Among them was Jody Dunning, of Lazybones guest house in Shellharbour Village, who suggested more musical events in the area.

The feedback exercise was part of a community engagement campaign called Creative Shellharbour and coincided with a web survey.

Input from the "idea bombing" event is being used to provide input for the council's new arts and cultural strategy for the city.

It will help guide Shellharbour council's approach to art and cultural investment and activity over the next three to five years.

Arts and cultural development officer Sarah Davis helped to organise the event, which attracted 70 people.

"The ideas were very wide ranging," Ms Davis said.

"They ranged from outdoor cinemas to cultural food exhibits and more mentoring. The night was very productive."

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba kicked off the idea bombing by speaking about the importance of art and culture.

"Shellharbour City when I first came here in 1967 was little townships that were all joined together by cow pastures and it is now a vibrant city with a lot going on," she said. "And it is time for us to make sure we are capturing who we are as a community and where we are heading.

"Establishing a strategy for our arts and culture is very important to us. I am really pleased so many of you are here tonight to share your stories and give us some ideas."

Other speakers included Ben Tillman, of Yours and Owls, Simon Grant, of Verb Syndicate, Gallery 5 Crown Lane's Josh Wiffen and Lizzie and Caitlyn, of Wild Rumpus.