New Entrance Signage on the Way for Hamilton
Published on 12 January 2026
Southern Grampians Shire Council is pleased to announce the renewal of Hamilton’s entrance signage, celebrating community identity and cultural heritage.
For many years, stone town signs have welcomed residents and visitors along Ballarat Road, Coleraine Road, and Portland Road. The time has now come to replace these signs with new designs that reflect both community vision and cultural values.
In 2019, Council shared initial concept designs for the entrance signs and received an overwhelming response, with more than 1,500 community members providing feedback. This valuable input prompted a pause, rethink, and redesign of the project.
Since then, Council has carefully considered community perspectives, as well as insights gathered during the Council Plan engagement process and placemaking workshops, to ensure the new signage reflects local vision for the township and priorities of the community.
The renewed designs incorporate key elements identified through community consultation, including:
- Strong visibility of the Hamilton name
- Authentic Indigenous representation
- Use of local materials
- Simplified design and integrated lighting
- A strategic approach to interpretative signage into the future.
The base of the signage will be created through the use of local stone, referencing the importance of the natural Landscapes of the Grampians, and will incorporate other materials such as timber and corten steel to signify the agricultural history and character of the Shire’s buildings, fencing and infrastructure.
Two stones placed directly to the right of the corten steel acknowledge our history, with one natural larger stone representing our First Nations history, alongside one cut stone representing our European heritage.
Inclusion of Gunditjmara language was strongly supported throughout the consultation. In 2025, Council has worked closely with Gunditjmirring Corporation to ensure these elements are incorporated accurately, respectfully and meaningfully.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the project represents a significant step forward in celebrating Hamilton’s identity.
“These new entrance signs will not only provide a strong and welcoming presence for our town, but they also honour our heritage and the story of our town. This project is a true reflection of community collaboration and pride.”
“We invite the community to view the designs and share their feedback with us via Engage HQ.” Cr Heslin said.
The consultation period will close on Friday 6 February.
ENDS