The smoke and dust of the past week was replaced with an atmosphere of community pride in Anna Bay on Saturday, as hundreds of people came together to celebrate the extraordinary success of the 7-day makeover.
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Following a gruelling week of construction, landscaping and beautifying, the old and staid Anna Bay town centre was transformed into a dazzling new streetscape featuring a new entrance sign, whale tail trail path, seating, planter boxes and renovated bus shelters and toilet block.
But the biggest achievement, according to Creative Communities founder David Engwicht, was the building of a new community spirit in Anna Bay and with it a "change in people's perception of the town".
"The physical layout is a reflection of people's attitude to their town," he said. "The community wanted an attachment of the town centre to its famous beach and sand dune setting so that visitors will get the full experience when they come to Anna Bay."
Mr Engwicht praised the people of Anna Bay who provided the concept plans, volunteer labour and ingenuity.
"Anna Bay exceeded all expectations and broke new ground for the 7-day makeover. We had a record breaking number of registered volunteers (246) and a record number of projects."
The $100,000 makeover was largely financed by Port Stephens Council, which was represented at the on SAturday by staff members and councillors Sarah Smith, Chris Doohan and John Nell; and largely driven by the passion of Cr Smith, Anna Bay Next Wave representative Leah Anderson and enthusiastic resident Emily Harkness.
Cr Smith said she was amazed at what had been achieved.
"I'm so proud of Anna Bay and everyone who has been out here ... people of all skill levels working together to do a little or a lot," she said.
Ms Anderson described the week culminating in Saturday's street party as "phenomenal" and worthy of replicating in other towns.
"I have already received an inquiry from a resident wanting to do something similar for the old Salamander Bay/Soldiers Point town centre," she said.
Ms Harkness, who drove the concept from its very early stages, said it was amazing to see the people's motivation grow and develop as the town was being transformed.
"If Anna Bay continues with the positive vibe and cohesiveness we have all experienced this week, many great things will happen in this awesome little village."
The Anna Bay community has been provided $4000 in follow-up funding to support finishing touches and drive further change in the future.
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