All Signs Point to the Bellingen Shire
Published on 01 September 2025
Image: Town entry statements visual representation, designed by Fisher Design + Architecture
The approach to the main townships in the Bellingen Shire will be enhanced with locally designed, contemporary town entry signs soon to be installed across the Shire.
The new town entry statements will capture the local charm and spirit of the Bellingen Shire, instilled with creative connection through local Gumbaynggirr artwork.
Mayor Cr. Steve Allan said that eight new town entry statements will be installed on approach to Dorrigo, Bellingen, Urunga and Mylestom, with a shared directional sign for Mylestom and Raleigh.
“Bellingen Shire Council are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with three local Gumbaynggirr artists — Brentyn Lugnan, Honey Cairns and Lisa Kelly — who have created unique artworks that represent the culture and place of coast, valley and plateau,” said Mayor Allan.
“In the coming weeks, we will be showcasing each of these talented artists, their artworks, and how they relate to the local area.''
''These new statements will create a sense of arrival to our towns and that it's a place worth stopping to have a closer look.”
Council has worked with the Coffs Harbour-based National Aboriginal Design Agency to commission local artists to develop artworks that will form a major part in each of the town entry statements.
Design Agency Manager Ebony James Chow, from the National Aboriginal Design Agency, said the collaboration with Bellingen Shire Council on this project was about much more than creating signs.
''This project is about making a statement that celebrates the creativity of local artists and honours the deep connection to Gumbaynggirr land and community,” said Ms James Chow
“It’s an opportunity to welcome all to a special place where culture, creativity and connection thrive.''
Bellingen Shire Council General Manager, Mark Griffioen is thrilled with how the signs look and is looking forward to having town signage that truly reflects the connected, sustainable and creative community of the Bellingen Shire.
''Bellingen Shire is a popular destination for visitors, and signage is a crucial part of creating a positive and consistent first impression, adding to the visitor experience while contributing to a sense of pride within our local communities,” said Mr Griffioen.
“Bellingen Shire is unique with our vibrant high streets filled with character including an array of independent boutiques, galleries and dining experiences. We want people to drive through our Shire and be welcomed in a way that's reflective of our community spirit and world-class destination.''
The specific locations are being finalised ahead of installation in late 2025. Preliminary locations for the installation of the signs have been identified: there will be two signs on approach to Dorrigo, two for Urunga, two for Bellingen and one for Mylestom, plus an additional combined sign for Mylestom and Repton.
For more information on the town entry statements visit: Bellingen Shire Town Entry Statement Signs of Bellingen Shire
The Artists and their Artworks
Honey Cairns - Dorrigo Town Entry Statements Artist
Honey Cairns, a local Gumbaynggirr woman, mother, and emerging artist, has created two distinct pieces for Dorrigo: Mother’s Blessing and Our People.
Guided by her bloodline totem, the owl, Honey creates powerful artworks that connect culture, Country, and community. Her work can be seen across the community — on school walls, the hospital, and public spaces throughout the region.
Each piece tells a story of strength, identity, belonging, and pride. She uses her work to educate, honour culture, and empower others, especially young Indigenous people, helping them grow up proud of who they are and where they come from.
Artwork: Mother's Blessing
Mother's Blessing reflects the core beliefs and teachings that have guided our people for generations. It is a visual story of identity, connection, and cultural law. The first teaching speaks of the deep respect we hold for trees and understanding their true value, not just for us, but for every being that depends on them. The tree stands as the Tree of Life, a reminder that all living things are connected.
The second teaching speaks to the sacredness of water. Like the tree, water gives life, and without it, nothing survives. We are taught to protect and cherish it as it flows through us.
The third teaching reminds us to respect the heavenly earth and all she offers. In the image, her hands are open, offering freedom, growth, and abundance; shown through the soaring wedge-tailed eagle, growing vines, and flowing waters. The wedge-tailed eagle is a totem of a Gumbaynggirr clan belonging to a respected Elder of Dorrigo, Uncle Cecil Briggs.
The final teaching honours the spiritual realm. The stars above are our ancestors, watching over us and walking beside us. Though unseen, this spiritual realm is always present. It reminds us we are never alone, always guided and protected.
When these four elements come together in this design, the value of a tree, the sacredness of water, respect for the earth, and the presence of spirit, the image of Mother’s Blessing is revealed. Here she rests in the flowing waters of Dorrigo with her eyes closed, as she remains in The Dreaming.
Artwork: Our People
Our People: In the centre, a ceremony takes place around a fire where people dance, sing, and share stories beneath the stars, which are our ancestors. They have their totems above them; these animals connect each person to land, ancestry, and identity, and also guide marriage, helping keep kinship strong and balanced. The Ballunga Galorn Naaru Wahl waterfall is sacred, life-giving water on Gumbaynggirr Country, as it is known to be a sacred birthing site for the Gumbaynggirr women.
Women had more nurturing roles, teaching, crafting, caring for the children, holding knowledge, and being strong leaders in both family and community. Men were known to be providers as they were hunters, trackers, and doctors. The ceremonial scars on a man’s arm marked his place and responsibility in the tribe.
The flow of this design shows the connection between all parts of Gumbaynggirr life – from ceremony and hunting, to land and water, to learning and caring. Our culture is alive and strong, and this artwork celebrates its beauty, law, and spirit. This is Our People.
Brentyn Lugnan - Bellingen Town Entry Statements Artist
Brentyn's work is recognised both nationally and internationally and his public art can be seen across various prominent locations, including the interior of the Westpac building at Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, and the foyer of the Coffs Harbour Court House. His work is an extension of his culture and spirituality, often reflecting his deep connection to his ancestors and the land.
Artwork: Old Man Dreaming
Old Man Dreaming: Since time immemorial the Gumbaynggirr peoples of the Bellingen Valley, my family, have been looked over and protected by the "Old Man" there in the hills. Many sacred stories and ancient Song Lines connect him to the peoples, animals and the lands that surround him. He has watched this Valley change immeasurably over "recent times" and I hope as traditional guardians of these lands, that we can give him hope as we move into the future.
Lisa Kelly – Urunga, Mylestom and Repton Town Entry Statements Artist
Lisa is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman and Traditional Custodian of the Bellinger River, living in Yellow Rock, Urunga. Her connection to Country runs deep, rooted in Ancestral knowledge and a sacred responsibility to protect and preserve the lands of her people. Her art is a tribute to the resilient spirit of her Ancestors and Elders of Gumbaynggirr Country.
Lisa’s artwork, Gaagal Wajaarr (Ocean Country), brings together the stories, symbols and spirit of the coast, honouring the deep cultural connections to land and sea that define these communities.
Artwork: Gaagal Wajaarr (Ocean Country)
Gaagal Wajaarr: My artwork is a fusion of Cultural Heritage and contemporary flair celebrating the rich tapestry of my Ancestors. The title Gaagal Wajaarr (Ocean Country) represents coastal towns of Urunga, Repton and Mylestom. The design incorporates Gaagal (ocean) the totem of the Gumbaynggirr peoples, Tidal Miirlarl (significant site in Urunga), the Bellingen and Kalang Rivers and Yellow Rock (significant place for Ancestor spirits Miirlarl) in which all my family are connected to.
My artwork is a reminder of the rich cultural connection in which I have to Country, and Ancestors. My patterns are inspired by sacred symbols with a touch of my unique style, celebrating all community coming together to live on Gumbaynggirr Country.
Image Gallery of Town Sign Mock Ups
Town entry statements visual representation, designed by Fisher Design + Architecture.
Special project information page: Bellingen Shire Town Entry Statement Signs of Bellingen Shire