Purple Flag program waves in a new era

NSW is already home to four established Purple Flag precincts including the YCK (York, Clarence and Kent streets) Laneways’ small bar scene, Lakemba’s multicultural nightlife precinct, Parramatta CBD’s eat street district and Marrickville’s live music hub.

Through the program these Purple Flag precincts have been accredited as welcoming, diverse and vibrant going-out destinations. Purple Flag precincts help to strengthen local coordination and collaboration in night-time precinct management and improve perceptions of safety for women and gender diverse people. 

Some of the place-based initiatives being led across the state’s Purple Flag accredited precincts to continuously improve visitor experience include: 

• Marrickville's new parklets which saw new street furniture and greenery rolled out in two locations with wider, under-utilised footpaths in Marrickville’s main street. These rest points have enhanced the main street experience inviting locals and visitors to enjoy more time in Marrickville.
• Lakemba’s Her Way project, which involved installing lighting between the Women’s Rest Centre laneway and nearby car parks, as well as the installation of a light-up ‘Lakemba’ sign and tree lighting near the train station, creating a more welcoming and secure environment after dark.
• YCK Laneway’s work to improve patron safety including through awareness of the Clarence Street Taxi rank as well as the adoption of the SafeSpace platform. SafeSpace is an independent digital support service designed to support venue staff of all backgrounds that enables employees to report harmful behaviour. 

Purple Flag is an internationally recognised initiative that has been rolled out in over 100 locations in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia and Malta. 

Accredited Purple Flag areas allow members of the public to quickly identify districts that offer a diverse and well-managed night-time scene with a range of dining, cultural and entertainment options.  

The program provides a clear pathway for precincts to improve their offering and experience for visitors but also provides a powerful motivator and organising tool for councils and businesses looking to coordinate and reinvigorate their night-time economy. Precincts and councils in Greater Sydney interested in exploring how the Purple Flag program could work in their Local Government Area (LGA) can visit the Purple Flag webpage for more information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/purple-flag/purple-flag-registration-of-interest. The ROI is now open and will close on 8 September 2025.  

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said: 

“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. 

“From Lakemba’s vibrant multicultural eat street to Marrickville’s iconic live music hub, each Purple Flag precinct is as unique as the LGAs they are located in. 

“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.” 

 City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter: 

“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.” 

Burwood Council Mayor John Faker: 

“The Purple Flag program is yet another way of signalling to visitors and locals that Burwood is a welcoming and vibrant destination for a great night out. 

“Programs like this provide a clear benchmark and valuable support for thriving, well-managed night-time economies; boosting awareness, increasing visitation, and supporting the delivery of exceptional experiences for everyone who spends time in Burwood after dark.”