Sixteen months after the extraordinary success of the Anna Bay 7-Day makeover, the Medowie community gets its opportunity to transform its town centre into a Port Stephens showpiece.
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The Medowie makeover will take place from May 8 to 14 in the town centre.
For a week in December 2019, hundreds of people came together, transforming the dust and debris of Anna Bay's tired and unattractive CBD into a showpiece and providing an atmosphere of community pride described by Creative Communities founder David Engwicht, as a "game changer for the town".
"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," Mr Engwicht said at its completion.
For Emily Harkness, a driving force behind the success of the Anna Bay makeover, news of a Medowie event was music to the ears. Her advice to the people of Medowie was to get involved.
"David [Engwicht] and his crew are fantastic and being a part of such a large group volunteering together is a really uplifting experience," Ms Harkness said.
"It completely transformed the look and the feel of Anna Bay and it's been great to see other businesses have since followed suit. Anna Bay looks and feels a lot more loved and inviting. It is also great fun, very rewarding and there is a way for everyone to be involved. The seating at Anna Bay has made a huge difference and our local kids actually have somewhere to hang out together."
Ms Harkness said that devoting even just one or two hours would make a big difference.
"Think about the longevity of what you are setting out to achieve. I hope they get a big turnout with great results."
Mr Engwich was in Medowie on Tuesday night to attend an information night to find out what the residents wanted, answer questions and to explain the process while encouraging people to get involved.
"For one week (May 8-14) we're going to be transforming Medowie on a shoe-string budget in just seven days using pure people-power," he said.
"I've already been to Medowie to check out the town and I see a lot of potential. There's a lot of work to do, but that just gives us a greater opportunity for transformation. Anyone can participate, whatever your age or ability. Even if you can only give an hour - we need your help. We're also seeking donations to help purchase materials to make the makeover the biggest success it can be."
Port Stephens Council has contributed $25,000 for the project and fundraising has begun to increase that figure. Cr Chris Doohan says he hopes to see the community get involved.
"Medowie, this is our chance to come together and help make our town centre something we can be proud of - something that matches the strong community spirit we already have here.
"While Anna Bay holds the record for the most number of volunteers and raised $40,000, I know Medowie can do better. We need volunteers to sign up at 7day.com.au and make a donation towards materials. Even if the money doesn't get spent during the seven days, all funds raised go back into Medowie, so we can always use more."
The makeover will include an ideas creation workshop on May 8, project planning workshop on May 9, and the makeover from May 10 to 14.
To find out more and register for the makeover, go to 7day.com.au and get the latest information on the Facebook page, Medowie 7 Day Makeover.
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