Along with the new Gateway sign at Mitchell Highway East, signs have also been erected at the city's entrances on the Golden Highway, the Newell Highway North and the Newell Highway South.

Councillor Dickerson said the signs provide a bold entrance to the city for the 869,000 visitors who arrive in Dubbo by car every year.

"Whether motorists passing these signs have never been to Dubbo before, are returning to visit family or friends, are day trippers coming to do their shopping or residents returning home, these signs offer a unique welcome to the city," Cr Dickerson said.

"Visitors will feel excited to see them with the promise of a lively experience and residents will feel a sense of pride and happiness at coming home to their city."

Councillor Dickerson said the Gateway signs, which were designed in-house by council staff, cost about $30,600.

He said the previous signs lasted 18 years, so if they current installations last the same length of time it will be a good investment for Dubbo.

'Gawaymbanha Dhubu-gu' is written on the signs, translated as 'Welcome to Dubbo'.

"This welcome recognises Dubbo's traditional owners, the Tubbagah People of the Wiradjuri Nation, and extends a welcome to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike," Cr Dickerson said.

"Dubbo's rich Aboriginal culture is alive and strong. It is fitting that at the entrance to Dubbo that this culture and heritage be recognised in a formal way."

Rod Towney from the Dubbo Aboriginal Community Workers Party said Dubbo had one of the largest Wiradjuri populations in the region and the installations signified their welcome to visitors.

Rhinos are also featured to tie in the with other rhino sculptures throughout the city.

"The rhino sculpture recognises the city's support for the Taronga Western Plains Zoo Black Rhino Breeding Program which started 20 years ago and is set to continue with two black rhino calves due mid 2015," Cr Dickerson said.