Queensland’s Night-Life Economy Commissioner has been given a diverse group of back-up performers to help drive the state’s after-hours activity.
Appointed in September last year to the new role, former Powderfinger bassist John ‘JC’ Collins has now been provided with a 15-strong expert panel to help him deliver on his goals.
State Youth Minister Sam O’Connor said Mr Collins would chair the new panel which was made up of live music venue operators, event promoters, hotel and club representatives, performers, academics, charities and Safe Night Precinct workers from across our state.
Minister O’Connor said the panel would consider a range of issues relevant to the success of late-night economies across Queensland, including economic and business operating conditions, regulatory settings, workforce, transport and safety.
He said Mr Collins, now a music venue operator, had been tasked with encouraging the growth and sustainability of the tens of thousands of businesses which drive the industry.
“His work will aid state and local government decision-making on ways to support the sector, providing jobs for Queenslanders, as well as ensuring locals and visitors can have a great night out, wherever they are in the State.”
Minister O’Connor said the new panel was expected to meet for the first time next month (February).
“I’m confident this panel will be able to work with JC to build on the nightlife economy that already exists,” Minister O’Connor said.
“It’s no secret many businesses, including small and family operators in this sector have gone to the wall, and thousands of others are doing it tough, having struggled to survive the COVID pandemic only to be hit with the cost-of-living crisis,”
Mr Collins said the panel would help amplify strategies to boost the state’s nightlife economy.
“I’ve lived the nightlife economy for most of my life – from being a teenager interested in music, to helping form Powderfinger, and now as a venue operator.
“I know that in this panel we have experts from all the different aspects of this sector.
“I’m confident that between us we can develop some amazing strategies to have it marching to a new beat, and at the same time boost resilience and sustainability.”
The panel of members are:
- John Collins (Chair): Co-Owner, Fortitude Valley Music Hall.
- Lindsay Carroll: Acting CEO, National Retail Association.
- Jackie Cross: Director, Cross Promotions. Director, Experience Gold Coast.
- Charlie Cush: CEO, Brisbane Festival.
- Kelly Egan: CEO, Clubs Qld.
- Aunty Bridget Garay. Art and Cultural Consultant.
- Bernie Hogan: CEO, QLD Hotels Association.
- Naomi Price: Co-Founder, The Little Red Company.
- Jacinta Reddan: CEO, Advance Cairns.
- Tim Richardson: CEO, The Ville Townsville.
- Kris Stewart: CEO, QMusic.
- Dr Dominique De Andrade: Griffith University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
- Peter McHoney: CEO, Chaplain Watch.
- Sharynne Wilson: Co-owner, Moffat Beach Brewing.
- Max McBride: President, Taxi Council Queensland.
- Andrew Baturo: Head of Hospitality, Dap & Co.
