Purple Flag

Cabramatta Town Centre

What is Purple Flag?

Purple Flag is an internationally recognised accreditation program which celebrates precincts that achieve high standards of excellence in managing their night-time economy. 

Purple Flag is the first of its kind in Australia, with Sydney joining over 90 global destinations that have the Purple Flag. Other regions include Stockholm, Sweden; Aberdeen, Scotland; Dublin, Ireland; Auckland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Purple Flag is administered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, in partnership with the UK Association of Town and City Management (ATCM). The program will also work closely with other state government agencies, local government, police, healthcare professionals, business, industry groups and consumers.

Sydney now has four accredited Purple Flag areas which are:

  • YCK (York, Clarence, and Kent Streets) in the CBD
  • Parramatta CBD
  • Haldon Street, Lakemba
  • Illawarra Road, Marrickville

When you see the Purple Flag sign, you’ll know the area meets standards of excellence in vibrancy, diversity and safety at night. This includes good access to public transport, street lighting and great food and beverage.

The Purple Flag program is a key initiative of the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy.

Purple Flag Core Principles and Attributes

A precinct that meets or exceeds these5 Core Principles will achieve Purple Flag accreditation:

Wellbeing: Welcoming, clean and safe

  • Safety: Proportionate levels of visible, effective policing, capable guardians that can de-escalate situations before they occur and active surveillance.
  • Care: Responsible guardianship, customer care and concern for community health.
  • Regulation: Positive and proactive approach to licensing and regulation.
  • Services: Appropriate levels of cleansing and waste, and access to public amenities.
  • Partnership: The active involvement of business, liquor accords or other associations in contributing to a welcoming, clean and safe precinct.
  • Perceptions: A valid and positive presentation of the area to customers.

Movement: A secure pattern of arrival, circulation and departure

  • Public transport: Safe, affordable, well-managed late-night public transport, including adequate provision for taxi, ride share and other on-demand drop-off and pick-up services.
  • Car parking: Where appropriate, availability of secure late-night car parking.
  • Pedestrian routes: Clear, safe and convenient pedestrian links within the precinct and when leaving the area.
  • Crowd management: Where applicable, measures to deal with overcrowding, congestion, and conflict between pedestrians and moving vehicles.
  • Information: Practical information and guidance available for visitors to the area.
  • Partnership: Business, venues and transport operator commitment and participation to support the safe movement of people and vehicles.

Appeal: A vibrant choice and rich mix of entertainment and activity

  • Food and dining: A diverse choice of food venues including affordable options.
  • Pubs and bars: Well-managed venues. Catering to varied tastes, including regular programming or cultural activities as appropriate to the area.
  • Late night venues: Where applicable, diversity in late night venues (trading after 9pm) beyond food and drink options including but not limited to entertainment and shops. The late-night offer should complement the diverse appeal of the precinct as a whole.
  • Early evening activity: An active early evening period, such as late opening shops, sporting and leisure opportunities, and night markets that offer a diverse appeal to all age groups.
  • Building use: Creative and imaginative use of buildings in the evening and at night.
  • Arts and culture: A vibrant, inclusive arts and cultural scene either through regular programming in venues or/and through events.

Place: A stimulating destination and vibrant place

  • Location: Appropriate location, clustering, and capacity of venue types and amenities.
  • Diversity: A successful balance of uses.
  • Clarity: Clear, accessible pedestrian links and wayfinding.
  • Animation: Attractive, well-used public places, active streets and building frontages.
  • Good design: Thoughtful and imaginative design for the night.
  • Identity: Character and identity through natural and built features to reinforce appeal in addition to social, historical, and cultural significance and connections to community.

Strategic Alignment: A clear aim and a common purpose

  • Data: Access to data to support a sound statistical base for policy-making and action.
  • Strategy: Positive strategic objectives and targets.
  • Coordination: Public policy and regulatory coordination and focus.
  • Leadership: Clear responsibilities for policy and action.
  • Partnership: Multi-sector endorsement and commitment across local and state government agencies, private businesses, associations, and liquor accords.
  • Community: Dialogue with consumers and residents.

Why is Purple Flag important?

NSW is home to many vibrant and diverse night-time precincts. The Purple Flag program aims to make these areas even better by setting even higher standards for safety, inclusivity and enjoyment.

In line with the NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy, the program helps to:

  • create diverse and vibrant precincts
  • foster a safe and inclusive night-time economy
  • encourage the state government, local council, businesses and community sectors to work together toward similar goals
  • support precincts to achieve excellent night-time management.

Find out more about Purple Flag

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