Long-term project will bring Christmas spirit to Laurieton’s main street and beyond

CHRISTMAS cheer will return to Laurieton this year, thanks to Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber has secured $7000 in funding to introduce festive decorations along Bold Street.

Awarded through Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Community Grant Program, the grant will fund the purchase of high-quality, outdoor Christmas garlands and festive solar-powered lighting, which will be installed as temporary decorations in the main street during the festive season.

The project represents a significant achievement for the Chamber, which has been working towards reintroducing

Christmas decorations to Bold Street in response to repeated requests from local businesses and the community.

While this year’s installation will be delivered on a modest scale, it’s a first step in a much larger, long-term annual initiative.

Chamber President Luke Hadfield said the project was particularly rewarding given the strong community interest

in seeing Christmas decorations return to Laurieton’s commercial centre.

“While the Chamber’s financial position has previously limited what we could realistically commit to, I am

incredibly pleased that this year will be different,” Hadfield said.

“Christmas is an important time for our local businesses, but it is also a special time for families and the wider

Community.

“We want people to feel that sense of excitement and pride when they visit our town centre, and to create an atmosphere that encourages people to spend time in Laurieton, explore our shops and support local

businesses.”

Securing the funding was an important first step towards establishing a sustainable annual Christmas beautification program.

“We have deliberately approached this project with a long-term view,” he added.

“Rather than purchasing decorations that will only last a season or two, we’ve invested in quality products designed for outdoor use that can be carefully stored and brought back year after year.

“This means the funding will continue to benefit our community well beyond this Christmas, and hopefully provide

the foundation for something we can continue to build upon.”

The Chamber’s goal is to progressively expand the initiative, both along Bold Street and into other commercial centres throughout the Camden Haven.

“We know we cannot achieve everything in the first year, but the important thing is that we are making a start,” Hadfield said.

“Each year we hope to build on what we have, attract further support and gradually create something our whole

community can look forward to.”

The project has also received strong support from Port Macquarie Hastings Council, which recognised the

iInitiative and its potential to enhance the town centre and support the local economy.

Mr Hadfield acknowledged the contributions of those who’ve helped bring the initiative to fruition, particularly

Chamber members and volunteers who have supported the planning and development of the project.

By Rachael THORPE