The NSW Government has announced a range of initiatives aimed at reinvigorating nightlife. The initiatives are a collaboration between government and industry to help nighttime workers, businesses, and cultural entrepreneurs thrive in the 24-hour economy. The plan will purportedly drive a range of cultural, economic, and social benefits.
Upcoming initiatives include:
New 24-hour economy strategy
The 24-hour economy strategy originated in 2020 with the goal of establishing globally acclaimed 24-hour precincts. The new strategy builds on the foundational work of the office from 2020, with a vision to support nighttime workers, champion First Nations storytelling, and build environmental sustainability into precincts.
“One of the aims of the strategy is to empower First Nations people to tell these stories,” says Terri Janke & Company.
“With true engagement with Indigenous people, there is potential to open up untold stories. By incorporating these narratives into the 24-hour economy, we can not only enrich the cultural tapestry of our precincts but also revitalise spaces where Indigenous voices have historically been silenced.”
NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues says he is: “hugely optimistic” about the future of the state and the 24-hour economy.
Purple Flag
The Purple Flag is an international accreditation program which recognises districts that meet standards of excellence in vibrancy, diversity, and safety at night.
Currently, just four Sydney districts are Purple Flag accredited, including York, Kent, and Clarence Streets in the CBD, Marrickville and Illawarra Roads in Marrickville, the Parramatta CBD, and Haldon Street in Lakemba. The government will soon release more details on the rollout and expansion of the program.
Vibrancy reforms
The first stage of vibrancy reforms was announced in 2023. The reforms aimed to help venues reach their full entertainment, economic, and creative potential at night by removing red tape.
The second part of the government’s vibrancy reforms will come later this year, proposing further red tape removal while providing greater support for special events and hospitality and live music venues.
Live performance venue accelerator program
The program will support hospitality venues in transforming into live performance spaces through a series of skill building workshops.
It is open to small- and medium-sized businesses and includes workshops, a free acoustic appraisal of their venue, networking opportunities, and one-on-one coaching with an industry professional. Applications open on 30 September.
Uptown District acceleration program
This program aims to accelerate the formation of local business communities and help them grow into vibrant going-out destinations. The initiative includes a series of workshops and mentoring opportunities, culminating in the opportunity for districts to pitch their vision to potential collaborators.
NSW’s first ever 24-Hour Economy Commissioner was appointed in 2021. In December 2023, the Commissioner’s role was made statutory, and its remit was expanded from Greater Sydney to all of NSW.
More information can be found here.
Laura Box
