Bellingen Courier Sun, 24 October 2019

Fisher Design + Architecture has won a national award for interpretive signage at Gleniffer Reserves.

The design excellence award for a project in the $15,000-$50,000 category was presented at the Interpretation Australia National Conference and awards dinner held in Melbourne on October 18.

Installed by Bellingen Council in March 2019, the Gleniffer Reserves Interpretive Signs aim to encourage awareness and appreciation of the precious and rich biodiversity of the Gleniffer Valley. 

Via positive, welcoming and informative messages, the signs offer visitors the chance to discover more about the unique environment, local Gumbaynggirr culture and European settlement history of the Gleniffer Valley.

The judges noted, “The project’s aims and objectives were clear: to share the wonder and beauty of the valley, while simultaneously directing visitors to alternative places to enjoy the region. The use of both video and audio is a fantastic way of taking visitors further into exploring the unique heritage of the place.”

“This is a lovely example of a well-thought out and well-rounded project. Every step was considered. The graphics and choice of recycled timber suit the project so well. The colour is perfect, even the ants that happened to be using one signage post (about fauna) help us see the value of sharing fauna stories.”

Positively presented messages and high quality structures encourage the visitor to be more respectful of, and responsive to, this special place they visit. 

The sign structures, made from local recycled bridge timbers, are designed to complement the colours and materials of the bush surroundings. 

Raw untreated hardwood timbers and rustic steel feature words have been left to weather naturally, and become a harmonious part of the Gleniffer Valley’s natural landscape.