Wagga Wagga has secured a $200,000 grant through the NSW Government’s Regional Night-Time Economy Program to support a new collaborative initiative designed to activate the city centre from day to night.

The funding will enable a Business Collective of local venues, creatives and event producers, supported by the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, to deliver seasonal weekend activations across the CBD between July 2026 and June 2027.

Delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, the Regional Night-Time Economy pilot program is providing $2 million to ten regional business collectives across NSW to help grow local night-time economies and increase activity between 6pm and 6am.

The funding will support project coordination, marketing and event delivery, with local businesses forming a collective that will meet regularly, participate in a bootcamp and collaborate to plan and deliver the activations.

The local initiative will focus on coordinated activations across Baylis and Fitzmaurice streets, encouraging visitors and locals to move between venues through live music, hospitality experiences and creative programming.

The Business Collective currently includes Assembld, King Events, Bar Olivette, Birdy Bar and Birdy Brew, Mr Lawrence, Romano’s and The Astor.

These businesses form the core project team, with most volunteering their time to lead and deliver the initiative. All local businesses are encouraged to get involved and share in the benefits of a more vibrant night-time economy.

Further details will be shared as the project progresses in line with the grant funding requirements.

Wagga Wagga Business Chamber Business Manager Sally Manning said the funding would strengthen collaboration across the local hospitality and events sector.

“This funding is a significant opportunity for Wagga Wagga, bringing businesses together and encouraging all local businesses to get involved in creating a more vibrant, connected city centre after dark.”

Planning for the program is now underway, with the first activations expected to take place later this year.