Business NSW is playing a crucial role in ensuring that regional businesses are part of the state’s expanding 24-Hour Economy Strategy. 

Regional Director for Riverina-Murray, Serena Hardwick, attended the 24-Hour Economy NSW Advisory Committee meeting in Sydney last month, where she reinforced the need for a framework that supports industry-led activation and collaboration beyond the city limits.

“We are there to explore the economic opportunities for businesses in regional areas throughout a full 24-hour cycle, not just at night,” Ms Hardwick said.

“The creation of vibrant precincts in regional cities and towns enhances liveability, making it easier to attract and retain skilled workers while also promoting our regions as thriving places to live and work.”

As the regional representative on the Advisory Council, Ms Hardwick is advocating for policies that address common misconceptions about regional business potential.

She highlighted that regional areas have significant opportunities to activate their night-time economy by fostering rewarding hospitality careers through ‘paddock-to-plate’ experiences and supporting thriving retail, creative, and tourism sectors.

24-hour Economy NSW Advisory Committee meeting  |  March 2025

At an Open Mike Night event hosted by 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues, Ms Hardwick joined The Hon. John Graham, Minister for the Arts, Music, Night-time Economy, and Jobs, in discussing how regional areas can benefit from initiatives like the Special Entertainment Precincts and Vibrancy Reforms.

“Our regional centres have unique identities and strengths, and when we take a local placemaking approach, we enhance not just the business community but the cultural fabric of our towns,” Ms Hardwick said. 

“We want to foster collaboration over competition, ensuring regional businesses can grow and contribute meaningfully to our local economies.”

Since its establishment in 2022, the 24-Hour Economy Office has been working to revitalise Sydney’s night-time economy. 

In 2024, its remit expanded to include all of NSW, ensuring that regional areas are part of the state’s broader economic vision. Business NSW remains committed to working alongside members, local businesses, and government to ensure that the 24-Hour Economy Strategy delivers lasting benefits across the state.

Regional members looking to engage should contact Serena via serena.hardwick@businessnsw.com.