SOME Tomaree Business Chamber (TBC) members have landed a very handy $6,000 to help boost the local economy in and around the Nelson Bay CBD in time for the festive season.

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The grant money comes from the Port Stephens Council’s Vibrant Spaces Fund that looks to empower community minded groups, businesses and individuals in creating cultural and social connections.

Kim Burbridge, a TBC member through her business Burbridge & Burke, volunteered at the 11th hour to submit the application for the funding and was surprised at her success in obtaining it.

“We deal with the council quite closely through the business chamber membership and they liaise with us on what grants are available and this one was about to expire so I put my hand up to get it together,” said Kim.

“It was pretty rushed but we got the application in and were successful!”

The funding will be primarily used to activate open spaces around the CBD with a scope to have live music, creative displays and longer trading hours to increase local spending.

“We want to create a real inclusive and entertaining atmosphere for locals to come and enjoy and get their christmas shopping done,” said Kim.

“It’s really to get people celebrating the town again and eating and drinking locally and listening to local musicians and looking at local creatives’ works.”

The funding will coincide with the TBC running Friday night events through November leading up to the Christmas break.

“This money will be used through November alongside the business chamber and hopefully extend through to January,” said Kim.

“We want all locals involved and to keep the entertainment going in our town centre!”

For more information and exact dates of when events will start head to
https://www.facebook.com/tomareebusinesschamber.

By Mitch LEES