.
“As a council, I think it’s improper for us to continue putting the signs up when we know they’re going to be vandalized and therefore will be spending more ratepayers’ money on it,” he said.
Mr. Piper said the first sign was installed complying the request of the small outer Newcastle suburb of Holmesville to recognize the beauty queen who grew up there.
“We prepared signs for both entries to the township. Within 24 hours we lost the first one. It was removed,” he complained.
The council said he ordered more signs and have “progressively made them more secure including getting to a point where they were tack-welded”, but they have suffered the same fate.
Councilors who are still eager to recognize Ms Hawkins’ achievements now propose painting a sign on the Holmesville Community Hall.
Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2004 is enjoying her promotional tour to India, stocking up Indian saris. As reported The Times of India, Hawkins said she was “fascinated by different cultures and clothing” there and walked around with her camera, capturing people, to take home all the memories with her. “It is a whole new experience being here in India,” shared her excitement the young beauty.
“I love bindis and saris, the way Indian girls dress up, and have tried different varieties. I plan to take lot of them back with me.”
On Saturday night, fashion designer Shaina NC created a glamorous evening at her residence in honor of Miss Universe 2004. “Anand Jon and I were friends at FIT where we studied fashion together. I met Jennifer through him. I feel, fashion needs to have a certain internationalism.
“By bringing people like Jennifer to India, a lot of cultural exchange takes place which translates into cutting edge couture,” Shaina NC told hitList correspondent.
During her stay, Hawkins also plans to visit some AIDS patients.