IT was a community effort to install two new signs at the north and south entrances of Cavendish on the Henty Highway, establishing the identity of the little rural town and welcoming visitors.

Cavendish Townscape Association chairperson, Roger Edwards, said the project began with a discussion between the Cavendish Townscape Association, the Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) and the Cavendish Red Gum Festival (CRGF) group following the inaugural festival in 2018.

“It was a couple of years in the making,” he said.

“Structurally the signs are finished but they still require a bit of stabilising work.”

The idea behind installing the new entrance signs was to establish Cavendish’s identity and promote the biannual CRGF.

“Between our two most important natural assets, the red gum landscape won the day over our Wannon River, in establishing our local identity and reinforcing the value of these unique remnants to our welfare and agricultural way of life,” Mr Edwards said.

“‘Red Gum Country’ being an essential element was therefore introduced as the catch phrase on the signage.

“We were fortunate to be allocated funding through round 1 of the SGSC Greater Grant 2020/21.”

Mr Edwards said the lettering and motif backing were sand blasted and powder coated along with Corten Steel backing that was fabricated at Parupa Meta Art Lake Bolac. 

“The metal framing was fabricated by Cavendish Townscape member, Jamie Baulch,” he said.

“Working within road reserve required VicRoads consent, signage had to be frangible, and 10 metres off the bitumen.

“Unfortunately, the original design had to be modified from using 250ml square Waratah woodshed supporting end red gum posts, to all lighter steel.

“Apart from boxed aggregate beds at the bases, the structures are now complete, complementing our town logo design with the red gum landscape.”

Some of the funding came from the CRGF group who paid for the materials for the frame.

SGSC’s Greater Grants Program is a funding source for community projects or events.