The 24-Hour Economy Advisory Council is a group of industry leaders, business owners and experts who provide insights and guidance to help us execute the 24-Hour Economy Strategy.
Our office was established in 2022 to support the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues, in revitalising and growing Sydney’s 24-hour economy. In 2024, our remit expanded to cover all of New South Wales.
To achieve this, we’re implementing key strategic priorities, including:
- Legislative reforms – Through initiatives like the Vibrancy Reforms and Special Entertainment Precincts, we’re ensuring that laws support, rather than hinder, 24-hour businesses.
- Collaborative placemaking – Our precinct-based approach to placemaking, supported by the Uptown District Acceleration Program and Neon Marketplace, fosters collaboration over competition, creating shared value for businesses and the public.
- Data-driven decision making – Through our Data After Dark platform and night-worker research, we’re leveraging comprehensive, comparable, and consistent insights on night-time economies across NSW to guide our decisions. We are developing strategies and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the state’s night-time workers.
However, none of these efforts matter unless they’re shaped by the people who live and breathe the 24-hour economy. That’s why industry collaboration is a cornerstone in our 24-Hour Economy Strategy, and why we’ve established the 24-Hour Economy Advisory Council—to ensure industry collaboration leads the way in everything we do.
Established under the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Act 2023, the Advisory Council acts as our compass, helping us navigate the evolving landscape of nightlife, hospitality and entertainment. By drawing on the expertise of those at the heart of the industry and stakeholders across the night-time economy, we can steer policies and programs in the right direction, ensuring NSW’s going-out economy remains vibrant and dynamic around the clock.
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What does the Advisory Council do?
Think of the Advisory Council as a bridge between industry, government, and the community. Whether it’s boosting live entertainment, improving transport options, or supporting hospitality venues, the Council ensures that our efforts as an office are informed by those at the forefront of NSW’s 24-hour economy.
The Council is made up of a diverse group including industry representatives, local councils and business owners. There’s also a strong focus on representing regional NSW, making sure that the benefits of a vibrant 24-hour economy aren’t just limited to city centres.
It's exciting for us because it's an Advisory Council that reflects the remit of the office which is now of course across the state. We're now out to make sure that the work that Office [of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner] works for cities and country the same.
Michael Rodrigues, NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
Meet the Advisory Council members
The 24-Hour Economy Advisory Council was established in late 2024 and consists of 28 members. Council members are as follows:
- James Boyce – Grumpy Sailor Studios
- Anthony Byrne – United Workers Union
- Naysla Edwards – American Express
- Michael Gibb – Night Time Industries Association
- Sofia Gibson – City of Wollongong
- John Green – Australian Hotels Association NSW
- David Harding – Business NSW
- Serena Hardwick – Business NSW
- Libby Harris – City of Sydney Council
- Lucy Joseph – Live Music Office
- Carolin Lenehan – Business Events Sydney
- Matt Levinson – Committee for Sydney
- Gemma Lloyd – Sacred Country Consulting
- Paula Maling – First Nations Media Australia
- Joe Muller – MusicNSW
- Beau Neilson – The Vanguard
- Ash Nicholson – CBRE
- Todd Pinkerton – Unions NSW
- Aileen Robalino – City of Parramatta
- Karl Schlothauer – House of Pocket | YCK Laneways | Independent Bars Association NSW
- Jane Slingo – VibeLab | EMC
- Elliot Solomon – Solotel
- Alicia Talbot – Blacktown City Council
- Alison Tehan – ClubsNSW
- James Thorpe – Odd Culture Group
- Natalie Turmine – Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA)
- Phillip Wadds – UNSW Sydney
- James Winter – Brand X Productions Incorporated
The 24-Hour Economy Advisory Council helps guide us in developing purpose-driven programs that benefit those working across NSW, no matter their role.
Its insights shape policies that enhance safety, accessibility and vibrancy—ensuring NSW remains a global leader in night-time and 24-hour activities and a better place to live, work and play around the clock.
To find out more about the Advisory Council, or any of the work we do, you can reach out at contact@24houreconomy.nsw.gov.au