Originally designed to convey commercial information, signs sometimes take on new layers of meaning . Signs that have been visible on a corner or a prominent location for many years may become a landmark, such as Sharpies golf sign in Sydney. Photograph courtesy of News Limited

The lucky golfer on the roof of Sharpies Golf Store in Sydney who has been hitting a hole-in-one for over 40 years will continue his winning streak thanks to a vigorous public campaign and an innovative deal brokered by the NSW Heritage Office and City of Sydney Council.

Sharpies golf sign is one of Sydney's most recognized and best loved signs. The neon sign was built in 1958 by Consolidated Neon, a company subsequently merged with Claude Neon. Generations of train travellers have watched the neon golfer hit the ball over the building in Elizabeth Street, near Central Station. Earlier this year the owner of the sign, Claude Neon, announced that the sign would have to be removed due to safety concerns resulting from its deteriorated condition.

Ray Drummond, Managing Director of Nevada Bob's Golf Shops Australia which owns Sharpies and leases the sign, said the golf shop was keen for the sign to remain in its traditional place, as was the general public.

"The response was incredible... the radio, television, newspapers. We had people coming in the door with cameras taking pictures of the sign and they didn't even play golf," said Mr Drummond.

"So many people actually see the sign because it is at eye level as the trains go into the tunnel. And there are thousands of commuters coming through there every day."

Ms Joanne Allison, an employee of Nevada Bob's Golf Shops and fan of the Sharpies sign, fielded hundreds of calls from members of the public concerned about the sign's removal. With her enthusiastic leadership, popular support for the sign grew and the Heritage Office was contacted for advice.

The Heritage Office arranged a site meeting between all parties to discuss the future of the sign. The aim of discussions between the owner, the lessee, Sydney City Council and Heritage Office was to find a solution that would see the sign repaired and made safe in its current location, with as much original fabric retained as possible.

Claude Neon accepted an offer to transfer ownership of the sign to Nevada Bob's Golf Shops for a nominal fee. As part of the deal, Nevada Bob's will undertake repair work to the sign and take over responsibility for safety and maintenance. If the building is demolished or the golf shop ceases trading, the sign will be donated to the Powerhouse Museum.

The hard work done by all parties to produce such a positive outcome and the overwhelming public response indicate how important the sign is to the people of Sydney.

Advertising signs, transitory and ephemeral in nature, have sometimes been overlooked as heritage items. Yet the community often has a very strong connection to signs. We love them for their familiarity, for their humour or for their design.

The earliest signs originated largely in Europe where symbols - such as the famous red and white barber's pole - advertised the merchant's goods or tradesman's craft. Signs proliferated in the 19th century with painted signs appearing on every imaginable building surface. With the coming of electricity in the early 20th century, darkened streets were transformed with glowing, blinking, and moving signs that competed for the attention of potential customers.

Neon signs such as Sharpies are the result of the 1920s invention of neon gas which glows when an electric charge passes though it. Neon reached its height of popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, with many bold and colourful designs advertising a huge range of products.