North Coast towns will be among the beneficiaries of a new NSW Government pilot aimed at strengthening regional night-time economies, with business groups in Murwillumbah, Lennox Head, Sawtell and Byron Bay selected to receive support.
The four coastal communities are part of 10 regional centres sharing in $2 million under the Regional Night-Time Economy Program, which is designed to help local business collectives grow activity across the 24-hour economy.
The program will fund locally tailored capacity-building bootcamps and provide ongoing support to business groups looking to expand evening and night-time activity in their towns. The initiative was developed in response to feedback from regional businesses, councils and industry groups seeking more targeted support to build vibrant town centres beyond daytime trading.
Funding will allow business collectives to collaborate on initiatives such as marketing campaigns, events and activations intended to attract residents and visitors later into the evening.
Minister for the Night-Time Economy John Graham said the program recognised the diverse character of regional communities.
“Our 24-hour economy strategy highlights the importance of supporting unique offerings across the state and showcasing the stories of night-time precincts across regional NSW,” he said.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Across the state, groups provided feedback that an integrated capacity-building and funding approach designed to suit the unique local contexts and settings across the state would be ideal.
“The program will support these regions to harness local opportunities that make them unique and work toward developing vibrant local economies from day to night in regional town centres.”
Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said the initiative would help regional towns highlight what they offer outside traditional peak periods.
“We know that people are seeking out nightlife experiences closer to home, and this program will enable regional business groups to collaborate and highlight what their region has to offer – not just during major or community events but all year round, day or night,” she said.
“This round of the program is a pilot, providing an opportunity to test the approach, learn from the outcomes and inform future program expansion.”
Alongside Murwillumbah, Lennox Head, Sawtell and Byron Bay, funding will also support business collectives in Bathurst, the Hunter Valley, Milton, Murrumbateman, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga as part of the pilot program.
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