News From Downunder

What Sydney Wants After Dark

The city of Sydney unveiled the first look of its comprehensive “Late Night Economy Policy.”

It consulted with residents, the liquor industry, retail, emergency services residents, visitors, tourists and clubbers between April and June.

Suggestions included more public transport through the night; extended trading hours for retail, museums and libraries; more outdoor venues for pop-up events and more options for late-night quality dining.

Also on the list were more visible policing; 24-hour services like pharmacies, gyms, supermarkets, hairdressers and health clinics; live music in libraries or car parks; lighting up sculptures, monuments and buildings to make the city more welcoming; using shop windows as spaces for displaying artworks; and a new “what’s open” and “what’s on” after dark smartphone app and website, supported by more wi-fi hotspots.

“Sydneysiders want a city where getting a haircut at midnight is as easy as getting a quality meal or a drink and where a stroll through illuminated streets and parks could take you past buskers or actors reciting Shakespeare,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. “We want Sydney after dark to be the envy of any city in the world.

“Sydney’s night-time economy has boomed over the years, but infrastructure and services just haven’t kept pace.”

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‘Rock of Ages’ Run Postponed

A race between Sydney and Melbourne to host the most musical premieres has snared a scalp.

Rodney Rigby from Newtheatricals postponed the Sydney run of the ’80s-themed “Rock Of Ages” production, citing sluggish sales.

After lengthy runs in Melbourne and Brisbane, “Rock Of Ages” was to launch at the Theatre Royal Jan. 11, the same week “Annie” and “Love Never Dies” start their runs.

Both slashed preview tickets to as low as A$55 and $65 respectively.

Before and during January, Sydney consumers have to decide between “Jersey Boys,” “Mary Poppins,” 60 events of the Sydney Festival, Opera Australia’s “The Magic Flute” and “Richard III” starring Kevin Spacey.

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Helpmanns Stay

The Helpmann Awards, staged annually by peak association Live Performance Australia, will stay in Sydney for a further three years after a deal was struck with Destination NSW.

“This is a major coup for Sydney and it is another indication that NSW is back in the business of staging major events,” said George Souris, Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts.

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New Winery Tour Sponsor
In its sixth year, Civic Events’ More FM Winery Tour changes its name to Classic Hits Winery Tour following a new naming rights deal.

The 2002 run features Universal Music signed singer-songwriter Gin Wigmore, the iconic The Mutton Birds who are reuniting after 10 years just for this trek, and new hit band Avalanche City.

The tour takes in 16 shows in 14 wineries Feb. 3 to March 3.

Co-promoter Brent Eccles says the 2012 run “has another strong New Zealand line-up reminding us all of the depth of NZ talent, long may it be!”