December 2024 - May 2025: Working with National Aboriginal Design Agency to commission Gumbaynggirr artworks
May 2025 - September 2025: Signage panel fabrication
Late 2025: Installation of town entry statement signs
Council will be introducing eight (8) new town entry statement signs across the Bellingen Shire in 2025. Town entry statements are one of the various types of destination signage used across the NSW road network recognised by visitors who are finding places, tourist attractions and facilities.
Town entry statements, also known as gateway signs – they provide a clear sense of arrival for travellers and visitors. They are a key feature of the NSW road network, helping people identify locations. More than just directional signage, they play an important role in shaping the first impression of our communities, encouraging visitation and engagement with local business and attractions.
Project Vision
Council is taking this opportunity to design and install a cohesive suite of town entry statements that reflect the character and natural beauty of the Bellingen Shire. The new statements are thoughtfully designed to:
Locations of the town entry statement signs
There will be two signs on approach to Dorrigo, two for Urunga, two for Bellingen and one on approach to Mylestom, plus an additional combined sign for Mylestom and Repton.
Preliminary locations for the installation of the signs have been identified and are being finalised ahead of installation in late 2025.
Design of the town entry statement signs
The signage materials will consist of timber and corten steel — also known as weathering steel — which develops a stable, rust-like appearance over time. The materials were carefully chosen in keeping with the surrounding landscape, with a natural, textured character given by the corten, and the timber reflecting the area's natural resources. The materials selected are also suitable for etching and engraving artwork graphics and text to add local character to the signs and represent the history and culture of our towns. Other important considerations are climate sensitivity and durability to ensure a long lifespan, cost and on-going maintenance, graffiti resistance and safety.
Council formally engaged Fisher Design + Architecture in the development of the concepts and design of the town entry statements.
Town entry statements visual representation, designed by Fisher Design + Architecture.
Gumbaynggirr artwork
Council has worked with the Coffs Harbour-based National Aboriginal Design Agency to commission local artists to develop artworks that will prominently feature in each of the signs.
The three local Gumbaynggirr artists that were selected to develop bespoke artwork for the town entry statement signs are:
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Brentyn Lugnan for the Bellingen statements
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Honey Cairns for the Dorrigo statements
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Lisa Kelly for the coastal area statements including Urunga, Mylestom and Repton
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Three local Elders and the artists worked together on the development of the artwork and stories.
Community engagement
These town entry sign designs are informed by our Signage Strategy and Branding Strategy to ensure they reflect the extensive feedback from our community.
Council has undertaken consultation with relevant Aboriginal community organisations and members on dual naming and language used for the town entry statements.
Frequently asked questions
How were the three artists selected?
Council formally engaged the Coffs Harbour-based National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA) to commission three artists and manage the associated licensing and copyright between the selected artists, NADA and Council. Council opened an Expression of Interest in late 2024 calling for artist submissions.
Where will the signs be located?
The exact locations of the signs are being finalised after preliminary locations being identified and consulted with the Traffic Management Committee and Transport for NSW. There will be two signs on approach to Dorrigo, two for Urunga, two for Bellingen and one on approach to Mylestom, plus an additional combined sign for Mylestom and Repton.
Will existing signage be removed when the new ones are installed?
Council will undertake a clean-up of signage in the areas surrounding the new town entry statements. This may include removal of existing outdated and dilapidated signage and/or the relocation of existing signage that remains current. Council has engaged relevant community groups and businesses that may be impacted by the changes.
How was the community consulted about the signs?
Community feedback demonstrated that upgrading of signage — which in some instances is decades old — is important to the community. In terms of signage design, consistency in overall design with individuality to represent the different towns and communities was expressed, along with a very strong desire to reflect the history and culture of our Shire, with recognition of our Gumbaynggirr history, culture and language.
The Brand Strategy aimed to create a destination brand that defines the essence of our Shire, developed through broad discussion with the community. The key message from the community was clear, with overwhelming support for the following three themes:
- Celebration and protection of our unique natural environment
- Respect and acknowledgement for Gumbaynggirr culture, and support for a voice for the Traditional Custodians of this land
- Preservation and recognition of our unique, diverse community and culture
Dual naming and Gumbaynggirr language
Throughout 2025, Council has undertaken consultation with relevant Aboriginal community members and organisations on dual naming and language usage for the town entry statement signs.