Hospitality businesses across Greater Sydney could soon benefit from improved precinct recognition as the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner opens registrations of interest for the Purple Flag program.
The program is designed to support local councils and nighttime precincts in achieving Purple Flag accreditation – signalling safe, vibrant and well-managed nighttime environments.
With the initiative already rolled out across more than 100 locations in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Sweden and Malta, precincts and councils in Greater Sydney are encouraged to explore how the Purple Flag program could work in their area and act as a tool for coordinating and reinvigorating their nighttime economy.
Michael Rodrigues, 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, says the program helps members of the public to quickly identify areas that offer a diver mix of dining, cultural and entertainment options in a safe environment.
“The Purple Flag is a global signal to locals and visitors that when they are choosing to go out at night, or during the day, they are heading to a well-managed, vibrant going-out destination. These precincts offer a diverse range of activities and activations, as well as easily accessible transport options so visitors can get home safely,” he stated.
“We encourage councils and precincts across Sydney who are interested in finding out more about this program or how a Purple Flag could work in their LGA to register their interest.”
The program has already helped strengthen local coordination and collaboration, supported nighttime economy growth, and improved public perception of safety for women and gender diverse people, across four precincts in New South Wales. The four established precincts are YCK Laneways in Sydney’s CBD, Lakemba’s multicultural strip, Parramatta’s eat street and Marrickville’s live music district.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter stated: “We want Parramatta to be a ‘go-to’ destination after dark where people can enjoy fabulous food, a drink with friends and a taste of our vibrant nightlife – all in a safe environment and close to transport.
“Purple Flag recognition has been shown to boost visitation and raise the profile of night-life precincts internationally and is a massive win for local businesses.”
As part of the program, new street furniture and greenery has been rolled out in the Marrickville precinct to two locations with wide, under-utilised footpaths, while new lighting has been installed at Lakemba’s Her Way project to create a safer after-dark environment. YCK Laneways is also focused on patron safety with the adoption of the Safespace platform, designed to support venue staff to anonymously report harmful behaviour.
Purple Flag registrations of interest are now open until Monday 8 September. Find more information about submitting a registration of interest here.