THE bikini-clad mannequin at the Coila service station does her fair share in getting passing motorists to stop, take a moment, and maybe just maybe buy some prawns.
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Coila Service Centre owner Pete Ward installed her in her prominent position on the highway holding up the pink sign proclaiming “Best prawns on the coast” when he bought the station two years ago.
This is actually her third incarnation known as Amy, as Kylie and then Suzie before her were stolen, one of whom was macabrely torn limb from limb and her torso thrown off the Narooma Bridge.
On a more positive note, “The local Vinnies ladies brought her a coat and a hat one day in winter as they were worried she was getting cold,” Pete said.
Over the busy holiday period, as many as 10 people a day stop for a photo getting into various poses, with prawn girl.
Prawns, these days more likely from Lakes Entrance or up the coast than Coila Lake itself that still occasionally produces good catches, are an important part of his business.
Pete has grand plans for his site, having recently purchased the wreck of a Cessna plane, part of which he plans to dramatically wedge into the ground. He also has plans for new signage.
And regardless of you feel about scantily clad roadside mannequins, they appear to be catching as there are reports of mannequins at another service station and used good stores up the highway at Bodalla.
