Justine Baker, Co-founder of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is stepping down, with a sub-committee established to find her replacement.
The NTIA also welcomed Nicole Lestal from Spirits and Cocktails Australia, Sam Nardo from Century Venues and Ben Stephens from Solotel to the board.
In turn, Greg Holland (also from Spirits and cocktails Australia), Nicholas Pickard from Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS), and Kenny Graham from Mary’s Group are also departing.
Baker said that leaving the organisation, which she has been a part of since 2018, was a deeply difficult decision.
“Stepping down from the Chair position has been a very tough call to make,” Baker explained.
“From when we founded the NTIA in 2018 to now, I have seen the organisation work with many others to achieve incredible feats such as winding back the lockout laws, securing support for industry during COVID-19 and uniting operators across arts and culture, hospitality and the supply chain to fight for the night.
“I am leaving with full confidence that NTIA CEO Mick Gibb and the NTIA Board will build on
the foundations that have been laid to advocate for the sector and deliver value to members.”
For his part, Gibb thanked Baker and the outgoing members of the board for their service to the hospitality and arts industries.
“On behalf of the NTIA, I want to thank Justine, Greg, Nick and Kenny for their tireless support of not just the NTIA but the entire industry,” Gibb said.
“I’d also like to welcome Nicole, Ben and Sam to the board and look forward to working with them.
“What has been achieved in just five short years has been astounding. Given the advocacy success it would be easy for people to assume that ‘restoring the night’ could have a big tick next to it. We’ve certainly come a long way but the job is far from done.
“As we head into a NSW State Election the NTIA will make it crystal clear that the night time economy cannot be put on the back burner.”
In a statement to press, the NTIA re-emphasised the crucial nature of the next few months facing the new board, describing the period as ‘poignant’.
The NTIA will approach the NSW election seeking ‘multi-partisan commitment for the night time economy.’
The organisation also highlighted a coming transformation in its role in the new year.
‘The NTIA will also embark on a bold strategy in 2023 that will see it progress from issues-centric campaigner to long-term advocate for the night time economy,’ the statement read.