The inaugural Kiama Night-Time Economy Forum broke new ground in aligning local business operators, politicians and community leaders on a path towards shaping the town’s twilight and evening trading economy.

Monday’s event at The Pavilion was such a success that the attendees are keen to continue to catch up on a regular basis.

Hosted by Kiama Council in conjunction with the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, the forum aimed to connect local business owners, operators, and stakeholders to foster a shared vision around a more vibrant, inclusive and community-led Kiama After Dark.

There were 25 local business and industry stakeholders, including Kiama Business Network president Cathryn Lyall, Special Entertainment Precinct Working Group represntative Katelin McInerny, local councillors Melissa Matters, Matt Brown, Melinda Lawson and Stuart Larkins, and Kiama Council’s director of planning, environment and communities Ed Paterson.

Kiama Council’s tourism and economic development manager Sally Bursell and Ashleigh Smith, associate director of eEngagement for the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, made presentations at the forum about options on the way forward for the town to grow the night-time economy.

Bursell said the forum shifted the focus beyond alcohol-based venues to embrace a broader definition of the night-time economy, including “lights, eats, beats.”

The aim is to explore opportunities to grow Kiama’s after-dark identity in line with community values and local strengths, to encourage local leadership and collaboration while providing a platform to contribute ideas for the emerging Visitor Economy Strategy, which includes the development of a Night-Time Economy Strategy.

“It was all really positive, I was a bit nervous walking in because there’s lots of passionate people with big ideas but the whole purpose was to get people together to start talking among themselves because there’s only limited things we can do from a Council point of view,” she said.

“To remind them that they pla a part was really valuable and the takeaways that they wanted to get together on a regular basis between themselves and keep the communication lines open going forward so that in itself was the most positive step that we’ve had in a number of years.

“It was a valuable step forward.”

Little Betty's. Photo: Jon Harris

Kiama is at the “emerging stage” of the NSW Night-Time Economy Maturity Framework and the first step in that process is getting the local leaders and business operators together to identify the barriers and where opportunities are in the local government area.

Further work will be done to develop the Visitor Economy Strategy which will incorporate the night-time strategy with a view to submitting grant applications from the state government to fulfil the vision that Council wants for Kiama’s after dark economy after also consulting with ratepayers.

In her presentation, Smith outlined how the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner can support regional towns like Kiama with government initiatives and grant programs.

She emphasised a holistic view of night-time vibrancy, including the arts, food, connection, safety and community identity, was the way forward.

As part of the forum, the attendees were separated into small groups to formulate a vision for "Our Kiama After Dark".

The common themes of this exercise were that Kiama needed a night-time economy that was safe, accessible, connected and vibrant.

Precinct planning will explore options for after-dark districts or groupings but local residents should not be concerned that Kiama will transform into a hotbed of loud, late-night activity.

“While Kiama is markedly different from larger centres that have a thriving night-time economy, we can pursue a future that may not promise immediate transformation but builds steadily by leaning into what makes us unique - our rich culture and history, our commitment to safety and community, our celebrated events, and the natural beauty that surrounds us,” Bursell added.

“From this foundation, Kiama can develop a night-time economy that is not only active and engaging but also deeply reflective of our character.

“A future where locals and visitors alike can experience Kiama’s charm after dark - connected, enriched, and inspired.”

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council wanted to provide businesses with the opportunity to open up later to employ more local staff.

“It's about enabling a vibrant economy into the night to attract people into the area so that our business can flourish,” he said.

"Although we just won the Top Tourist Town 2025, we're more than just a tourist town.

“We're a town that the local people want to enjoy as well. A vibrant nighttime economy - and from an arts and cultural perspective - is something that I think we should aspire to.”