The campaign to breathe life back into Sydney and NSW’s night-time economy is gathering pace, with leading players coming together to launch the Unite for the Night campaign.
Following a 20,000 strong turnout at the Don’t Kill Live Music Rally, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has announced a fundraising gig to kick off Unite for the Night. All those with an interest in the night-time economy are urged to come along and support the industry, or push awareness through your venues to help sell tickets for the gig.
NTIA Chair Michael Rodrigues said there will be a special one-off concert on March 7 at the Metro Theatre in the Sydney CBD to kick-off Unite for the Night.
“The state of our night time economy has rapidly become a top line issue in the NSW election,” Rodrigues said.
“Sydney and NSWs’ night life is slowly being strangled by endless red tape. 176 venues gone already and 100s more under pressure.
“This is the night fun fights back.
“Top local comedians Matt Okine, Tom Ballard, Mel Buttle and Cameron James will perform alongside musicians Gordi, I Know Leopard, Josh Pyke and Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe), in a show produced by the team from Julian Morrow’s Giant Dwarf.
“This is a campaign to create positive change for Sydney’s night time economy. The campaign aims to educate people about the policies and commitments of the major parties leading into the March 23 NSW Election.
“It’s time for Sydney to wake up. If we don’t act now our city will be a cultureless palliative care facility in 10 years. I won’t accept that as an outcome for my kids. I urge government to have a good hard look at the bureaucratic mess on its hands, appoint a night-time minister and fix it.”
The NTIA has been successful in changing the narrative around Sydney’s night-time economy and shifting the mindset from one of violence, alcohol, police and health to a more positive view of night-time economy, cultural value and city vibrancy.
Rodrigues added: “Our industry will turn out in numbers on March 7 at the Metro and we’d love to see passionate Sydneysiders join us in this much needed campaign to revitalise our city. I can’t put it any better than one of our founding members Jake Smyth from the Mary’s Group: If we want our culture we have to fight for it.”
The Unite for the Night campaign is backed by hospitality and entertainment venues; festivals; retail operators; arts and culture organisations from across NSW and will be the first time these groups have banded together to put these issues on the political agenda.
Confirmed performers on the night include Gordi, I Know Leopard, Josh Pyke and Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe) as well as stand up from Cameron James, Matt Okine, Mel Buttle and Tom Ballard, with Danny Clayton hosting.
All funds raised at the concert will be used to drive positive change, both pre and post-election. For more information go to www.uniteforthenight.org.au.
