Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National

Anna Bay community rallies to give town centre a makeover

Success: The community of Anna Bay gathered on Saturday to celebrate their hard work during the 7 Day Makeover.

A Port Stephens town has had a whirlwind makeover in the space of one week.

A Whale Tail Trail wayfinding path, a new entrance sign to the town, fresh bus stops with local artwork, new public seating and planter boxes are among the results of Anna Bay's participation in the 7 Day Makeover program.

Hundreds of community volunteers, along with Port Stephens councillors and council staff, worked to rejuvenate the Anna Bay town centre last week as part of the initiative.

"This program has shown us the power of people and community working together with council to bring out the best in our beautiful town," said business owner and Port Stephens councillor Sarah Smith, who also lives at Anna Bay.

"There is still lots to be done but the Anna Bay community has the passion and the motivation to keep this going.

"The 7 Day program has real potential for all of Port Stephens - town centres like Tilligerry, Lemon Tree Passage, Raymond Terrace, even Medowie could really gain a lot from the community-powered approach."

David Engwicht, the brains behind the program, said the Anna Bay makeover had been the initiative's most successful.

"This has been our biggest ever both in terms of volunteers and what we've attempted to do - we've been ambitious," he said.

"But the best thing to have come out of this for Anna Bay, as with every makeover, is the community spirit and seeing locals take a sense of ownership with the work that's been done."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.