What Is The Purple Flag Program Popping Up Around Sydney?

Want to fly the Purple Flag? You are in luck- the Purple Flag Program has opened registrations of interest for night-time precincts and local councils.

The Purple Flag program recognises night-time precincts that are safe, diverse, and vibrant for the public, helping to create a safer environment for women and gender diverse people.

Ensuring the venue’s safety and diversity, initiatives like creating rest points on main streets, installing more streetlights, creating awareness of taxi ranks, and the adoption of digital support services like SafeSpace were implemented by already established purple flag precincts.

Sydney is home to four regions that are already established Purple Flag precincts: Parramatta’s CBDs “Eat Street”, Marrickville’s live Music hub, Lakemba’s multicultural nightlife precinct, and YCK (York, Clarence, and Kent streets in Sydney’s CBD).

Among local Sydney locations, the program is internationally recognised with over one hundred locations across New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Sweden, and Australia.

Four precincts established, with more to come

The YCK laneways are one of the four established Purple Flag precincts, accredited in 2023, the venue continues to implement initiatives that make the venue increasingly safe and fun.

Karl Schlothauer, Vice President of YCK Laneways, says that through the collaboration with the Purple Flag program, they have been able to “open a lot of doors” with the combined power, allowing the venue to venture into safety initiatives and areas of hospitality that they would not be able to do alone.

“The accreditation has opened doors to the big corporations of the world,” Schlothauer told CityHub.

Schlothauer, who is also an Advisory Council member for the 24-hour Economy, explained that the motivator to join the Purple Flags Program was to have a clearer understanding of the precincts that his venues run in.

“For me to better understand how the precinct works, there are a lot of elements and stakeholders involved,” he said. “It gave us a real sense of place, what makes a good precinct.”

Michael Rodrigues, the 24-hour Economy Commissioner, said that the Purple Flag is a “global signal” to the public that the venues they choose to go to are well-managed and vibrant.

“These precincts offer a diverse range of activities and activations, as well as easily accessible transport options so visitors can get home safely,” explained Rodrigues.

“From Lakemba’s vibrant multicultural eat street to Marrickville’s iconic live music hub, each Purple Flag precinct is as unique as the LGAs they are located in.

“We encourage councils and precincts across Sydney who are interested in finding out more about this program or how a Purple Flag could work in their LGA to register their interest.”

Local mayors thrilled with program

The Purple Flag Program aims to create more business for local venues. City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter says that the program is a “massive win” for local businesses.

“We want Parramatta to be a ‘go to’ destination after dark where people can enjoy fabulous food, a drink with friends and a taste of our vibrant nightlife – all in a safe environment and close to transport,” he said.

“Purple Flag recognition has been shown to boost visitation and raise the profile of night-life precincts internationally and is a massive win for local businesses.”

Burwood Council Mayor John Faker claims that the Purple Flag program is a way of signalling to visitors and locals that Burwood is a “welcoming and vibrant destination for a great night out.”

“Programs like this provide a clear benchmark and valuable support for thriving, well-managed, night-time economies; boosting awareness, increasing visitation, and supporting the delivery of exceptional experiences for everyone who spends time in Burwood after dark.” says John Faker