We are the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, and this is where you’ll find stories about all the work we do. Hear about program updates, grants, regulatory reforms and any other relevant news about NSW’ 24-hour economy.
For a little background on who we are, the NSW Government released the 24-Hour Economy Strategy in 2020 to revitalise Sydney’s nightlife after the pandemic. To implement the strategy, the state appointed Michael Rodrigues as the first-ever 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
Before stepping into this role, Michael founded and served as Managing Director of going-out media publication, Time Out Australia, and was the founding chair of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). Through these roles, he championed Sydney's night-time economy and its stakeholders, making him an ideal choice to lead NSW to a safer, more vibrant and diverse 24-hour economy.
With Michael appointed, our Office was established to help him deliver the strategy.
Since then, our remit has expanded to encompass all of NSW, and the team have been busy at work, developing initiatives and programs to support this vision to unlock the full potential of NSW’s 24-hour economy.
From our Vibrancy Reforms which seek to remove red tape surrounding managing entertainment noise and sound, outdoor activation, the liquor licensing system, and more, to our Uptown District Acceleration Program, supporting the transformation of local business communities into vibrant, going-out districts across NSW, we’re working hard to give people in NSW – residents and visitors alike – more reasons to get off the couch and into their community, day or night.
For a handy recap of what's been achieved in the last four years, watch the video below. And if you’d like to be across our work, you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Neon Grid.
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The Story of The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner so Far
Since the launch of the Uptown District Acceleration Program in 2022, 38 funded Districts across NSW have formed; each with a unique story to tell and diverse places to visit. One of those Districts is Rainbow Precinct.
On Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 October 2024, the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner held its second annual NEON Forum, bringing together local and international industry leaders in placemaking and to discuss the future of 24-hour economies worldwide.
