Australian bootmaker R.M.Williams has launched its Christmas campaign in partnership with Australian musician Thelma Plum.
Titled ‘Give Me A Home’, the campaign’s key asset includes Plum’s own rendition of the classic song ‘(Give Me A) Home Among the Gum Trees’.
R.M.Williams CEO Paul Grosmann said the campaign launch is a nostalgic nod to summers spent in Australia and he is proud to share it with a global audience.
“It’s been almost five decades since John Williamson released the original ‘(Give Me A) Home Among the Gum Trees and we are proud to be partnering with such a talented musician like Thelma Plum.”
R.M.Williams marked the campaign launch with an exclusive holiday event on Bennelong Lawn on Friday, November 29. The get-together included a performance by Plum who said there is a deep family connection with the song, reminding her of childhood singalongs with her grandfather when he returned home from long days of farming work.
“My grandad would play guitar and the harmonica, and I would sit on the piano and I'd try to play along,” Plum said.
“It’s really exciting for me that I can record a version of this song that my family loves so much, it felt like this full-circle moment.”
Sivan’s rendition will play in all R.M.Williams stores over the festive season.
Accompanying the track is a visual component of the campaign, which depicts scenes of a family running through kangaroo-filled paddocks, hanging sheets on a clothesline and quiet summer afternoons on the verandah of the family homestead.
Behind-the-scenes imagery and footage of the song’s recording also features alongside an interview with Thelma Plum on the R.M.Williams website. Plum wore a pair of Victoria Boots - a core staple for the bootmaker - during the filming.
For Friday’s appearance, Plum stepped into a new, bespoke pair of boots, crafted from unique panels of deep red leather and rust-toned waxed suede, made at the brand’s Adelaide workshop.
R.M.Williams head of footwear design Amy Barnes said the Victoria Boot is an iconic Australian silhouette.
“The Victoria Boot is one of our iconic rodeo boots,” Barnes said. “It's a tough yet feminine boot. Hand stitched with incredible cut work detail.
“We’re thrilled that Thelma has connected with this style and proud to see her celebrating time-honoured Australian design and craftsmanship on stage.”
Friday’s event was held under the shade of Bennelong Lawn’s very own Gum Tree with a clothesline out the back and a marquee transformed into a quintessential Australian Home.