ANNA Bay was Port Stephens first host of a 7 Day Makeover and now it is Medowie’s turn.

The benefits of the 7 Day Makeover at Anna Bay are as clear as the sign that spells out the communities pride in the township.

The volunteerism was huge at Anna Bay; businesses and community groups are continuing on with donations of time, tools and expertise across the township and public spaces.

Medowie is now in line to be transformed by this community-driven initiative from 8 to 14 May 2021.

The brainchild of David Engwicht from Creative Communities, the 7 Day Makeover empowers communities to improve their places and spaces.

Creative Communities aim to empower communities to continue to create vibrant spaces that are lived in and are interactive.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said, “The 7 Day Makeover is all about creating places where people want to spend their time and their money.

“That fits perfectly with our Council’s focus on improving the liveability of our town centres and enabling our communities to own and drive the growth of their place.”

“Port Stephens Council is proud to be partnering with Creative Communities again to bring the 7 Day Makeover to Medowie and I’d encourage all of our community and local businesses to get involved however you can.”

Local resident and makeover advocate Councillor Chris Doohan says it’s time for Medowie to take on the challenge.

“We are a proud town that is growing rapidly.

“Now is a chance for some of the older and newer residents to meet and work together to help make our town centre something we can be proud of, and continue to energise and promote our strong community spirit,” Cr Doohan said.

The Seven Day MakeOver in Anna Bay broke the Creative Communities record for the most number of volunteers to ever take part in a 7 Day Makeover.

“It doesn’t matter about skill level or ability — there are important roles for absolutely everyone.

“It’s all about working together to make Medowie a better place,” he said.

Creative Communities Director and internationally renowned placemaker David Engwicht said he’s excited to be back in Port Stephens.

“Anna Bay was one of the highlights of the 7 Day Makeovers we’ve done.

“I’ve been to Medowie to have a look and I see a lot of potential!

“The great thing about this program is that because the community has made over their town centre, every time they walk past these improvements there’s a huge sense of pride and connection to their town.

“That’s really the heart and soul of what we’re trying to achieve,” he said.

Local businesswoman Brooke Vitnell has established an office in Medowie in the last 14 months, she told News Of The Area, “I welcome the 7 day makeover as this project will be driven by the Medowie community for the benefit of the Medowie community.”

“In our CBD there is no where appropriate for people to congregate or to meet, I welcome any proposals that make our CBD a more harmonious and user friendly place,” she said.

It will be interesting to see the outcome of the workshops where the community will identify its priorities for Medowie.

An information night with a presentation by David Engwicht will be held at the Medowie Community Centre on 13 April at 6.30pm, with the makeover scheduled for early May.

 

By Marian SAMPSON