Written by Jon van Wyk

She’s the face and persona which has inspired a whole new generation to delve into the beloved phenomenon that is Mary Poppins, and to which so much of the cultural heritage of Maryborough is owed.

With her perfect alabaster skin and shock of red hair, it’s not hard to imagine Taylor Dunn as the female lead in a Merchant Ivory film version of an EM Forster novel, a suffragette in Victorian England, a 1940’s pin-up queen, or even a Scottish Queen leading her people into battle.

Growing up on the Fraser Coast, Taylor immersed herself in period dramas, vintage fashion and Mary Poppins from an early age. She recalls jumping off the back patio with an umbrella, imagining she was Mary Poppins descending into London – never imagining that she would one day combine her love of vintage fashion, singing and acting to represent Maryborough’s most beloved icon.

One might be tempted to stereotype Taylor as ‘that vintage fashion lady who works at the council,’ but behind her piercing eyes is a fierce intellect and a uniquely fresh perspective on life. She speaks rapidly as she explains to me how much she would love to have dinner with either Katharine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe. Would any of them be really that much different to women today, or even actresses today? Do they have the same worries and the same concerns as everyone else?

“Classic actresses from Hollywood’s golden age” are definitely an inspiration for Taylor.

‘A lot of people say, oh, you must dress up for work and other’s expectations. I don’t, I admire classic actresses and wear what makes me feel good – then I love how I feel, and I love how I look in it. Why be uncomfortable in your own skin if you can avoid it?

It’s this philosophy that’s a big part of Taylor’s role as the Mary Poppins ambassador for Maryborough.

‘If you look at Maryborough in terms of how the town has developed, it’s always been the creative and unique individuals who have propelled the town forward.’

When asked what it is about the Mary Poppins character that inspires her in particular, Taylor is quick to reply, ‘I love that she seems to just be so unflappable. Just like nothing is a drama and everything is ‘figureoutable’. I have a coffee mug that says, everything is ‘figureoutable’, and I love it. Like, nothing fazes her. She also reminds us that there is also still magic in the world, which is so lovely. In a time where we are so reliant upon technology and the world is a scary place, having that reminder of ‘magic’ is not a bad thing.’

Taylor recognises her responsibility to be a role model when she assumes the costume of Mary Poppins, especially during the yearly Mary Poppins festival when so many visitors come to see her. She is aware that there’s always a connection to be had with them and that it is an integral part of her role.

When asked what she enjoys most about being Mary Poppins, she becomes animated as she describes the little kids who come up to her dressed as Mary Poppins, hug her and say, ‘I’ve seen you in movies, Mary Poppins. You’re my favourite.’ These are kids that come back every year and, for me seeing them grow, is super rewarding as well. I see little ones who’ve come along in the past and say, ‘I remember you when you were, like, this big, and now you’re this big.’ Its amazing you know, that they still have that magic in their hearts and still want to come and be part of it.’

Taylor also loves interacting with the deaf community in her role as Mary Poppins.

‘I know Auslan, and they get really excited when Mary Poppins can sign and say, ‘how are you today? Are you having a good festival? It’s so lovely to see you.’

In addition to her current role as Mary Poppins, Taylor shines on stage. She recently stole the show as Morticia in The ‘Adams Family’, resplendent in a custom gown procured especially for the show.
In 2025, it might be said that Maryborough has outgrown its reliance on the whole Mary Poppins Festival. Taylor shrugs and laughs as she replies’

‘I think we will always need magic, and we will always need reminders of magic. And it’s, you know, a chance for families and community to come together and celebrate not just Mary Poppins, but storytelling. Different peoples and the traditional custodians of the land have used storytelling since the dawn of time. That’s really the heart of the festival – the realisation that this story started here, and everyone has their own story to add to it. I think the more visitors we get, the more of a global reach this whole thing is gonna have. I think this thing can only get bigger!’

The previous Mary Poppins, Carmel Murdoch left incredible legacy for Taylor when she retired in 2021. Taylor is well aware of this legacy, while also trying to create her own embodiment of Mary Poppins.

‘I think I’m trying to honour that legacy of what has come before, but also create my own path as well.’

And just in case that there is any doubt, Taylor has no plans to hang up her umbrella and carpet bag anytime soon.

‘I think I’m incredibly lucky. Like, you know, how many people get to say that they’re Mary Poppins and spread magic or mischief depending on whether the chimney sweeps are involved! After all, ‘practically perfect people never permit sentiment to meddle their thinking!’