The Nelson Bay Civic Pride Group will spearhead the clean up on Sunday, May 27, when it will touch up rusty benches, tend to gardens and generally clean up the footpaths.

It’s mostly business owners who have volunteered for the Tomaree Business Chamber initiative but others are welcome to join.

“The town looks tired and is in need of a tidy up,” group coordinator Peter Clough said.

“We’re working very closely with council on this project, which will provide the mulch, plants and paint.”

Each volunteer will be provided with a yellow safety vest and a bottle of water on the day, and be appointed to a task in one of five zones.

“We’ll be communicating with the volunteers to determine the kind of work they want to do,” Mr Clough said.

Chemart Nelson Bay pharmacist Rory Milne was central in the formation of the group.

The idea was borrowed from Taree businesses owners who have done similar work.

“The Taree business district is looking very clean as a result,” Mr Milne said.

“Nelson Bay can benefit just as much. The town doesn’t just belong to business owners, it belongs to everyone.”

Mr Milne said a handful of businesses had already shown what’s achievable.

“It’s interesting when you walk around the town with critical eyes and notice what a difference it makes when a business does make an effort,” he said.

“Whether it’s looking after a garden or creating an alfresco area, these are the businesses that are benefiting from the hard work. The working bee will benefit everyone.”

The working bee is part of the Nelson Bay Next initiative that aims to reinvigorate the CBD.

“This working bee might very well be the first of it’s kind for Nelson Bay but the lessons we learn from this could be repeated across Port Stephens,” the mayor Ryan Palmer said.

“Anything that council can do to support these volunteers, we will, a lot of work that council does is supported by volunteers and without them it wouldn’t get done.”

Tomaree Business Chamber president Leah Anderson said the town needed more pride.

“When you see the influx of tourists and the way the streets are looking, you sometimes feel embarrassed,” she said.

“It’s not only important to improve the streets for our tourists, it’s important for the residents so they can have pride in their town.”