Historic moments and memories hold great significance to the Harrington community.
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That's why the naming of two reserves along the riverbank in recognition of the town's famed ship building legacy and beach setting has been well supported.
MidCoast Council has signed off on the Alexander Newton Reserve, named after a prominent ship builder in the mid 1800s, and Dhunggaarr Reserve, the Gathang word for pelican.
Harrington Crowdy Head Chamber of Commerce has pushed for the reserves to be named since the John Oxley bicentenary celebrations in 2018.
Chamber president Cliff Hoare said the move ensures the important ship building history in the area won't be lost to time.
We need people to come here and doing things like naming the reserves are a major contribution to doing just that.
- Cliff Hoare, Harrington Chamber of Commerce president
"It's absolutely fantastic, we're trying to bring the history of Harrington back to life and encourage tourism here because it's so important," Mr Hoare said.
At the May ordinary council meeting, MidCoast Council approved the Alexander Newton name but delayed the second decision due to uncertainty about its correct translation.
The pelican has significance to Harrington for both its beach setting and inspiration for the name of the historic shipyard.
As both council and the chamber wanted an Aboriginal word, it was decided to give the reserve the Gathang word for pelican.
It was originally thought the word was 'Baruah' but after further consultation with the Purfleet Taree Local Aboriginal Land Council this was proven incorrect.
The land council then confirmed 'Dhunggaarr' was the appropriate word. Despite originally supporting the 'Baruah' name, the chamber was happy with the alternative given its correct translation.
The name was endorsed and adopted at the June 24 ordinary council meeting.
Mr Hoare said the town has "so much history that many people don't know about."
When Alexander Newton began to build ships in the mid 1800s, the shipyard was considered one of the biggest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
Up to 30 ships were built along the riverbank, which became known as Pelican Shipyard.
The largest ship built in the Manning was named after Newton.
Signs for the reserves will be installed along the riverbank in the next two months. Mr Hoare credited Kym Stanley for getting the project up and running, particularly with the sign designs.
Harrington, a popular tourist spot, has taken a hit with COVID-19 enforced restrictions on travel.
As restrictions continue to ease, it's more important than ever to get visitors back to the area.
"We need to promote the area and get people back here," Mr Hoare said.
"Store owners are only just surviving.
"We need people to come here and doing things like naming the reserves are a major contribution to doing just that."