Northern Wollongong Business Development Project

The Northern Wollongong Business Development Project commenced in May 2005 and is a partnership between business/community and the three tiers of government working together to assist the area adjust to the closure of Lawrence Hargrave Drive and to address issues that would arise when the road re-opened.

Project funding partners:

• The Australian Government through the Illawarra ACC and the Regional Partnership Program
• Department of State & Regional Development through the
Main Street/Small Towns Program
• NSW RTA
• Wollongong City Council
• Illawarra ITeC

The Project Managers Role and Responsibilities included:

Working with Key stakeholders to undertake:

• Analysis of the individual small business needs
• Develop a project work plan
• Provide one-on-one business assistance, where appropriate, with
businesses between Thirroul and Stanwell Park affected by Lawrence Hargrave Drive road closure including referrals to relevant programs and services
• Assist individual small businesses in the analysis of their business needs
• Assist in the promotion of the local business area
• Facilitate access to information on programs; services; training; funding access
• Facilitate the strengthening and preparation of local business community to become sustainable in the long-term (beyond the re-opening of the road) This will be done through the introduction of seminars/workshops and creating business networks
• Strengthen business/community relationships, networks and alliances
• Work with business and media to promote and market the area in readiness for the opening of Lawrence Hargrave Drive to ensure a smooth transition and ensure the future economic benefit of the area.
• Work with the business community on the co-ordinate of events
• Work in partnership with all relevant stakeholders including the RTA, tourism, clubs, service clubs, Council, media and business

The project manager has been instrumental in bringing the Thirroul/Austinmer traders together in a series of ‘traders meetings’ over a twelve month period to discuss problems and issues that arise. Meetings were also held in Stanwell Park and Helensburgh.

Tasks undertaken by the Project Manager were identified at these meetings and include taxation issues, legal and lease issues.

Seminars to assist business were also identified and held.

Projects undertaken since May 2005 include:

• Postcards:

A series of postcard style brochures were developed to promote the Northern villages. These postcards detail an activity available and display photographs and a map. 8 postcards were produce and include:

i. Artique Trail – identifies art galleries (including home studios), antique shops and cafés that display and sell art
ii. Art and Food in Stanwell Park
iii. Two Foot Tour of Stanwell Park
iv. Coledale Markets
v. Thirroul Ramble
vi. Austi to Clifton Cliff top Walk
vii. Thirroul to Austi Promenade
viii. Moore Street Austinmer

• Northern Exposure Brochure

A 24 page full colour brochure “Northern Exposure’ was produced and printed highlighted the ‘loop’ concept from Helensburgh to Thirroul, Bulli Pass, Darkes Forest and back to Helensburgh. 100,000 copies of these brochures were printed and are continually being printed. It is intended that these brochures will have a lifespan of twelve months

• Media

Advertorial was produced in the Illawarra’s Image Lifestyle Magazine.
Articles appeared in Issues 6 – 9 between July and December 2005 and covered stories the northern suburbs, markets, historic hotels, the arts, food, cafes and restaurants.

• Festivals, activities and events

Assistance was given to the Stanwell Park “Festival of Flight”, the “Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival”, activities associated with the Sea Cliff Bridge and Lawrence Hargrave Drive opening on 11th December 2005.

• Area maps in pad format

A map in a tear off pad format was produced covering the area from Helensburgh to Thirroul. 150 pads of 100 copies was produced and distributed to the retail establishments in the area.

• Exhibition at Clifton School of Arts

An exhibition of the visual arts in the Northern Illawarra was a feature of Innovation Week 2006. This operated from 6th May to 14th May and was open from 10am to 4pm

Phamplets & Catalogues/ postcards are available from the Northern Suburbs Tourism Center or shops and at the Wollongong Tourism Center.

Funded by the Northern Wollongong Business Development Project, is an initiative of the illawarra ITeC funded through the Australian and NSW Governments