A slightly cheeky image proposed to be Dubbo’s new brand mark has got tongues wagging about town.
The logo which comprises of an upside down D with two dots on it, representing a smiley face, was launched yesterday by Dubbo City Council and is a key element of the draft City Image Marketing Plan.
The Daily Liberal hit the streets yesterday and was met with mixed responses from residents, some who loved the draft design, others were not sure whether the design reflected Dubbo and some residents were dead against it.
The logo is part of draft city image marketing plan and costing $114,000, is on public display until August 15.
Dubbo mayor Greg Matthews said the logo was always going to gauge a mixed response from residents.
“Whether people like it or not, we want honest feedback on the design, we want the people of Dubbo to tell us what you think,” Cr Matthews said.
Cr Matthews said the designs were simple, memorable and noticeable like the McDonalds golden arches.
He said the marketing strategy was the biggest and most important marketing strategy since Dubbo was proclaimed a village in 1849 and he urged all residents to have their say.
The draft city image marketing strategy plan is designed to target key markets to increase business, boost tourism, attract new events, new residents and major developments to town.
The city image brand entails a ‘time to’ brand that will be applied to different markets and marketing material such as signage, drink coasters and advertising.
“Time to grow, time to explore, time to love, time to see the kids, time to kick your third goal, time to grab another cold one and time to smile”.
“‘The time to’ brand aims to be ‘absolutely, unapologetically Dubbo’, reflecting the city’s humour and aims to trigger feelings of happiness,” council’s marketing and communications manager Natasha Besseling said.
Ms Besseling said the new brand mark took Dubbo out of its comfort zone.
“ I believe it will have an impact - a trigger for people to go to the websites and find out more about all the great things Dubbo has to offer,” she said.
“And that will help in overall marketing efforts to attract more visitors, more investments and more skilled professionals who want to be part of our wonderful city.”
Go West chairman John Walkom likes the logo and said it would positively promote Dubbo.
“Over the last 10 years Dubbo hasn’t had a brand, this one is simple but purpose filled and it identifies Dubbo,” Mr Walkom said.
“The community should get behind it.”
In July 2007 council identified the need for a city image program to facilitate development, council also resolved to develop a city image brand.
The public can have their say online at www.mydubbomysay.com or by phoning council on 6801 4000.
belinda.galloway@ruralpress.com
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff