NARRABRI Shire Council has launched a new initiative, Proud of Our Patch, to encourage community pride and help keep the shire clean, safe and welcoming.

Later this year, Council will unveil a vibrant new artwork at the Leitch and Hogan Oval toilet block, created in partnership with local schools.

Four panels, previously depicting Narrabri Shire’s assets, were vandalised.

Council’s Community Development team is now working with students to restore them as works of community art, providing young people with a positive canvas for their creativity.

Narrabri mayor, Darrell Tiemens, said creativity belongs in public spaces.

“But in ways that build pride and connection, not destruction,” Cr Tiemens said.

Council’s Parks and Gardens team respond to vandalism across the Shire every week, particularly to public toilets and street signs.

Some sites are visited multiple times a year due to repeat damage – resources that could otherwise be used to improve parks and facilities.

A frequent target is the concrete pillars beneath the main bridge along Narrabri Creek.

Cleaning graffiti here is a lengthy process as approval must first be sought from Transport for NSW.

Cr Tiemens said vandalism to the Wee Waa sport courts earlier this and repeated damage to the splash park buttons directly impacted the community’s ability to use these facilities.

“Graffiti and vandalism not only undermine the pride we share in our towns, but they also damage property and facilities,” he said.

“Public assets are for everyone to enjoy – when they’re damaged, it’s the whole community that misses out.”

Narrabri Shire Council urges residents to take pride, report damage and help protect spaces the community share.

Local businesses are also being asked to take initiative in promptly addressing graffiti or vandalism on their premises.