Swans are back
KOONWARRA once again has swans at the entrances to town.
In late 2013, the large town entrance sign painted with the swan design on the Leongatha side went missing.
Koonwarra locals Col Stockdale, Ken Caithness and Harry Forrester wanted to replace the missing sign, but were unsuccessful due to VicRoads requirements.
The remaining swan sign was relocated into the township by South Gippsland Shire Council, but Messrs Stockdale, Caithness and Forrester wanted to see some swans on the signs welcoming people to the town.
Mr Stockdale said a graphic designer from Cowes redeveloped the swan design, which has been shrunk down and attached to the existing town welcome signs.
“We want to thank Rob Jenner form the council who went to a great effort to get this done for us,” he said.
A council spokesperson said town entry signs for all towns in South Gippsland have the provision for town ‘logos’ to be added.
Some towns have added these via their progress association or chambers of commerce, and others are yet to do so.
Koonwarra traditionally has black swan emblems and signs to represent the town.
“Because of VicRoad regulations, we couldn’t have big signs on the highway so the size of the swans has been reduced, but they are there, you can see them,” Mr Stockdale said.
Erected around 12 years ago, the original signs were funded by sales of the book written by long term Koonwarra resident, the late Fred Holt, called Koonwarra my home, 1878 – 2000.
His wife, Merle Holt said she was happy with the new signs.
“Col, Ken and Harry have done a wonderful job,” she said.
Swan song: Harry Forrester and Col Stockdale are pleased to see the black swan design back on signs at the entrances to Koonwarra.
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