On Monday, November 23, Lewis Land Group (LLG) came together with the Sovereign Place business community, the Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council deputy mayor Lisa Intemann in the town centre forecourt to reflect on the successes of the last 12 months.

Hastings Co-op IGA chief executive officer Allan Gordon said the Sovereign Place IGA was overwhelmed by the level of support from their new local neighbourhood.

"We understand it's been a challenging 12 months for our customers and we're extremely grateful for how the community has embraced our new store. We have overcome the adversities of 2020 because of our loyal staff, members and customers," Mr Gordon said.

LLG chief executive officer Matthew McCarron said Sovereign Place will continue to thrive as the region grows.

"Sovereign Place is a vital amenity in the Sovereign Hills community offering convenience and a place for people to come together," Mr McCarron said.

"Its importance has been demonstrated during the pandemic, as our open-air centre provided not only a safe space to stock up on fresh food and supplies, but a place where people could visit for takeaway meals, exercise and for a welcome break from their homes.

"The Sovereign Place business owners responded with great courage and innovation ensuring they emerged stronger and even more determined to succeed on the other side of the restrictions."

Mrs Williams said NSW government investment in targeted support measures have been key to successfully supporting business throughout 2020.

Port Macquarie small businesses have received $12 million in COVID-19 Small Businesses Support and Recovery Grants since April to help keep local businesses in business and people in jobs.

"We talk about community resilience and how we have all stepped up in the last 12 months and it's a credit to all of us," Mrs Williams said.

"The stimulus and the support - it's what gives people hope and that's how our community got through the fires, the drought and COVID."

Cr Intemann echoed the Port Macquarie MP's sentiments and said Sovereign Hills is a showpiece after more than 30 years of planning for growth in the region.

"It has been a great journey," Cr Intemann said.

Sovereign Place combines a range of specialty businesses and will see continued growth and retail activity in 2021.

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