A TEAM from Newcastle has for the first time unveiled an innovative plan to transform the city into a going-out hub at a showcase hosted by the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner in Sydney.
The future of the state's night time economy took centre stage as teams of local businesses took centre stage last night at the Uptown Accelerator District Showcase.
It marks the end of the Uptown Accelerator, a twelve-week program of workshops designed to transform local business communities into vibrant destinations after dark.
For the first time, regional teams from Newcastle, the Central Coast and the Illawarra participated alongside Sydney.
More than 20 district teams presented their visions in two-minute pitches, which ranged in diversity and scope, but shared insights into the changing going-out landscapes across NSW.
Newcastle's "array of independent bars" joined forces to "put Midtown on the map" for brews and tunes.
"NSW is blessed with so many topographies, different nationalities and a story telling tradition dating back more than 60,000 years. We simply need to do a better job of elevating this tapestry for local communities and visitors to see and experience," 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said.
"While a shrimp on the barbie and a parmy down the local have their well-earned spot on our cultural buffet, there is way more to discover, to enjoy and inspire.
"What Uptown does is give groups of like-minded businesses the skills they need to shape narratives and experiences by working together that has the power to draw visitors from near and far, time and again."
