Shoalhaven Tourism Board chairwoman Catherine Shields encouraged anyone with a hankering to see Nowra’s streets come alive to attend.

“Anyone who is a good gardener, people who want to be involved in street art,” she said.

“It’s a really good opportunity for people to get involved in a hands-on way in making the CBD look lively and fun.

“You don’t have to be an expert by any means – just willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in.”

The plan is to meet for assignment at Junction Court this Saturday, September 20 from 10am.

Three different groups will break off to conquer the streets – guerrilla gardeners, street art assassins and yarn bombers.

People of all ages are welcome and if you have any tools or materials of your trade bring them along.

Ms Shields said if any local businesses would like to donate supplies, such as wool, paint or plants, they would be welcome.

If the weather is poor, an alternative venue will be posted on the group’s Facebook page – search Riverlution Nowra to get updates.

Ms Shields said the event was important to help the community feel involved in making their own town look great.

“It’s a way for people to feel like they belong and that they have had something to do with [how the town looks] rather than expecting council to fix everything,” she said.

“We want people to feel more connected to the CBD and encourage people to come in more often.”

North Nowra teacher librarian and fitness instructor Pippa Horton came along to the launch of Nowra Alive and Riverlution last week.

As a former London local who has been here for 18 years, she said Nowra could be a bit “frustrating”.

“It needs to brighten up really,” she said.

“I keep seeing yarn bombing and crafts in Europe, but there are community things happening in Nowra. This is just a great start, you can start to feel it coming alive.”

At the launch last week, Pippa brought along some of what she calls ‘doodles’ – colourful, crocheted circles which can be used to adorn doorways, fences and walls.

“I think people have got together to craft for centuries,” she said.

“There are quite a few cafes in London where you can go and knit, you’re not stuck in a library. It’s a great social outlet.”

She was looking forward to seeing what Riverlution could achieve.

“I think if we can get more people, it will really build a sense of community,” she said.

“We are a really divided town with the fair on one side and shops the other and all the distant villages. It would be great to collect around an idea.

“I think we could give Berry a run for its money.”

Catherine said if people would like to know more and don’t have access to the internet, they could pick up an information sheet at Kinghorne Traders, at the South Coast Register office or the business chamber.

“This is a fun and colourful thing we are hoping will attract tourist to the town, but also make it a lot more festive and fun for locals,” she said.

“There are some really good things about the CBD, and we need to build on that.

“We already have great business, wonderful shops and coffee and food. We just need to add the pizazz and wow factor and something that’s going to create a bit of interest on social media - something to make people say we have to stop into Nowra, not just drive through.”