The response to Manning Street, Tuncurry's 7-day makeover has surprised everyone.
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Local businesses have raised $52,000 towards the cause and close to 60 volunteers have turned up each and every day in an effort to transform Tuncurry's main drag from a thoroughfare to a destination.
MidCoast Council economic development officer Robyn Brennan said she was ecstatic at the level of community involvement the project had generated, from the positive comments of passers-by to the tireless work of the volunteers who'd donated their time and resources.
"One of the best things we've seen is the interaction between council, the community and businesses," she said.
"That's been really exciting."
With Tuncurry's maritime roots a key theme of the transformation, locally-donated boats and barges have been popping up on every street corner along with a number of other eye-catching artworks and installations.
Fiona Thompson of lingerie shop Whisper of Lace was one of many business-owners happy to get their hands dirty bringing these features to life and she said the whole process had been uplifting and exciting.
"It's fabulous," she said.
"The community is really banding together."
Others, such as Tuncurry resident Rachel Love, had no commercial interests in the project but were happy to lend a hand in the name of bringing the town to life.
"I think it's awesome," she said.
"I hope it's going to gain some momentum."
Jodi Stojanov of Creative Communities, the company who were brought in to help coordinate the project, said in many ways it was the biggest makeover they'd been involved in since they started their business in 2001.
"I think this has been the most successful to date in terms of the volunteers and businesses involved," she said.
"It's also the longest distance and largest number of projects we've undertaken."
The makeover will continue until Saturday, when a street party will be held to celebrate the community's achievement.
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