12 February 2021

It was with great sorrow that local government marked the passing of Cobar Mayor Lillianne Brady OAM last weekend – NSW’s longest-serving female mayor, and a councillor with an unwavering commitment to the community she loved.

Lilliane – an irrepressible, unmitigated force of nature – died peacefully in Cobar hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning after more than two decades as mayor and four as a councillor.

Her advocacy on behalf of her community was legendary and continued right until her death, as she sought a new hospital, better infrastructure, and a fairer return of the mining royalties that flow from the town to the NSW Office of State Revenue.

Lilliane’s achievements are far too many to list, and we welcome the State Government agreeing to our request for a State Funeral in Cobar to mourn her passing and celebrate her magnificent life. I know I will see many of you there on Friday 19 February.

Our deepest condolences go to Lilliane’s family, friends, and the community of Cobar.

Sydney’s first 24-hour Economy Commissioner
This week we congratulated Time Out Managing Director Michael Rodriguez on his appointment to the role of 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, responsible for implementing the NSW Government’s Sydney 24 Hour Economy Strategy.

This strategy formally recognises the important role of councils in supporting and enabling vibrant, safe, and sustainable night-time economies, so it is great news that the State Government listened to our calls to establish and fill this role.

But it is important to extend the economic benefits of night-time economies beyond Sydney, by developing a complementary Regional Strategy. NSW’s many vibrant regional hubs deserve no less as we seek to maximise the state’s recovery from the economic impact of bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In line with Lake Macquarie City Council’s motion at our 2020 Annual Conference, we are calling for the establishment of a new role of Parliamentary Secretary for the night-time economy, supported by an advisory group involving councils and representatives of the arts, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.

The arts, music, hospitality, and entertainment have been among the hardest hit by the COVID pandemic, so it is particularly fitting that we bolster broader economic recovery by helping them get back on their feet. You can read more in our media release.

We look forward to working with Michael to bring the 24-Hour Strategy to life and urge him to engage closely with the Night Time Economy Councils’ Committee (NTECC),  LGNSW and the broader local government sector.

Advocacy Wins

• Council-run venues eligible for Dine and Discover NSW Voucher Scheme – Following LGNSW advocacy, the NSW Government has confirmed that council-run venues will be eligible to participate in the Dine and Discover NSW voucher scheme, which will provide each NSW resident aged 18 and over with four $25 vouchers. Two of the four vouchers can be used for entertainment and recreation at cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues. With councils running so many of NSW’s theatres, galleries and arts and cultural venues, this is terrific news for councils and their communities and will support artists, performers, and creatives across the state. Council venues and local businesses can register online to participate in the Dine & Discover NSW Voucher Scheme.
  More information
• 24-Hour Economy Commissioner – The appointment announced this week (see above) is a great outcome after a great deal of hard advocacy work by LGNSW and the  NTECC, established in late 2016 by LGNSW, Waverley Council, and Wollongong, Parramatta, Newcastle and Sydney City councils. The committee has now grown to include Penrith, Northern Beaches, Randwick and Inner West Councils, as well as Ryde, Canterbury-Bankstown, Lake Macquarie and Liverpool City councils. Well done all! With everyone in our sector focused on rebuilding local economies in the wake of 2020’s drought, bushfires and pandemic, it’s especially terrific to get a win in this area – and LGNSW is committed to extending the benefits to regional NSW as part of our push to support a locally led recovery.

Reminder

• With the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner due to start work from next month, now is a good time for council staff to extend their knowledge of night-time economy facilitation. The NTECC runs masterclasses for council staff in a series that has so far included Strategy Development, Effective Business Engagement, Urban Planning, and managing the issue of sound in a night-time economy. You can access more information by emailing Elizabeth Robertson, LGNSW Senior Policy Officer.
• Don’t forget our dedicated members' room and meeting space is available for your use when in the city! I invite you to call  the LGNSW Office Manager on 02 9242 4000 to arrange a visit or to book the space.

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