Exciting news for Milton and the surrounding region. The township has been awarded a $200,000 grant through the NSW Government’s Regional Night-Time Economy Program to help bring new life to the village after dark.
Led by local businesses and supported by Business Milton Ulladulla, the initiative will see a collaboration of local organisations come together to explore how Milton can thrive from day into night.
Milton is one of only ten regional locations across New South Wales selected for the program, which aims to support regional business collectives to strengthen their local night-time economy and create vibrant, welcoming spaces for communities and visitors alike.
Introducing Twilight Together
The funding will support a 12-month collaborative initiative called Twilight Together. The project responds to a shared challenge many local businesses experience. While Milton is bustling during the day, activity often slows in the early evening.
Through Twilight Together, local businesses and community organisations will work together to explore creative ways to bridge this gap and create more opportunities for people to stay, connect and enjoy the village after hours.
The initiative is a true community collaboration, bringing together a diverse group of local organisations and businesses including:
- Business Milton Ulladulla
- Community Connect South Shoalhaven
- Cupitt’s Estate
- Dunn Lewis Centre
- Gwylo
- Milton Theatre
- Milton Folk, Blues and Jazz Festival
- Mollymook Cove
- Our Town
- Upside Down Town
- The Wondering Mind
- Wyld Spaces
As the initiative is rolledout, there will also be opportunities for additional businesses and community groups to become involved.
The Power of Local Collaboration
Matt Dell, President of Business Milton Ulladulla and Co-Chair of Community Connect South Shoalhaven, said the grant reflects the strength of collaboration within the local community.
“We are excited to learn of this announcement from the NSW Government. The collaboration of business and community enterprises is a special feature of this project and of our local community. It illustrates the power of connection, engagement and our unique local experience. The Regional Night-Time Economy Program is terrific and we look forward to working with the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner to foster a flourishing business and community environment for our region.”
What Will Happen Next
Over the next year, the Milton Business Collective will co-design and trial a range of initiatives aimed at making the village more vibrant in the evening. These ideas may include:
Activations in laneways and alleyways
Village Green events designed for families and young people
More accessible pre- and post-show dining options
Better alignment between trading hours and major cultural events
The aim is to create a sustainable set of activities and opportunities that continue well beyond the life of the grant.
A Community Opportunity
For Community Connect South Shoalhaven, this initiative represents another opportunity to strengthen connections between local businesses, community groups and residents.
When communities collaborate, new ideas emerge and places become more vibrant, welcoming and inclusive.
As the project unfolds, there will be opportunities for businesses, community organisations and residents to get involved and help shape the future of Milton’s evening economy.
If you would like to learn more about the Twilight Together initiative or explore ways to participate, we would love to hear from you.
You can contact:
Paul McGinness
Business Milton Ulladulla
paul.m@businessmiltonulladulla.com.au
Kate McBride
Community Connect South Shoalhaven
kate@communityconnectss.com.au