Sydney to Trial ‘Purple Flag’, a Program That Marks Safe Nightlife Spots

Sydney revelers will know where the safe party is at as the NSW government will roll out a pilot purple flag program to identify low-risk nightlife spots in January.

The system – already present in global cities like London and Stockholm – will grant the purple flag status to nightlife hubs based on their public access transport, adequate street lighting, and area. 

Similar to the red and yellow flags placed on patrolled Australian beaches to signal lifesaving services, the initiative aims to create a secure, well-managed nightlife scene. 

At the beginning of 2023, the NSW government will assess four Sydney areas for the purple flag status. The parameters include the YCK (York, Clarence, and Kent) precinct in the CBD, Church Street in Parramatta, Marrickville and Illawarra roads in Marrickville, and Lakemba’s Haldon Street.

The program is expected to be rolled out in more districts later next year. 

As part of the NSW government’s plan to boost Sydney’s 24-hour-economy, the scheme aims to create a safe and well-managed nightlife scene. Australia’s 24-hour commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the purple flag would become a distinct tick of approval for safe nightlife hotspots. 

“The pilot program is a key deliverable from our 24-Hour Economy strategy and will further enhance the revitalisation of Sydney’s nightlife.”