$1.9 million is being invested to support 10 districts from Wollongong and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region. The Wollongong recipients include Port Kembla Precinct, Bulli's Black Diamond District, Thirroul Uptown Collective, Globe Lane, Keira Collective and the Lower Crown Quarter.
While further south, in the neighbouring Shoalhaven region, Berry Social, Huskisson's Heart of Husky, Nowra Ignite and The Drive Sussex Inlet have all received program funding.
Across the state, thirty-seven precincts have received funding under the third round of the NSW Government's $5.5 million Uptown Grant program.
This is the first time precincts in Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Illawarra have participated in the program.
Now in its third round, the Uptown District Acceleration Program is a key element of the NSW Government's 24-Hour Economy Strategy. A catalyst for change, it supports place-based collaboration, branding and storytelling within districts, and provides a platform for districts to innovate with reduced risk and ultimately become self-sustainable in the future.
The program is delivered in 2 phases. The capacity-building Uptown Accelerator Program, which features a series of workshops designed to help Districts build on their unique vision, and the Uptown Grant Program.
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has also engaged with local government and industry in regional areas across NSW, to understand the unique needs, challenges and priorities of these areas to better understand how a program like Uptown could be rolled out across NSW.
All new Uptown districts will be featured on the NSW Government's Neon Marketplace to help these Districts connect with the creative community and collaborate on local activations and initiatives.
