ANNA Bay has undergone an amazing transformation thanks to a Creative Communities 7 Day Makeover.

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The concept throws away red tape and rules, engages communities, councils and business getting the job of revitalising townships done in 7 days.

None of this would have happened without a massive amount of time, effort, planning and commitment from Council, and a host of individuals not the least of which is David Engwicht of Creative Communities, the man who helped our community, to embrace what we have, and to work together to make Anna Bay simply the best.

It took donations of cash, materials, machinery and volunteers, not to mention the delicious food that local businesses fed to the 200 odd volunteers who helped out.

The Anna Bay 7 Day Makeover was pitched at a Council Meeting during Public Access by the Tomaree Business Chamber President Leah Anderson who told News Of The Area, “I was determined to get this for Anna Bay.”

“When the Tomaree Business Chamber directors decided to take a precinct each, I selected Anna Bay; I wanted to help the businesses and community of Anna Bay, it appeared to me that Anna Bay had been neglected for a long time, too long in fact.

“I was then introduced to Creative Communities, I saw firsthand what they were doing in Tuncurry and I called the Mid North Coast Council Economic Development Unit and asked more about it.

“I knew this would be ideal for Anna Bay, so I requested Public Access and I asked Port Stephens Council to help fund a 7 Day Makeover for Anna Bay, and the rest is history!” Anderson said.

Councillor Sarah Smith moved a motion to secure $300,000 in funding for the project from Council at this meeting.

Councillor Smith said, “It sure was an amazing week and the results are better than anyone would have thought, it was great to see so many people getting involved, working together and achieving the goal.”

Anna Bay now has a statement entrance, a stunning bus shelter painted by local artist Rhys Fabris, creative planters, fun seating, a Whales Tail Trail to lead you through the highlights of Anna Bay, new pathways, gardens and a community that has been inspired, and ignited to do even more.

So many groups and individuals assisted including Council staff, community, local businesses, Scouts, Tomaree Business Chamber, and Rotarians just to name a few.

From painting and building bridges to concreting and planting, the community together revamped, revitalised and reinvigorated the township of Anna Bay.

Anderson said “Tomaree Business Chamber precinct Anna Bay Next Wave have also asked for funding from Council for Christmas Lights, and have also commenced asking local business support, with IGA kicking in $500.00 to help us decorate the town centre with Christmas lights.

“There will also be ongoing maintenance of gardens required so the Anna Bay Next Wave will work with local community groups to facilitate this and we will drive more projects for the community to work on together,” said a very proud and rather tired Leah Anderson.

The locals at Anna Bay are proud of their achievements and invite everyone to visit, shop and explore the new look Anna Bay, which is a great place to stop, shop and play.

By Marian SAMPSON