SHOPPERS APPY WITH VERENA

FROM the council chambers to the Insta- pages, Townsville councillor Verena Coombe is about to launch her own glam online side hustle.

Cr Coombe’s new venture, East Coast Style Collective, will act as a digital platform connecting savvy shoppers with local businesses that sign up to be featured.

The new business, which will include a website, social media and an app, will launch in August.

Cr Coombe said growing up as an “army brat”, she knew what it was like to try to find her way around a new town.

“Since returning to Townsville six years ago, I realise we’re such a transient city,” she said.

“When you arrive in a new place you have to set up your whole life and you want to know where the best places are to go to get a coffee, to get a haircut, to shop.”

Cr Coombe declared her new business at this week’s council meeting.

Townsville Bulletin columnist Shari Tagliabue is also involved with the venture as a writer.

“I’m working with the best creatives in town and I’m very excited to be able to bring all this to the businesses I’m working with,” Cr Coombe said.