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More than 30 Shoalhaven businesses have showcased their vision to create four vibrant, going-out hubs in the region, during an event in Sydney held last Wednesday.

The businesses from Berry, Huskisson, Nowra and Sussex Inlet collaborated to form four District Teams under the NSW Uptown District Acceleration Program.

The event provided an opportunity for the teams to present their visions in two-minute pitches to a room of potential corporate and government partners.

The innovative, 12-week program of workshops was delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner and aimed to empower businesses to transform their communities into thriving night-time destinations. 

Berry’s District Team encouraged visitors to ‘Extend the Weekend’ by staying for additional days either side of a wedding, festival or day trip to the region.

Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president, Kate Dezarnaulds noted “the Berry Social team have worked so hard on our Uptown Accelerator pitch – our towns muso’s, event producers, place-makers and hospitality gurus came together with a clear vision to extend the weekend.

“There has been some fantastic support in the program and we are confident that with the funding available we will be able to help our small businesses thrive and enliven Berry’s night time experience for our locals and our amazing visitor economy.”

Nowra’s team focussed on bringing local residents together to reinvigorate the city’s night-life.

“The Uptown Accelerator Program has been instrumental in turning up the volume on the voice of change for Nowra. There is a vibrant surge of change on the way, and we are super excited to be a part of it,” enthused Shoalhaven Business Chamber event manager, Alison Henry. 

Huskisson businesses pitched their plan to activate the heart of town by attracting larger events to the coastal haven.

“After tonight’s pitch the concept of activating the heart of Huskisson is now a reality and one that will benefit our local businesses and community directly for years to come,” said owner of Jervis Bay Coffee Co, Simon Mercier.

The team from Sussex Inlet encouraged visitors to turn off the highway and take the drive into the village, highlighting the array of family-friendly activities it has on offer around the clock.

“The Sussex Inlet Chamber of Commerce has been excited to support six of our local businesses to engage with the Uptown Accelerator program. It has built our skills in branding and sponsorship, as well developing a vision for the district to help increase our year-round visitation,” said chamber president, Sandra Gray. 

The businesses were supported on the night by Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White who commented “I would like to congratulate the teams for their dedication and passion to transform their districts into exciting hubs. Each of the pitches were inspiring and signal an exciting time ahead for the Shoalhaven.

“I look forward to seeing the vision for each of the districts come to life as these businesses continue to apply the skills they’ve learnt through the program, and capitalise on the networks they’ve fostered.”

The Uptown District Acceleration Program is a key initiative within the NSW Government's Vibrancy Agenda, bolstering the state's live performance, hospitality, and creative sectors and amplifying the growth of these vibrant going-out hubs, enhancing the night-time economy and creating more engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike.

The District Teams will soon have the opportunity to apply for a share in $5.5 million in NSW Government funding to help fast-track their ideas into reality, with applications set to open this December.

For more information visit the Uptown District Accelerator Program website.

Image. Shoalhaven Uptown District Acceleration Program Photo Credit: Blake Davis

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