Jeb Taylor of Farmer and the Owl record label believed 2019 would start seeing the results from initiatives set up to keep young creatives from leaving the region after university.

“People are developing successful and innovative businesses now staying here and in-turn employing the people that in years gone by would have had to leave for further opportunity,” Mr Taylor said.

“This is expanding to the suburbs more as well now and we'll see that happen more rapidly over the next year.”

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Wollongong Gallery Program director John Monteleone agreed the Illawarra has diversified in creative industries and the live music scene in recent years.

“Arts and culture are at the heart of a sustainable, engaged and livable community and I think we have every reason to look forward to this getting better and stronger,” Mr Monteleone  said.

WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre venues manager Marc Swan predicted the region to continue building a reputation as a major event destination.

“The success of events hosted at our venues, and more broadly in the region, shows solid consumer confidence to event promoters, who now see the Illawarra as a viable commercial opportunity,” Mr Swan said.

Shellharbour mayor Marianne Saliba envisages growth in 2019 thanks to new development and access to more government funding after being confirmed as a “regional local government area”.

“Our community and cultural life will continue to flourish, with council embarking on a renewal program for the city’s branch libraries,” Ms Saliba said.

“Council also adopted an Events Strategy and Youth Plan which will help shape the city’s cultural landscape.”

She also predicted Shellharbour to grow as a tourism destination thanks to newly opened Shell Cove development and marina.

Destination Wollongong’s general manager Mark Sleigh hoped leaders would make “brave and strategic decisions that benefit the whole community” in the new year.

“If we’re bold and don’t blink, this should deliver legacy infrastructure – hotels, sporting infrastructure and key [draw cards] – that increase and extend visitation,” Mr Sleigh said.

Wollongong Homeless Hub general manager Mandy Booker believed next year would bring many challenges for the region’s vulnerable and homeless.

“Addressing these challenges requires all levels of government pro-actively working with service providers and communities,” Ms Booker said. “I personally believe that with innovation, collaboration and a commitment to change we can all contribute to building a stronger community for all its members.”

The Illawarra Retirement Trust’s group CEO Patrick Reid agreed homelessness and accommodation stress were key issues in the region.

He said much publicity was given to youth homeless but the “a chronic shortage of age-appropriate and affordable housing” affect the aging too.

Mr Reid also hoped elderly people would play bigger roles in their communities.

“Contributing to society through their work, social activities and cultural interests,” Mr Reid said. 

“By nurturing their creative passions and hobbies, older people can achieve a sense of purpose and accomplishment and also help shape our community in the Illawarra.”

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