AMID a degree of confusion surrounding Orange City Council’s “giant hat” Banjo Paterson monument, the proposal has received three submissions in the 28 days it’s been on display.
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“A lot of people are saying what’s going on? I think there’s a lot of confusion,” councillor Reg Kidd said.
The confusion doesn’t surprise one Orange artist either.
Kym Hammond went down to council to submit his feedback on the concept but was greeted with little more than confused looks from council employees when asked where the public display was situated.
“It seemed a bit weird,” said Mr Hammond, who spent almost 15 minutes waiting for the public exhibition to be produced before studying it for another half an hour.
“Maybe they didn’t want people to take a look at it.
“I’m an artist and have an aesthetic concern. I just think it won’t fit in. If they want to maintain the integrity of the district, the legacy of Paterson, then this isn’t the way to do it.”
Mr Hammond wasn’t against honouring Banjo Paterson’s work, he just believes there’s a better way.
“I think the proposal was done with the best intentions, but it’s the wrong landmark,” he Hammond said.
“It’s inappropriate for the site.”
Cr Kidd believes the low number of submissions can be attributed to a lack of positive interest in the project.
“I think with a lot of these submissions the majority of the public isn’t quite sure where to go and where to look to be part of it,” he said.
“And unless something like this is being built next door to your house seldom do you see such a reaction.”
Cr Kidd cited consecutive Central Western Daily polls where an overwhelming majority of 600 voters expressed their dismay at a “giant hat” being erected to commemorate the poet’s connection to the city.
“On top of that the 43 comments ... all bar one was totally appalled by the structure,” he added.
