Melbourne landmark inspired by nun

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It has been revealed that the inspiration for Richmond's famous Skipping Girl vinegar sign was a five year old Hawthorn girl who went on to become a nun.

Heritage groups are hoping to raise $60,000 to restore the landmark, which has been turned off for the past ten years.

The head of the Brigidene nuns in Victoria, Sister Helen Toohey says the sign, crafted in 1936, was modelled on a child named Kitty Minogue. She later became a nun, who was called Sister Felicitas.

Sister Helen says the child's brother was an artist who was commissioned to do an advertising sketch for the Skipping Girl Vinegar company.

"So he decided that he would use his little sister Kitty."

"She was a most delightful woman who many of us knew quite well and she loved to tell us this story you know," she said.

Graeme Blackman the chairman of the National Trust says the Skipping Girl is as much a part of Melbourne as the Sydney Harbour bridge is to Sydney residents.

"So for Melburnians, Skipping girl is a key icon. We're delighted that she's going to skip again," he said.

The sign was turned on at the launch of the campaign to raise funds to restore the sign.