The phrase “first impressions last” is a well-worn one because it often rings true.
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So given Maitland’s rapid residential growth and efforts to build the city’s tourism industry, it’s important that we make sure new residents and visitors get a good first impression when they get to town.
According to Maitland City councillor, Peter Garnham, we could do more to make this a reality.
Cr Garnham, who is heavily involved in organising cornerstone community events such as Hunter Valley Steamfest, says the entry points to the city need a revamp.
His description of the various Maitland signs at the city limits as looking like “the back end of a dairy farm” is unflattering, but his sentiment is not too far off the mark – they could certainly be more appealing.
Cr Garnham wants to start a public conversation about how to make the entry points to Maitland appear worthy of this great city.
The Mercury is calling on readers to send in their ideas of how the city’s gateways could be freshened up and made more appealing.
It’s true that the possible impending merger between Maitland City Council and Dungog Shire Council could complicate the issue, as Cr Garnham said, but it’s a good idea to get the public conversation started and ideas churning.
That way, when an opportunity arises in the future, the community will have some good ideas to put to council.
It could be a simple new design for the large signs that already sit at Heritage Gardens near Thornton, the Maitland Hospital roundabout, near Maitland Visitors’ Centre and outside the Grand Junction Hotel in Church Street.
Or it could be something completely new and different.
Cr Garnham estimated the gateway signs were installed about a decade ago.
“In the past we have been known as The Heritage Centre of NSW, Hunter River Country, Hub of the Hunter and more recently My Maitland,” he said.
“We really do need something to hang our hat on and that’s where the ratepayers need to get on board.
“We need entry points and wording that are innovative, something that makes us stand out, not just a name on a wall.”
If you have an interesting idea of how to spruce up the city’s entry points, get in touch with us at maitland@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
