The heritage listed Tourist sign at 1 Fitzmaurice Street adjacent to the Wollundry Bridge has been damaged by white ant infestation and is presently barricaded.
The Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society has been in touch with Wagga Wagga City Council and we have been advised that the sign has been inspected by Council’s Heritage advisor who is preparing a detailed report. Council acknowledges that the sign is listed as a local heritage item and advises that at this stage it has been stabilised in-situ while quotes are being obtained for its repair.
Once the Heritage report and quotes are obtained, Council Planning staff will make an assessment of the economic viability of retaining all or part of the structure and prepare a report to Council for a decision.
A quick Trove search indicates that the sign was first erected in 1939 by Council with the assistance of Wagga Apex Club. Wetten Signs was established in Wagga in 1913 and many members will be familiar with Mervyn Wetten who traded in Wagga for many years. Des Gibbs who trades as Des Gibbs Signs in Chaston Street with his son, Carl was apprenticed to Mervyn and carried on the business after Mervyn.
We will continue to work with Council to restore this unique aspect of Wagga’s history.
