General News
3 March, 2023
Anger at removal of Tidy Town signage
Horsham has lost its iconic "tidiest town" identity after 30 years. Workers from Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) have removed the Horsham Tidy Town sign from the Stawell Road entrance to the town, The design includes an eight-time-winner sticker...
Horsham has lost its iconic "tidiest town" identity after 30 years.
Workers from Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) have removed the Horsham Tidy Town sign from the Stawell Road entrance to the town,
The design includes an eight-time-winner sticker from Keep Victoria Beautiful's Tidy Towns Awards.
President of the Horsham Tidy Town committee, David Eltringham, said oppositon to the relocation was strong.
"One of our group members posted on Facebook that council was going to take down our sign from Stawell Road and 47 people reacted," he said. "They were not happy with the decision.
"The mayor of HRCC then replied to the post, saying that it wasn't a huge deal and that the sign would be placed somewhere else."
Tidy Town committee member Cheryl Linke said she was emotionally hurt by the decision.
"I'm about to cry," Ms Linke said.
Mr Eltringham said committee members wanted the sign to be distinct and noticeable.
"Council communicated the alternative with us for three weeks before taking down the sign but we were not pleased," he said.
"Although we accept council's decision, it has a negative impact on the morale of our volunteers.
"We want them to put our sign again on Stawell Road opposite to the HGP workshop, 300 metres back towards town from the old signage."
Mr Eltringham said the famous sign had stood in the same spot for 30 years.
"Former mayor of HRCC Don Johns embraced our initiative and put this sign up on Stawell Road 30 years ago," he said.
"Even though the wording has changed throughout time, it still recalls the history of Horsham town's participation in this state competition."
Horsham has been judged Victoria's Tidiest Town eight times (most recently in 2021) and won the national title in 2001.