One would be the redback spider that made its debut with the Moss Vale Evening CWA's pom-poms and tree wraps last year, and returned again this year.

The original spider was stolen from one of the trees last month, which devastated the branch and members of the community.

Moss Vale Evening CWA President Jennifer Bowe said the creature was discovered and returned last Sunday (September 19).

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"The person who took the spider obviously had an attack of guilt," she said.

"We were really glad and all excited when it was returned."

Mrs Bowe explained that a young girl was playing in the park when she saw the wrap and spider dumped near the embankment and railway line.

They were damaged, but received some tender loving care before they were displayed proudly in the park on September 23.

"The wrap was butchered - there were holes, and it needed mending," Mrs Bowe said.

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"The signs explaining what it was were also cut off, and the spider had a burn mark and a cut."

Highlanders can discover the repaired and clean arachnid near the taxi rank.

The missing spider inspired Moss Vale resident and avid crafter Lesley Tetley to pull out her crochet hooks and craft another one.

Her redback was displayed in the park during mid-September.

"I was mega excited when Jennifer told me the first spider was returned, because a lot of work went into it," she said.

Mrs Tetley said it was lovely that Highlanders could discover the spiders in different parts of the park.

"There was a lot of lovely feedback, people have enjoyed it and that was the main thing."

The spiders have made themselves at home with butterflies donated to the branch by other members of the community.

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Mrs Bowe also mentioned that members of the community reached out and told her the spiders were female due to their distinctly large red stripe.

"It was quite fitting for the CWA, being an organisation for women by women," she said.

"Why wouldn't we have female spiders?"

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