Events like Kiama Winter Festival have helped bring some nightlife to Kiama, but more is needed. Photo: Supplied.
Kiama’s evening and twilight trading is up for discussion, with business owners, operators and community members invited to shape a more vibrant and sustainable night-time economy at a special forum on 2 June.
Led by Kiama Council in partnership with the NSW Government’s Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, the Night-Time Economy Forum will explore how to unlock the town’s after-hours potential while preserving its coastal charm.
Since COVID, funding helped pave the way for events like Kiama’s Winter Festival, but current regulatory settings have made it too difficult and expensive for many, with the likes of the popular KISS Arts Fest nearly being lost last year.
Kiama resident Katelin McInerney shared with Region last month (April) how a small group of creatives, musicians, business owners and live music lovers had banded together to work with council to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) – a designated cultural zone to allow longer trading hours, live entertainment, outdoor dining, pop-up cultural events and more generous sound limits.
Katelin started a petition to gather community support, with hundreds of residents and visitors signed on to the creation of a SEP, and councillors unanimously giving the idea the nod.
Council’s tourism and economic development manager Sally Bursell said while council was unsuccessful in its recent SEP Kickstart Grant application to establish a SEP in Kiama, there remained a strong appetite to support businesses that were interested in expanding their night-time operations.
“There’s little point changing the rules for businesses that don’t want to stay open later – but for those that do, we can support that ambition,” Sally said.
She said the forum hoped to bring together a cross-section of voices from Kiama’s business, hospitality, cultural and tourism sectors to help shape a shared vision for a vibrant, safe and sustainable night-time economy.
Tourism and Economic Development Committee chairman Cr Matt Brown said the benefits would be far reaching.
“We know that Kiama has incredible potential to strengthen its twilight economy – not just for visitors, but for the benefit of our community, our creatives, and our small businesses,” Cr Brown said.
He said the session would explore key themes such as trading conditions, planning and licensing opportunities, cultural activation, safety, and what enablers or barriers existed.
This initiative is part of council’s broader engagement with the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms and the work of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, which seeks to support councils, businesses and the community to build vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe 24-hour economies across NSW.
The outcome of this forum will also feed into the council’s Visitor Economy Strategy.
Council is seeking attendance and input from those with an interest in building a more dynamic night-time offering, while preserving Kiama’s unique charm and community amenity.
The Night-Time Economy Forum will be held on 2 June from 3:30 to 5 pm, downstairs, at The Pavilion, Kiama.
To contribute ideas and help guide the future of after-dark experiences in Kiama, register to attend.
