Cobden to tell its story through new sign project
Every town has a story to tell, and the people of Cobden believe their town has a tale on every corner.
While the businesses may have changed, many of the buildings have remained the same – hiding their often-forgotten pasts as a theatre, coffee palace or rollerskating rink.
Sign of the times: Long-time Cobden residents Jim Oborne and Geoff Fagan outside Thompson's hotel with some of the photographs and information. Picture: Rob Gunstone
One historic building still operating under its original use is historic Thompson’s Hotel, which long-time resident Geoff Fagan said had survived two fires to remain an important meeting point in the town.
A tourism project is now working to capture some of the town’s stories and put them down on signs to be placed at significant sites.
Progressing Cobden’s Kelvin White said the Cobden Story signs would offer interesting and quirky information and photographs behind historic buildings and other landmarks.
The historical society, technical and primary schools have helped gather information for the first plaques and $20,000 from the Cobden Twenty20 Vision project and $6000 from the federal government will fund the concept.
Mr White said it was hoped up to 60 of the signs would be on display within the next three years, located along the town’s walking tracks that take in precincts such as the old racecourse, CBD and Lake Cobden.
“We’re hoping former residents will bring their families back and they can learn more about the town,” he said.
“There’s a story on every corner in Cobden.”