Council invites community opinion on preferred town entry sign design
The City of Port Lincoln invites the community’s opinion on two proposed designs for new town entry signage, which aim to enhance the city’s visual appeal and celebrate its cultural heritage.
In August 2017, as part of the City Image (Urban Design) Action Plan, Council identified the need to develop concept plans for town entry signs at Western Approach Road, Flinders Highway, and Proper Bay Road. Over the past two financial years, Council has allocated $40,000 to bring this project to life, covering the design, manufacture, and installation of the signs.
Local Barngarla artist Jenna Richards was commissioned to create a unique design element for the signage. These signs incorporate both Barngarla and English language, reflecting Council’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural recognition.
Standing at 1.4 metres wide and 3 metres high, the three dual-language signs are designed to create a welcoming and visual feature at Port Lincoln’s key entry points. At its November 2024 meeting, Council endorsed the release of two design options for public consultation and now seeks community input to determine the preferred design. The sign depicts the coastline of Port Lincoln and the surrounding farmland.
Jenna Richards shares with us the story of the design, “The traditional Barngarla name of Port Lincoln is Galinyala, meaning Place of Sweet Water and the rock holes depict the freshwater spring that they shared with new settlers on the peninsula foreshore of Galinyala that stopped the newcomers from perishing.”
“The horseshoe shapes represent First Nations and other community members working together in harmony. The circles represent the fish traps that were scattered along this coastline and were essential to the Barngarla people. The men would ‘sing in’ sharks and dolphins whilst the women danced on the beach to attract the prey, they would then be lured into the fish traps, this tradition is unique to the Barngarla peoples of the lower Eyre Peninsula.”
“Port Lincoln (Galinyala) is known for its natural abundance of resources.”
Mayor Diana Mislov said, “Gateway signage at these town entrances has been a long-standing action for Council, as identified in the City Image (Urban Design) Action Plan 2017 and Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-2022. This project is not only about welcoming residents and visitors to Port Lincoln but also about embracing and sharing our rich multicultural heritage.”
“The intricate artwork and the story behind it reflect our deep respect for Barngarla culture and the unique heritage of our region. We are incredibly grateful for the wonderful work of Barngarla artist, Jenna Richards, whose talent and vision have brought this project to life,” said Mayor Mislov.
The two designs can be viewed on Council’s online Engagement Hub at yoursay.portlincoln.sa.gov.au. Community members are invited to choose their preferred design by completing the short survey online or submitting a hard copy, available at the Council Office and Port Lincoln Library.
The survey is open now and will close at 2.00pm on Thursday 19 December 2024.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
City of Port Lincoln Chief Executive Officer Eric Brown
Ph: 8621 2325 | Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au