Shoaly Collective awarded $200k grant to transform Shoal Bay

THE Shoaly Collective has been awarded $200,000 through the NSW Government’s Uptown Grant Program.

The Collective includes Port Stephens Paddle Sports, Shoal Bay Newsagency, The Café, Port Stephens Community Arts Centre, Ramada Resort Shoal Bay and the Shoal Bay Country Club.

The group is planning to use the funding to transform Shoal Bay into a lively, year-round destination.

Shoaly Collective District Co-ordinator Michael Hogg, said the grant would elevate Shoal Bay’s profile and create memorable experiences.

The funding will be used to support coordination, marketing and consumer engagement initiatives.

“This funding gives us the resources to transform Shoal Bay into a vibrant precinct that offers something special in every season,” Mr Hogg said.

“We’ll be able to deliver a diverse calendar of events, involve more local businesses, and create opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the heart and soul of our community.”

The Uptown Program is designed to help local precincts grow and collaborate.

Thirty-seven precincts received support in the latest round of funding.

“We’ve seen amazing success stories come out of the Uptown program,” said the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham.

“From district partnerships with major events like Vivid Sydney and SXSW Sydney, to amazing community events and activations like the Inner West Ale Trail’s Inner West Country Festival.

“I’m pleased to see districts from the state’s north, Central Coast and South Coast in the program.

“The Uptown Grant Program allows often cash-strapped businesses to work together and develop product offerings and promotional strategies that tell the stories of their local areas and encourage people to come, stay and spend.

“We want to create self-sustaining district initiatives that will go from strength to strength in promoting their vibrant local offerings and help promote our visitor economy for years to come.”

By Cosette DE LORENZO