Dawkins Park is a public green space in the heart of Macksville, with a man-made lake that has become home to a bustling colony of water birds, a windmill to aerate and improve water quality, and other environmental sustainability initiatives.

Together with schools from the local area, and Cascade Environmental Education Centre, Council have developed an environmental case study on Dawkins Park that examines water quality, bird life, water bugs, and human impacts both positive and negative.

Fisher Design + Architecture was engaged to develop a precinct interpretive plan,  with content development and design for signage supporting the sustainability initiatives.

The eye-catching artwork featured on the Dawkins Park entry sign is by Gumbaynggirr artist Denise Buchanan, and is a representation of the connecting waterways that surround Macksville.

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In 2022, Fisher Design + Architecture was engaged by Nambucca Valley Council to develop a Public Art Precinct Plan for the Nambucca River foreshore walk, with implementation of the Public Art Trail beginning in early 2023.

The project aimed to enrich the experience of the Nambucca River Foreshore Walk for the community and visitors with a high quality, visually exciting palette of sculpture, art and interpretive elements on the river foreshore walk.

Working closely with the Gumbaynggirr community, local high school students, artists, sculptors, fabricators and content writers, FD+A project managed the public art and signage implementation, in collaboration with co-project manager Nick Warfield (Creative Communities).

Artists, sculptors and other creative contributors included:
AF Edwards, Annalisa Wilson, Ash Johnson, Ben Taranto, Bim Morton, Brentyn Lugnan, Uncle Bud Marshall, Earnshaw Engineering, Elaine Carmady, Hannah Smith, Jeramie Scahill, John Van Der Kolk, Mark Merritt, Muurrbay Aboriginal Language & Culture Co-operative, Susie Peake, YOWA, Yumba Designs.

The post Nyambaga Bindarray (Nambucca River) Public Art Trail appeared first on Fisher Design & Architecture services Coffs Harbour.

In 2022, Fisher Design + Architecture was engaged by Nambucca Valley Council to develop a Public Art Precinct Plan with the vision of enriching the experience of
the Nyambaga Bindarray (Nambucca River) foreshore walk for community and visitors. The plan outlines the opportunities for development of an engaging layer of art and interpretation, reflecting
and celebrating the Gumbaynggirr significance of the river, and fostering connections with this special place and the surrounding lands and waters.

Implementation of the Nambucca River foreshore walk public art commenced after the precinct plan was adopted by Council in late 2022, and was completed in early 2024.

The post Nambucca River Public Art Precinct Plan appeared first on Fisher Design & Architecture services Coffs Harbour.

Working closely with the Gumbaynggirr Men’s Elders group, FD+A developed plans for a garden surrounding a memorial stone to the young Aboriginal man, and design and content for two interpretive signs. The interpretation describes the deep Gumbaynggirr connections to this special place, which is close to the bend in the river which gives Nambucca (Ngambaa Baga Baga – crooked knee) its name.

The vivid artwork featured on these signs was created by Gumbaynggirr artist Denise Buchanan.

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The Wonga Walk in Dorrigo National Park is one of the most popular nature walks on the North Coast, set within World Heritage listed Gondwana rainforest. 

Fisher Design and Architecture were part of a team of architects, designers and sculptors commissioned to provide an interpretive design master plan, a suite of viewing platforms and rest nodes, interpretive signage, and sculptures along the walk. 

Wompoo sculpture by Nick Warfield.
Stainless steel sculptures by Tim Johnman.

The post Wonga Walk Interpretive Master Plan & Rest Nodes – Dorrigo National Park appeared first on Fisher Design & Architecture services Coffs Harbour.

The Glade precinct plan includes aTemporary Visitors Centre – a  multi use building and interpretative space highlighting the DARC / DEW project, and linking to Walk with the Birds and Crystal Shower Falls. The building design includes an external deck area stage for small events, an area for workshops and classes, reception space with small counter,  and retail area.  Adjacent demountable buildings will be connected to TVC by breezeway, to provide basic facilities for staff – kitchenette and storage for education equipment. Temporary toilets will cater for increased visitors numbers and staff.

The post The Glade Precinct Plan & Temporary Visitors Centre – Dorrigo National Park appeared first on Fisher Design & Architecture services Coffs Harbour.

The Never Never picnic area and picnic shelter have historical significance, reflecting important periods and events in the Dorrigo National Park history. Both the picnic area and picnic shelter also have aesthetic and social significance, being highly valued by NPWS and the local community. The precinct plan aims to upgrade and improve the visitor experience so that it can adapt to increased visitation in a sustainable manner. The Baliiga Precinct Plan incorporates existing infrastructure and heritage requirements, and provides design solutions for current and future usage, including upgrades to the picnic shelter and surrounds, a new toilet block, a new camping area with walk in tent sites and vehicle camping sites. The plan also incorporates a new overnight camping facility for the proposed Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk.

The post Baliiga (Never Never) Precinct Plan – NPWS Dorrigo National Park appeared first on Fisher Design & Architecture services Coffs Harbour.

The Walk With the Birds elevated walkway is located along the Wonga Walk, in the Dorrigo National Park. The structure was in poor condition and in need of restoration, to bring it up to a safe and aesthetically pleasing standard, complimenting the other Wonga
Walk revitalisation works.

Repair works for the 300m long walkway included restoration of structural elements, new walkway deck and handrails, and a covered viewing platform to accommodate 30 people for improved education, with bespoke seating in keeping with the Wonga Walk urban palette.

The post Walk With the Birds – Dorrigo National Park appeared first on Fisher Design & Architecture services Coffs Harbour.

The post Walk With the Birds – Dorrigo National Park appeared first on Fisher Design & Architecture services Coffs Harbour.

The Most Eastern Point concept design was prepared in 2014 by Fisher Design and Architecture with Mackenzie Pronk Architects.

Designed to be functional and robust, the landmark public space concept design celebrates the natural and cultural significance of the site, simply and elegantly conveying geographic, natural and Indigenous stories, and creating a unique sense of place.

Design development of the concept approved by the Cape Byron Trust has been undertaken in conjunction with the Cape Byron Track design by Stephen Gorrell Architect, and the Cape Byron Interpretive Plan, and incorporates a materials and detail palette established by the consultant team and NPWS. A subtle overlay of interpretive elements has been designed to integrate with the new viewing platform, reflecting both Arakwal cultural significance as well as European geographical information.

Concept by Fisher Design + Architecture with Mackenzie Pronk Architects. Design development with Stephen Gorrell Architect.

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