After the devastating Fires that impacted the Mountains in December, the Blackheath and District Chamber of Commerce held a Gathering of businesses and community on Monday 13 January to develop strategies for surviving the downtown in tourism in the short term, and for encouraging visitors to return in the long term.
The Gathering called on all businesses, including storytellers and other creative artists, to come together to brainstorm ways for Upper Mountains villages to weather the economic, ecological and emotional crises created by the Fires.
Over 50 people attended, including Cr Don McGregor, Tracey Jamieson from Create NSW, Jo Davies from BANC and Ann Niddrie from the Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise. After a welcome by Chamber President, George Vergotis, Lis Bastian gave a brief slideshow to stimulate discussion.
The slideshow can be viewed here
The ideas gathered on the night and from businesses who were unable to attend have been summarised here
Some Government support for small businesses has now been published here
Subsequently numerous actions have been taken! A Retail Sub-Committee has been established and it will be meeting to develop business support and marketing strategies for Blackheath at 6.30pm on Wednesday 11 March at the Ivanhoe Hotel.
Arts Businesses also stepped up to help get our villages humming again!
Musicians from Lithgow to the lower Mountains participated in a fabulous Long Lazy Weekend of Live Music to help Blackheath hum again over the long weekend. It was great to see Govetts Leap Rd come to life with a three-day busking program. Given that musicians are also suffering as venues cancel gigs, this was a win/win for community, visitors, cafes and musicians alike.
A call out to writers to come for discounted mid-week accommodation offerings has resulted in numerous writers and artists coming to the Top of the Mountains for Creative Retreats.
Lots of forums and meetings are being held throughout the Mountains and we are alerting all Chamber members about events and opportunities as they unfold via email.
Other relevant info is being shared via:
• Blackheath Chamber Facebook Page here
• Blackheath Business Community Facebook Group where you can share your news here
• Blackheath Chamber Instagram page here
• Blackheath Local News which you can subscribe to for free here