The people of Anna Bay can 'expect the unexpected' when the highly anticipated 7-day makeover is launched this weekend.
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To date around $35,000 has been raised to help transform the business district from November 30 to December 7 into a more appealing town centre. Port Stephens Council's contribution is $25,000.
But while the donations have fallen a little under target, there has been no lack of community enthusiasm with makeover creator David Engwicht declaring the number of registered volunteers reaching an all-time high.
"We have been overwhelmed with the response from the Anna Bay community, in fact we already have more than 100 volunteers registered which makes it the largest number we have seen in 25 years, setting up a productive week," he said.
Mr Engwicht said that the Anna Bay revamp would focus on the entire town centre stretching from the Gan Gan Road 4WD entry point to the bottle shop.
"We are inviting as many people as possible to attend the two-day workshop this weekend [November 30-December 1] at the Anna Bay Tavern starting at 9.30am, where we will be exploring ideas for projects plus having discussions on budgets, volunteer numbers and materials," he said.
"At 3.30pm on Sunday a final list of approved projects [expected to be in the double figures] will be announced and volunteers can choose the project they want to be involved with." He said that work would commence on Monday and that his organisation would provide the skills, expertise and mentorship for the seven days."
Tomaree Business Chamber president Leah Anderson said that the project was "gaining momentum" and it was now up to the community to follow through on their word and turn out in droves.
"I am excited for the Anna Bay community who have led and driven this concept from its inception. How it looks will depend on the community's wishes ... my only hope is that the finished product will appeal to both locals and visitors."
Anna Bay Next Wave's Chontelle Grecian said it was not too late for people to make donations in order to "maximise the amount of funds for this amazing town centre project".
"I am expecting the unexpected in terms of the use of space available and the physical spaces to be transformed. I am also looking forward to seeing some of the amazing ideas that our community is generating."
Central ward councillor Sarah Smith has encouraged as many people as possible "to get involved in this exciting opportunity for Anna Bay, regardless of what skill you can bring".
People can still donate at chuffed.org/project/7-day-makeover-anna-bay.
