Who’s driving the Illawarra’s nightlife reset — and what they’re changing
Local business groups roll out plans to boost activity; plus more comings and goings in the business community
A year on from more than $1.1 million being injected into the Illawarra’s nightlife economy through the NSW Government’s Uptown program, newly-formed business groups are starting to roll out their plans.
Across Keira Street, Bulli, Port Kembla, Lower Crown Quarter, Thirroul and Globe Lane, locally led groups have spent the past 12 months forming organisations, aligning businesses and testing how they can work more collectively.
While the funding helped establish them, those involved say the more significant shift lies in how these areas are now being managed.
The groups are taking on roles that sit somewhere between traditional business chambers, event organisers and place managers, with a focus on hospitality, nightlife and the visitor economy.
In Wollongong’s CBD, the Keira Street precinct — operating as the Keira Collective — is being shaped by former RDA Illawarra chief executive Debra Murphy.
The focus has been on getting venues to think beyond their own footprint, encouraging visitors to move between locations and spend longer within the CBD.
Murphy said early work has also involved addressing practical barriers, including perceptions around parking, lighting and safety, noting there are more than 5000 car spaces in the CBD, most of which are free after 5.30pm.
In Bulli, the leadership profile looks different again.
The district is being driven by Yours and Owls festival founder Balunn Jones, while business partner Adam Smith is heading up the Thirroul Arts and Entertainment Collective, bringing an events and cultural production lens to the model.
Jones said there had been a push to bring experienced operators or, in his words, “big hitters”, into regional districts as part of the Uptown rollout.
The group is focused on repositioning Bulli from a pass-through suburb into a destination, using recurring activations and community-led programming to build identity over time.
“A lot of it is actually working with the community and local businesses to make something that works for everybody,” he said.
While Smith said a focus on a unified message was proving key to success for Thirroul.
“Like many regional centres, it’s been about visibility and coordination. There’s always been great venues and culture here, but not always a clear, unified message about what’s on or why to visit,” he said.
“Transport and perceptions around “what’s open” at night also play a role. The District is really about addressing those gaps, making it easier for people to discover what’s happening and encouraging a more connected, vibrant night-time offering.”
In Port Kembla, precinct co-coordinator Ellie McNeill, who is working alongside James Spink, said the priority has been to bring businesses together and improve how the area presents itself to visitors.
“We’re not trying to reinvent what we’re doing, but really enhance what is already so special about Port Kembla,” she said.
“We’re amplifying the businesses that are here and the initiatives that have already been started - giving them more of a platform and a voice, and showcasing Port Kembla’s identity in that way.”
The precinct has introduced regular programming, including a Thursday night “PK Night Shift” and Sunday “Meet the Maker” events, aimed at creating consistent entry points for visitors.
McNeill said efforts to attract visitors to Port Kembla had been made in the past, but sustainability had been a challenge, with the Uptown funding providing greater certainty. “People have tried before, but it sort of sparks and burns out because we don’t have that sustained backing,” she said.
While each area is taking a different approach, all are focused on driving foot traffic through coordination, storytelling and repeat activation.
“When businesses come together, the impact is bigger than what any one venue can do on its own,” Jones said.
A further funding round closed in March, offering additional groups the opportunity to apply and existing organisations the chance to build on their initial programs.
And yes, as it’s another short week, here’s a few more business briefs
Comings and goings …
The Boathouse North Wollongong has two recognisable Illawarra faces now leading the kitchen - Andy Burns and Karl Paino.
Burns, who spent nearly a decade at the acclaimed Wollongong CBD restaurant Babyface Kitchen, is the executive chef; with Paino the head chef after stints at HalfDay Deli and Opus Coffee Brewers.
Together, they’re intending to a food experience built on great produce, and designed to be shared across full tables.
Basketball Illawarra changes
Ben Bagoly’s time as head of basketball at Basketball Illawarra is over. The organisation is chasing “an exceptional basketball leader to step into one of the most exciting roles in regional basketball - General Manager, Basketball Operations”.
Executive General Manager Nathan Loveday praised Bagoly’s balanced leadership and “strong commitment to professionalism and integrity”.
There’s also the part-time position of NBL1 manager available at the organisation. Applications for both roles close on Friday, April 17, 2026.
EV charging network to expand
Wollongong City Council is progressing a significant expansion of the city’s public EV charging infrastructure.
Seven new kerbside charging sites have been identified across the city, alongside additional fast chargers to be installed at the Bong Bong Street carpark in Dapto. Both were approved by the Local Traffic Forum last month, with installation targeted for completion by end of June 2026.
The majority of new sites are co-funded through Round 2 of the NSW Government’s Electric Vehicle Kerbside Charging Grant. This state funding underpins the council’s ability to expand its public charging network and supports broader community access for EV drivers.
The five on-street locations are:
14 George Street, Wollongong; 12-22 Victoria Street, Wollongong; Georges Place, Wollongong
Railway Parade, Thirroul
Austinmer Tennis Courts, Austinmer
According to Transport for NSW data, Wollongong ranks as the fourth-fastest growing LGA in NSW for EV uptake.
Forbes Australia 2026 Women’s Summit
Forbes Australia has confirmed the return of its Women’s Summit for May 6, 2026. Now in its third year, the event centres on the theme “Building What’s Next.” The summit aims to connect influential leaders and innovators to discuss strategies shaping the coming decade. Curated by Editor-in-Chief Sarah O’Carroll, the program focuses on translating bold ideas into tangible economic impact. Lancôme joins the summit as the official presenting partner.
The initial speaker lineup has been revealed. The full list, plus a link to tickets, is available here.
Megan Gale: Lancôme Brand Ambassador
Geraldine Slattery: President Australia, BHP
Satya Tammareddy: Head of Go-To-Market ANZ, OpenAI
Bruna Papandrea: CEO, Made Up Stories
Kayla Itsines: Co-Founder, Sweat
Monica Saunders-Weinberg: Co-Vice Chair, Terrace Tower Group
Susie Grehl: Executive GM, CBA
Chloe Fisher: Entrepreneur and Podcaster
Katrina Leslie: Founder, swipejobs
Bahar Etminan: Founder, Ageless Radiance Club
Trish Botha: MD, Australian Indigenous AI Solutions
Annie Liao: Founder, Build Club
Grace Toombs: Founder, June Health
Alexis Fernandez-Preiska: Neuroscientist and Coach
Big ticket
There’s still tickets available for the Get Together Music Festival at Wombarra Bowlo on Saturday, April 11. There’s 10 hours of entertainment lined up from 1pm, culminating with headliner Alex Lloyd. Don’t miss Elana Stone - check out the video below: another Illawarra production. Tickets available here