Mayoral Column: It's a Sign! Because First Impressions Count

Published on 08 September 2025

Last week we saw the launch of our new town entry signage, a project that is close to my heart. Replacing inconsistent signage across the Shire was a campaign promise of mine at the most recent election, because I really believe first impressions count.

For the longest time, the first impression that many people have of our Bellingen Shire towns are a motley collection of signs that are at best dated and at worst dilapidated.

I think it’s important that our town signage sends a strong welcoming message to our visitors and residents alike to give people a snapshot of the unique personality and charm of each community.

Over the past nine months, Council, together with the Coffs Harbour-based National Aboriginal Design Agency, has commissioned and worked with three of our fabulous Gumbaynggirr artists, Honey Cairns, Brentyn Lugnan and Lisa Kelly, to develop original artwork to represent the plateau (Dorrigo), the valley (Bellingen), and the coast (Urunga, Repton and Mylestom).

The result is extraordinary, with unique and evocative artworks which tell a story about each region, rendered in weathering steel and timber to be in keeping with the surrounding landscape.

On our website you can read about each artist and the story behind their artworks, which have been thoughtfully crafted in consultation with local Elders. I would like to personally thank them for sharing the rich history of our region through their art for this project.

The signs are being constructed now, and we expect them to be installed by the end of the year. There will be signs at the eastern and western approaches to Dorrigo and Bellingen, two signs for Urunga, one on approach to Mylestom as well as a combined sign for Repton and Mylestom.

The signs have been designed to celebrate local identity, enhance the visitor experience, position our towns as destinations worth exploring, and to celebrate our Gumbaynggirr culture.

I’m really looking forward to having these beautiful signs installed and having the approach to our towns match up with the vibrant and unique character that is inside of them!