Bielsdown River footbridge showcases community-led art

BELLINGEN Shire Council officially opened the Bielsdown River footbridge on Thursday 23 April. 

In attendance were Dorrigo school students, Gumbaynggirr Elders Uncle Cecil Briggs and Uncle Allan Phillips, and designer Anna Fisher, who all contributed to the unique artwork featured on the bridge panels.

The footbridge was funded through the NSW Government’s Community Assets Program, which provided $362,283 for the project.

“The bridge stands as a strong example of local collaboration, with locally based contractors involved at every stage of the construction process,” said Bellingen Shire Council General Manager Mark Griffioen.

“Fabrication took place offsite in Coffs Harbour, where the structure was manufactured in two sections before being transported to Kempsey for painting.

“The completed sections were then delivered to Dorrigo in late February 2026, where they were welded together on site and lifted into place across the river.”

The bridge panels with the community-led artwork were manufactured offsite through a detailed and precise process, with final designs profile cut into the metal.

Severe weather events were a key consideration throughout the design phase, ensuring the bridge can withstand flood conditions.

To support long term durability, all panels were finished with a powder coating to protect them from environmental exposure.

Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan reflected on the collaboration that went into the artwork for the bridge.

“The new footbridge is a great source of pride for our Shire and is a permanent reminder of the community’s connection to Country,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see the local students’ artwork come to life in the bridge panels.

“We’d like to thank the Dorrigo students and teachers, Uncle Cecil Briggs, Uncle Allan Phillips, Anna Fisher and artist Shanara Widders for collaborating on such an important project.”