As part of the brief to develop the Signage Design Toolbox Mark’s Signage produced five (5) Mock Signage Concepts which

were put on Public Display as part of the community consultation process.

The process provided the community with as much opportunity as possible to provide input and feedback relevant to the

individual communities within the Oberon Local Government Area (LGA).

The following report summarises the findings from this process and after reviewing and considering the findings three (3)

revised concepts have been developed for council consideration.

Marks Signage would like to thank the community for their feedback and interest in this project and is looking forward to

finalising a design for the Oberon LGA.

INTRODUCTION

Oberon Council Website Nov 19 – Mar 2020

Oberon Review Nov 19 – Mar 2020

Social Media- Council Facebook Nov 19 – Mar 2020

OBTA (Meeting and Database) Nov 19 – Mar 2020

Community and Village Association Meetings

- Burraga 3rd March 2020

- Black Springs 9th March 2020

- O’Connell 9th March 2020

Oberon Street Consultation 10th March 2020

THE PROCESS

Community

Group

Meetings

Street Consultation

Direct

Submissions Social Media

Getting the

concepts out

there….

INITIAL MOCK CONCEPTS

1.

2.

5.

3.

4.

Main Themes: Natural landscape, natural resources, local industry, seasons. Considerations: - Longevity/weather resistant for our varying climate. - How adopted LGA branding is incorporated

SUMMARY OF SUBMISSIONS

Overall liked elements included: 3m height of all concepts Contemporary, natural, rugged look of concept 4 Added colours in concept 2

Overall disliked elements included: Use of daffodil outline in concept 4 Use of Pencil Pines in concept 2 Would prefer the use of gumtrees or forest pines

The concepts were shared on the Council Facebook Page which provided constructive feedback from Facebook likes/loves (49), comments (10) (See Appendix 1 for details):

0 2%

18%

70%

7%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Concept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3 Concept 4 Concept 5

Concept Preference (Council Facebook Page)

Council Facebook Page

Social Media Feedback-specific to the 5 Mock Concepts

Community Feedback- Submissions Written Submissions

Written submissions were received from

- Ruth Manouk

- Daren Miner

- Tina Slattery / Bob Wilson

- Richard and Julie Nesbitt

- Jenn Capel

- Gavin Douglas

- O’Connell Village Community Group

- David and Susan Willis

Street Consultations

Street consultations were undertaken in Oberon on the 10th March. A mixture of

15 local businesses and community members provided constructive feedback (responses below) during the street walk.

STRUCTURE MATERIALS IMAGE TEXT COLOUR

Likes - Height of proposed sign was favourable at 3 meters. - The proposed layers and dimensional elements on the new signs helps to bring the sign to life

- Stone - Timber - Rugged steel All elements that represent our region

- Gum tree in logo

Simple, clear and legible.

Bright and bold colours

Dislikes - Stone could be used more in the structure.

- Daffodil “used too much”

No need for elevation on signs

Too busy

The written submissions highlight a mixture of

preferences, feedback and illustrations that

have guided the creative process. One

submission suggests an alternative sculptural

concept which Council could consider as a

separate arts and cultural project. See

Appendix 2 for all details.

Feedback was provided from community members attending village association meetings (held in conjunction

with the LSPS and Village Planning sessions). Each community group had the opportunity to share their

preferences for the design of the entry signage in their villages. A summary of the key feedback is highlighted

below.

BURRAGA – 3rd March 2020

STRUCTURE MATERIALS IMAGE TEXT COLOUR CONSIDERATIONS

LIKES Solid base, Multi-dimensional, multi-levels

Rock-blue stone Multi-textural wrought iron 2 post and panel theme

chimney stack, rolling hills

simple with establishment date

Colour green-need to minimise

Vandalism-how to prevent it with this sign Practicality a priority to defeat vandalism

DISLIKES Rustic look (Cobar sign looks drab)

Omit logo Strong colours that will fade quickly (yellow/green)

Community and Village Association Meetings

BLACK SPRINGS – 9th March 2020

STRUCTURE MATERIALS IMAGE TEXT COLOUR CONSIDERATIONS

LIKES Blue Stone-symmetry with Mayfield Heritage look

Historic gem 2 churches-stain glass windows showing heritage Agricultural themes Local heritage spots-trails

Limit info Separate sign for elevation and established

Colours like the “Hassall Park” sign in O’Connell

Needs to be visible in 3 seconds Get location approved by locals before erecting Will Porters Retreat and Isabella have separate signs?

DISLIKES Hard Industrial feel not appealing

Four seasons not appropriate for Black Springs Forest image-agriculture was here first

Contemporary colours-needs to be historic

Why waste money on what we already have?

O’CONNELL – 9th March 2020

STRUCTURE MATERIALS IMAGE TEXT COLOUR CONSIDERATIONS

LIKES Elevated off the ground Curved edge at the top Curvature to the signboard

Valley scene-rolling landscape/hills Waterways/creeks-abundance of local waterways Agricultural plains Cultural landscape and heritage-attractive artwork which reflects this Early earth buildings (ie. Lindlegreen) Eucalyptus

“O’Connell, 1815 Earth Building Heritage” (See image below) Aboriginal Heritage-reference to Wiradjuri Country Population and established Local name and Indigenous name LGA branding ghosted

Heritage Earthy ochre Text in green and pale yellow (see images below) Warm and welcoming

O’Connell has the only Conservation area in the Oberon LGA Signs must be classic, elegant, simple and timeless (see Appendix 2) Location of O’Connell sign-shortly before entrance to O’Connell Anzac Memorial Ave Importance of Aboriginal history and recognition

DISLIKES Bulky heavy The inclusion of daffodils, radiata and pencil pines are not the natural landscape of O’Connell

IDEAS FROM THE COMMUNITY

IN A NUTSHELL - KEY THEMES TAKEN FROM FEEDBACK

1. Heritage - Pioneering, cultural and traditional owner themes

2. Visually Descriptive - Images of the natural landscape (storytelling) and historic aspects

relevant to each individual town/village

3. Natural Beauty - materials natural to the landscape such as timber and stone

REVISED DESIGNS

Revised Concept 1:

Heritage

This design combines elements from the most popular concepts, 3 and 4 and the additional community feedback. The traditional sign panel and post construction reflects a pioneering and rural rustic feel. The hardwood timber framework contrasts with the traditional heritage copy panel creating visual appeal. The sign has the town/village name as prominent message and incorporate desired information for the area -established date, Aboriginal heritage , elevation, population etc. Town/village name to be reflective if desired or option to have the wording incise carved and gold leafed for timeless appeal (see example below). Small pictorial to be added in the semi-oval space at the top of the copy panel representing a particular facet of the villages culture, history or landscape. Option to incorporate LGA branding in subtle natural manner or a bolder rendition of the adopted logo in colour. Post framework to be large gauge hardwood beams (repurposed bridge timbers ideal). Option to be a monolithic structure true to design, as construction method aids in longevity and minimises vandalism. Larger Oberon sign to have tapered stone wall horse shoed behind the installation with the lower end facing road side. Village signs to have low circular raised wall encompassing the sign providing a garden bed if desired.

Revised Concept - 1. Heritage

Revised Concept - 1. Heritage LGA Colour Option

- LGA logo branding colourway option

- Adds a splash of colour without taking away from

the heritage feel

This design combines elements from the most popular concepts, 3 and 4 and the additional community feedback. A dimensional monument structure with a storytelling theme using visually descriptive elements for each area. Sign base incorporates graphics to represent the natural beauty of the landscape with heritage, cultural and local attractions subtly placed in the body of the design. Town/village name to be the leading message followed by secondary copy - established date, elevation etc. as desired. Imagery as the third component to further back up each areas characteristics. LGA branding can be prominent as per Oberon example or ghosted into main copy as per village signs. Slightly larger arched rectangular stone wall echoing the rolling hill graphic constructed behind the sign with native shrubbery behind this helps anchor the structure. Stone to be local to each area. Option to incorporate LGA branding in subtle manner or a bolder rendition of the adopted logo in colour. Alternate colour options available, as per feedback from villages. A single piece monolithic type structure with polyurethane hard coat finish and anti-graffiti coating means no maintenance for the sign itself and minimal chance of vandalism. Construction method engineered to AS wind loading regulations.

Revised Concept 2:

Visually Descriptive

Revised Concept – 2. Visually Descriptive

Revised Concept – 2. Visually Descriptive

- Alternate colour scheme which can be adapted to each area

- Uniform look achieved throughout the LGA by keeping

structure shape, fonts and branding the same

Revised Concept 3:

Natural Beauty

This concept draws on the most popular mock concept 4 and community feedback on the best elements of the design. This dimensional structure utilises natural materials, which can be sourced locally. The stone utilised is local to each individual area (Granite/Basalt) and forms the basis and bulk of the sign. The addition of repurposed hardwood with raised LGA graphics gives weight to pioneering heritage. Minimalist design, uniform across all villages/towns utilising a single graphic to simplify the design. Encapsulating eucalypt icon becomes easily identifiable, ties in with and cements adopted LGA branding. Earthy, natural tones represent the regions landscape and will contrast against a generally green backdrop, quickly and easily visible to the passer by. Rustic rugged steel main copy panel to wrap around the return side of the structure incorporating thank you for visiting/farewell message. Natural materials favoured for construction but option available as monolithic structure, true to design, as construction method aids in longevity and minimises vandalism. Town/Village name to be the focus, secondary copy and graphics to compliment. Minimal landscaping required as natural materials nestle naturally into the surrounding scenery.

Revised Concept - 3. Natural Beauty

Revised Concept – 3.

Natural Beauty Heritage Script Option

- Alternate Font – Turn of the

century handwritten script

further adds to heritage

element

- Copy/graphic panels reversed

- Legibility lessened but true to

colonial/pioneer feel