Mary Poppins is striving for business as usual despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The mystical character was known for making an appearance in tough times in the fictional story by author Pamela Lyndon (PL) Travers (originally Helen Lyndon Goff).
And it was no different at Glebe Park, Bowral, on March 23.
Believed to have evolved in the imagination of Travers while she lived in Bowral in her youth, Mary Poppins continues to be a symbol of hope - and consistency - in the Southern Highlands.
The Goff family - mother and three daughters - relocated from Queensland to a home in Holly Street, Bowral, after the death of the father, Travers Robert Goff.
The move was prompted by a wealthy Aunt Ellie Morehead from Sydney.
While the mother struggled with the loss of her husband, the oldest sister (PL Travers) would tell bedtime stories to her younger siblings about a magical and lovable character. It is believed that character was Mary Poppins.
Mary was known to float in on the east wind just in the nick of time to help the Banks family in the fictional story of Mary Poppins.
A bronze statue of this beacon of hope located in Glebe Park, Bowral, has been keeping the story alive and well in a modified form since its installation in late 2103.
Although it will take more than a spoonful of sugar to remedy the health and financial concerns of COVID-19, Mary continues to maintain some normality.
Each year in March and September, the statue located next to the Bradman Centre, does a half turn on its podium in line with the equinox.
Coinciding with the equinox on March 20, Mary has done a 180 degree turn to face the east. She will do another half spin in line with the September 23 equinox to face the west.
Not one to dismiss the circumstance of the time, Mary even wore a face mask for her recent turnabout.
Each year Mary is assisted with her Autumn spin by members of the charity to be supported by a colourful and popular event on the Highlands calendar, Tulip Time, scheduled to be held from September 22 to October 5, 2020.
This year's supported charity is the Can Assist Southern Highlands branch. Mary was ably assisted with her spin by members of the branch.
Branch chair Jenny Harper said that the role of Tulip Time Charity Partner would enable Can Assist the ability to raise funds to support residents of the Southern Highlands who had cancer and require financial support throughout their cancer treatment.
"As a result of the bush fires and COVID-19, the need for support for our residents with cancer is even more apparent, and Can Assist Southern Highlands appreciates any donations."
To support Can Assist go to www.canassist.com.au/southernhighlands
