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, with upcoming initiatives including:
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 foundational work 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 a spokesperson from Indigenous law firm 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 enrich the cultural tapestry of our precincts and 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 that recognises districts that meet standards of excellence in vibrancy, diversity and safety at night.
Currently, just four Sydney districts are Purple Flag accredited – York Street, Kent Street and Clarence Street in the CBD; Marrickville Road and Illawarra Road in Marrickville, in the Inner West; Parramatta CBD; and Haldon Street in Lakemba.
The NSW 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 aim 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 in 2024, proposing further red tape removal while providing greater support for special events, hospitality and live music venues.
Live performance venue accelerator program
The program will support hospitality venues to transform into live performance spaces through a series of skill-building workshops.
It is open to small-size and medium-size businesses and includes workshops, a free acoustic appraisal of their venue, networking opportunities, and one-on-one coaching with an industry professional.
Uptown District acceleration program
This program aims to accelerate the formation of local business communities to 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 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 NSW.
This story was written by Laura Box for hospitalitymagazine.com.au.
