Gateway to Barraba gets new signs

New entrance signs are being installed at key entryways to locations around the region. As part of the Entrance Strategy adopted in 2023 and based on community feedback, these entrance signs were designed with artworks to showcase key themes for each location across the region. Seven signs have already been installed with all signs at Tamworth, Barraba, Bendemeer, Kootingal, Manilla, Moonbi and Nundle to be in place and complete by mid-June.

Some of the feedback received from the community suggested that the existing or previous signage was outdated, and that community members from across the region wanted to see traditional owner recognition, while including a public art component to reflect the unique character of each location. The Tamworth entrance signs feature an artwork created by Gomeroi artist Tess Reading containing shapes representing the communities that form our region such as Tamworth, Manilla, Barraba, Nundle and everything in between. This artwork has also become a part of Tamworth Regional Council’s corporate branding.

Some of the other elements included in sign artworks are the Regent Honeyeater on the Barraba sign, a platypus by the river on the Bendemeer sign, the night sky on the Kootingal sign (Kootingal is an Aboriginal word for star), fishing on the weir for the Manilla sign, the picturesque Moonbi ranges for the Moonbi sign and gold panning/fossicking on the Nundle sign.

This project has been fully funded through the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.