$1.9 million is being invested to support 10 districts from Wollongong and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region. The Wollongong recipients include Port Kembla Precinct, Bulli’s Black Diamond District, Thirroul Uptown Collective, Globe Lane, Keira Collective and the Lower Crown Quarter.
While further south, in the neighbouring Shoalhaven region, Berry Social, Huskisson’s Heart of Husky, Nowra Ignite and The Drive Sussex Inlet have all received program funding.
Across the state, thirty-seven precincts have received funding under the third round of the NSW Government’s $5.5 million Uptown Grant program.
This is the first time precincts in Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Illawarra have participated in the program.
Now in its third round, the Uptown District Acceleration Program is a key element of the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy. A catalyst for change, it supports place-based collaboration, branding and storytelling within districts, and provides a platform for districts to innovate with reduced risk and ultimately become self-sustainable in the future.
The program is delivered in 2 phases. The capacity-building Uptown Accelerator Program, which features a series of workshops designed to help Districts build on their unique vision, and the Uptown Grant Program.
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has also engaged with local government and industry in regional areas across NSW, to understand the unique needs, challenges and priorities of these areas to better understand how a program like Uptown could be rolled out across NSW.
All new Uptown districts will be featured on the NSW Government’s Neon Marketplace to help these Districts connect with the creative community and collaborate on local activations and initiatives.
For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/uptown-program
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham said:
“We’ve seen amazing success stories come out of the Uptown program, from District partnerships with major events like Vivid Sydney and SXSW Sydney to amazing community events and activations like the Inner West Ale Trail’s Inner West Country festival. I’m pleased to see districts from the state’s north, central coast and south coasts in the program.
“The Uptown Grant Program allows often cash-strapped businesses to work together and develop product offerings and promotional strategies that tell the stories of their local areas and encourage people to come, stay and spend.
“We want to create self-sustaining district initiatives that will go from strength to strength in promoting their vibrant local offerings and help promote our visitor economy for years to come.”
Minister Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira, Ryan Park said:
“Our beautiful Illawarra and South Coast region is renowned for its vibrant creative community and dynamic tourism and hospitality. The Uptown program is supporting local businesses to collaborate, develop and execute their vision.
“It’s great to see so many of our wonderful districts represented, from Berry and Huskisson to Nowra and Sussex Inlet. These regions have unique stories and offerings that will now be showcased to locals and visitors alike.
“We encourage people to venture out and discover some of our region’s hidden gems – whether you’re after an exciting activity, a relaxing overnight-trip or a delicious dining experience.”
Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:
“Wollongong is already one of NSW’s most iconic nightlife destinations and this program will help take it to the next level.
“From mini golf to our fantastic bars, restaurants and live music venues, Wollongong’s night life offers something for everyone.
“It’s wonderful to see Bulli, Thirroul, Globe Lane, Keira Collective, Lower Crown Quarter and Port Kembla getting an added boost from these grants.
“I look forward to seeing this funding further activate Wollongong’s thriving nightlife benefitting local businesses and making a night out in the Gong even more fun.”
Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart said:
“I am excited for Thirroul and Bulli to receive this fantastic support, so that people from far and wide can come to enjoy the treasures of my electorate. These areas are so well known for their glorious beaches during the day, it will be fantastic to match that vibrancy into the night, and support local artists and businesses to flourish.”
“The collaboration required by these groups in the planning of their programs is a testament to their passion, which will, no doubt, ensure success.”
“I can’t wait to see these precincts grow.”
Port Kembla Precinct (PK X) district lead and The Servo General Manager, James Spink said:
“The Uptown program has already been a catalyst for renewed energy and momentum in our planning and work with the district team. We’re honoured and excited to have our vision recognised and backed by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, and we’re excited about the positive change this will bring to Port Kembla,” he said.
“This grant is a game-changer for Port Kembla. It allows us to implement our strategic activation plan that supports our local businesses, creative community, artists, and community groups while building a more vibrant and inclusive cultural identity for the district in a timely manner and expedites the work of the district greatly.
“It’s not just a boost—it’s a transformation.”
