News and Reviews
The ‘Big’ Things in NSW
The ‘Big’ Things in NSW
New South Wales is home to some of Australia’s most iconic “big” attractions. These enormous sculptures, often inspired by local produce or wildlife, are quirky landmarks dotting the landscape and offering fun photo opportunities and a glimpse into local culture and humour. They serve as larger-than-life emblems of the towns they reside in and are a testament to Australia’s love for the eccentric and the extraordinary.
One of the first of Australia’s “big things” and arguably the most famous, The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour is a homage to the region’s rich banana-growing industry. This massive banana has been a beacon for visitors since 1964 and is now part of a fun park with a water park, ice skating rink, and a cafe where you can indulge in banana-themed treats. The Big Banana is more than just a sculpture; it’s an experience that symbolises the sunny and playful spirit of NSW’s coastal tourism.
The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour
Not far behind in fame is The Big Prawn in Ballina, another coastal town known for its seafood industry. The Big Prawn has undergone renovations over the years, adding a tail to its original design. The sculpture is situated adjacent to a Bunnings Warehouse, making it a… interesting… yet unmissable stopover.
The Big Prawn, Ballina
Venture inland to Goulburn and you’ll be greeted by the towering figure of The Big Merino. Dubbed ‘Rambo’ by locals, this giant sheep stands as a tribute to the region’s wool industry. Visitors can visit the sculpture and browse the gift shop that sells a range of merino wool products, a cosy reminder of the rural heartland of NSW.
The Big Merino, Goulburn
In the small town of Robertson, The Big Potato may raise a few eyebrows for its abstract shape, but it nevertheless represents the area’s potato farming history. While it’s one of the more unusual and less polished of the “big things”, it’s a cultural icon that inspires curiosity and puzzlement, embodying the Aussie sense of humour and the laid-back, self-deprecating nature of local rural communities.
The Big Potato, Robertson
The Big Golden Guitar, Tamworth
A testament to Tamworth’s status as the country music capital of Australia, The Big Golden Guitar is a colossal replica of the instrument that has come to define the musical soul of the town. It stands at the entrance to the Tamworth Country Music Hall of Fame and is a popular backdrop for tourist photos, especially during the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, the second-biggest country music festival in the world.
The Big Golden Guitar, Tamworth
Although it is no longer part of an operating oyster farm, The Big Oyster in Taree is still a shiny shell of the town’s once-thriving oyster industry. Set against the backdrop of the Manning River, it’s a spot where visitors can reflect on the aquatic lifeblood of the region and the richness of the local rivers and estuaries. However, if you want to visit it, be prepared to get approached to buy a new car, because it has now been turned into a car dealership.
The Big Oyster, Taree
Celebrating Narrandera’s musical heritage, The Big Guitar isn’t as renowned as its Tamworth counterpart, but it’s equally significant. This guitar is a symbol of the town’s contribution to the country music scene, making it a place of pilgrimage for music lovers trekking through NSW.
The Big Guitar, Narrandera
In the small town of Tocumwal, The Big Murray Cod is a tribute to the region’s reputation as a fishing haven, specifically for Murray cod. This fish sculpture not only attracts those with a rod and reel but also visitors looking to catch a glimpse of Australia’s affinity for celebrating local wildlife in grand form.
The Big Murray Cod, Tocumwal
These “big things” of NSW offer a road trip itinerary that’s both unique and steeped in local flavour. They are often located near playgrounds, picnic spots, or visitor centres, making them perfect rest stops for travellers. Each structure tells a story, not just of the object it represents, but also of the town in which it resides. They are monuments to community pride, local industry, and Australian culture.
Visiting these sculptures is more than just a sightseeing adventure; it’s a journey through the heart of regional NSW, showcasing the area’s industry, agriculture, and creativity. From the coast to the countryside, these giants beckon tourists to look beyond the beaten path and discover the quirky character of New South Wales.
For more travel news, click here.
New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village
Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd are taking steps to add a collection of modern retirement residences and amenities to their village in High Street. They are in the early phase of planning a new development to be called Callisto Coastal Retirement.
Sasha Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd is excited about the plans. “We are very proud to be adding Callisto Coastal Retirement to our community.” Ms Andrews said. “We are part of a great community in a fantastic location and aim to set the benchmark for premium retirement living in Woolgoolga.”
At this early stage, they are keen to get input from the local community of future residents to help create the perfect coastal retirement. A Feedback Forum is being offered to eligible potential residents aged 55+, providing an opportunity to learn more, convey their thoughts, ideas and insights around design and services, features, amenities and priorities.
The new development has the support of the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit, community owned organisation. Chairperson, Ian Wade said “Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village has played an important role in the community for many years and we want to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our seniors for years to come. We have a great opportunity to provide quality retirement living, built with future residents in mind.”
A community Feedback Forum is planned for Tuesday 7 May. For details and to register to attend, go to the website here. For more on the Woolgoolga Retirement Village, visit here.
For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.
Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore
Albert Park Baseball Grounds
Keen Street Lismore
8am Sunday 19th May 2024
Join a fun community activity to fundraise and raise dementia awareness. Last year, more than 10,000 people walked, jogged and ran in cities and towns across Australia for people impacted by dementia. Dementia awareness
Lismore events include a 10km run, a 5km jog/walk or a 1km walk so that the day is inclusive of all levels of physical ability.
There will be information stalls providing details of supports, local resources and services to help those impacted by dementia, as well as food and drinks.
Form a team from your workplace, local club, friends or family (dress up to make it fun!) and enter the 1km walk, 5km jog/walk or a 10km run. Get lots of sponsors!
To register a team or take part as an individual go to:
www.memorywalk.com.au/event/lismore-myway
Dementia awareness
Currently, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and overall, it is the second leading cause of death for all Australians. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
Dr Jones says ‘The ageing population in the Northern Rivers is growing at an exponential rate. Our region is one of the highest ageing communities in NSW and this comes with increasing rates of those impacted by dementia in our community. I’m quite keen to see that we adopt more preventable approaches against dementia in our region’. Dementia awareness
Dr Jones says ‘There are many things we can do to prevent dementia or delay your risk of developing dementia. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, in particular regular exercise can make a significant difference’.
“We encourage the whole community to come together, not only to raise money for
Dementia Australia, but also to exercise together and to fight this disease” says Dr Jones.
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