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If you want proof the seeds of Port Kembla’s revival are bearing fruit, check out the Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards.
Ten businesses on Wentworth Street have been named finalists in the 2014 awards – Something Special beauty salon, All Occasion Flowers and Party Hire, Broken Glass hairdressers, Paws at Port, Bowdens Discount Chemist, Beautiful Invitations, Delennyks Gifts and Homewares, Cheboom Bridal and Formal Boutique, Just Bridesmaids and The Foundery cafe.
It’s music to the ears of Broken Glass owner Kevin Crane. He is a member of Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce and runs the
Wentworth Street shops’ Facebook page. Broken Glass won the hairdressers’ category at the awards in 2012 and 2013.
‘‘In the last 12 months us business owners have been meeting together and working really hard to try and show people Port Kembla is a beautiful place,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m really proud to see that 10 of us have made it into the finals.’’
Mr Crane said he had seen a lot of progress.
‘‘Four years ago there were bars on every window, the majority of the shops were empty. Now every few months new businesses are opening and it’s really great to see the community supporting us’’
Tanya McGee, of Cheboom, and her sister Yolanda Barea, of Just Bridesmaids, are among a growing number of wedding businesses on the street.
Cheboom started as a home business 14 years ago, moved to Wollongong and then to Port Kembla eight years ago. Just Bridesmaids opened a few years ago.
‘‘We fell in love with the community, we fell in love with the old buildings, just the friendliness of the place,’’ Ms McGee said.
‘‘We’re so proud as punch [about the awards]. It’s the talk of the town.’’
The awards will be held at Dapto Leagues Club on August 6.
Tickets: thebusinessawards.com.au or 8577 5060