Competition launched to uncover new welcome to Ocean Grove

SURF, sport, fishing and community these are just some of the things that first come to Ty Simmons’ mind when he thinks of Ocean Grove.

As the president of the local Business Association, Mr Simmons believes the entry signs should be a reflection of the town.

“A sign welcoming locals home and visitors to our town is a great way to arrive into Ocean Grove and is much needed,” he said.

“We are the biggest town on the Bellarine and should be leading the way in this.”

A competition to redesign the sign has now been launched in collaboration with the Ocean Grove Business Association, Rotary Club of Ocean Grove and Ocean Grove Community Association.

Ocean Grove has four entry points based on Grubb Road, Barwon Heads Road, Wallington Road and Shell Road all of which the community groups say are in “desperate” need of help.

Community members of all ages are encouraged to submit a drawing or artwork of a new sign that captures a sense of arrival.

Different signs can be pitched for different areas providing they project a sense of community identity.

OGCA chair Phil Edwards believes these signs have the potential to be locally designed while steering away from the “uniform” style.

“The current sign on Wallington Road is a boring metal sign that in no way reflects the character of our town,” he said.

“This competition is a great opportunity for community members to put forward their ideas on what the entrance signs could look like including two or three dimensional signs or sculptures.”

The competition aims to attract a design that will leave a positive impact on the local economic development and tourism while having a lasting impact that speaks to the town’s character.

Rotary Club of Ocean Grove president Gill Morgan says a feature that reflects the Rotary’s new focus on environment would be fitting as long as it was “roaring not boring”.

To enter, drawings must be submitted on A4 paper with the applicants contact information written on the back.

All entries will be displayed in the window of a local cafe and can be dropped off at Driftwood or emailed to [email protected].

Entries close on March 26 with winners to be judged by the Rotary Club of Ocean Grove.