Mr Westbury said empowering locals to turn empty shops into spaces to exhibit creativity was a proven method of bringing life back to an area.

“It’s fairly cost effective, but it’s labour intensive,” Mr Westbury said.

On Monday, September 2 Mr Westbury will talk at the Forbes Services Club about strategies that have been used to improve Newcastle’s central business district.

To spread his message Mr Westbury has worked with small towns across Australia, and said he had learned about issues facing small towns like Forbes. 

He was impressed to learn Forbes had taken inspiration from Newcastle to revamp some empty local shops and thought the Platypus Gallery was a good idea. 

Finding people to do the work was often the tough part, he said.

“We are looking for creativity and initiative,” Mr Westbury said.

Mr Westbury believes the key to revitalising an area was to use empty spaces without taking the attention away from remaining businesses and shops.

“[We need] things that are interesting and attract people to the area.”

Staying on side with the property owners was paramount, Mr Westbury said.

The event is free, with finger food and drinks provided, and interested people should call Natalie Walker on 68502300 or email nataliew@forbes.nsw.gov.au to register before next Wednesday.

* More on the visit in Tuesday’s Advocate.