People driving into Kempsey on the Macleay Valley Way are now greeted at the southern interchange with a sculpture that beautifully depicts the history and culture of our valley.

It is a distinctive and warm welcome to our shire’s largest town and highlights the important role the mighty Macleay River has played in shaping our valley. This river theme is entwined with our proud Dunghutti country heritage represented by the Indigenous bark canoe, and the significant part our timber getters played in the early days of settlement on the banks of the Macleay in forging a thriving timber industry.

The gateway sculptures planned for the southern and northern interchanges are part of the streetscape development along the old highway as part of the Kempsey Corridor Master Plan, with artwork for the northern interchange at Frederickton planned for later this year. Along with extensive research into the history of the Macleay, what made the end result so special was the input to choose the concept theme – ‘Nature of Our Valley’ - from a cross section of our community. Key groups included Macleay Valley Arts Council, local primary schools, Macleay Valley Business Chamber, local residents, Dunghutti artists and council staff. 

Gladstone park upgrade

While council staff were busy at the recent Gladstone Markets showing people plans and surveys for the upgrade to Gladstone Memorial Park, I was delighted to receive a donation cheque, on behalf of council, for $12,000 from the Gladstone Markets Committee towards the project.

Along with council’s $225,000 investment, NSW Government’s grant for $175,000 is a boost to delivering on a revitalised park with new playground equipment, footpaths and amenities block to improve facilities and complement the beautiful park aspect overlooking the river.

View the concept plans and provide your feedback via https://yoursay.macleay.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close June 11.