From this Sunday 26 November 2023 until 28 January 2024 the Mount Gambier CBD – Watson Terrace will be activated on most weekends as a trial.
‘Summer on Watson’ is a program of events developed in consultation with Council, local businesses and community interest groups to activate the CBD.
“We want to encourage collaboration and partnerships and the CBD activation will bring together existing and supported events and activities over a 10-week period, including markets, after work drinks, live music, food and wine and yoga in the park,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.
Council hopes to generate energy and vibrancy within the CBD as a place for people to gather.
“We want people to move around and encourage street life including indoor/outdoor dining and lively civic spaces. Fairy lights will be hung in the Cave Garden/Thugi to create atmosphere with Council providing a stage and power to host entertainment.”
Summer on Watson kicks off with the Blue Lake Fun Run finish line on Watson Terrace on Sunday morning, with food and coffee available at the Cave Garden/Thugi.
Following the news that the New Year's Eve Festival organised by community committee Mount Gambier Community Events Management Inc has been cancelled, Council will investigate the inclusion of a New Years Eve celebration as part of the CBD activation. - Mayor Lynette Martin
The activation program is in accordance with Council’s CBD Guiding principles and follows a Motion of Notice proposed by Councillor Max Bruins at the August 2023 Council meeting.
Watson Terrace will remain open during weekdays and will be closed during activated weekends.
Local businesses and community groups are encouraged to contact Council’s community events team at city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au to be involved in the activation.
For further information about the CBD Activation view the FAQs and events calendar here.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 0413 798 327 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
