Tamworth Regional Council is going ahead with its plans to rejuvenate town entrance and exit signs across the region.
The new signs will provide a consistent look across all towns and villages in the district replacing the ageing, disparate signs, some of which pre-date amalgamation.
The signs will also recognise the First Nations people of the region, with an Acknowledgement of Country prominently displayed; Tamworth’s signs will also prominently feature “locally supplied Indigenous artwork” on the right-hand pillar, based on Indigenous community consultation.
While the signs will provide a uniform design across the region, each township will feature themed artwork on the pillar that reflects the area.
Barraba, for example, will have the critically-endangered regent honeyeater, Manilla will have its famous paragliders, and Kootingal will have a night sky scene in reference to its name’s meaning in Kamilaroi: “star”.
Signs for major settlements will be built on locally-quarried stone plinths, feature reflective lettering, and be illuminated by solar-power upward-facing LED lights.
Smaller signs for smaller settlements will be placed between posts, and while not illuminated, will still have reflective lettering.
TRC states that this is in-line with its Blueprint 100 strategy, and Councils that the reason for the change is to “celebrate our culture through recognition of the land’s Traditional Owners, create a strong brand for the region, support a positive experience for visitors, and nurture community pride”, and was done in a response to increasing visitors to the region.
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