Multicultural Lakemba has become the first area outside the Sydney CBD and Parramatta to join world cities in being recognised as a Purple Flag-accredited safe nightlife zone due to its welcoming, bustling offering.
From the spices and delicacies of India to the exciting desserts and popular classics of Middle Eastern cuisine, there’s something for everyone in a night out in Lakemba.
This Sydney suburb is joining London, Dublin, Stockholm and 90 other international locations in being recognised for its safe and enjoyable nightlife.
Lakemba has more than 160 businesses and is home to the popular Ramadan Night Markets which attracts more than a million visitors to the suburb each year.
Lakemba is also home to a feast of culinary delights. You can grab a traditional Lebanese dessert or some sweet Italian gelato at King of Sweets, soak up Malay Island culture at Island Dreams Cafe and enjoy a boutique Lebanese dining experience, featuring kebab, falafel, hoummos and more at El-Manara Lebanese Restaurant.
Lakemba’s Purple Flag precinct features dining options for families and groups and options for when you want to treat a loved one to a special night out.
Visitors can choose from a range of exciting cuisines including Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian through to a classic pub meal.
The Purple Flag program assesses destinations against a set of criteria, including transport access, security, adequate street lighting and diversity of offerings, before achieving purple flag status.
Lakemba is the third precinct in NSW, and Australia, to gain accreditation under the program joining the YCK Laneways in Sydney’s CBD and Parramatta CBD.
Accredited Purple Flag areas allow members of the public to quickly identify them as districts that offer a safe, vibrant and well-managed night scene with a diversity of offerings across retail and dining for a great night out.
The pilot phase of Purple Flag, being run by the NSW Government, continues later this year in Marrickville.
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Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:
“Lakemba’s Purple Flag recognition is another win for western Sydney just months after Parramatta was recognised for its nightlife. This program recognises precincts with a high standard of vibrancy, diversity, and safety, to ensure people across our city can enjoy a great night out.”
“To achieve a Purple Flag, areas must meet a high standard of excellence in managing their night-time offering. We’re looking forward to the expansion of the Purple Flag program across Greater Sydney.”
Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:
“Lakemba’s Ramadan Night Markets are renowned across Sydney, but this recognition will help to bring more people out to experience everything Lakemba has to offer year-round.”
Member for Bankstown, Jihad Dib said:
“There’s something special and unique about Lakemba, it’s a place where people from all over the world have come together to create one of the most vibrant places in Sydney.”
“The Purple Flag recognises Lakemba as the welcoming, hospitable place locals and visitors have always known it to be.”
NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues said:
“A 24-hour experience that represents Sydney’s diverse identities can only enhance its global reputation.
“We are always looking at ways to make Sydney’s 24-hour economy attractive to visitors, workers and residents, while also creating new opportunities to boost local business.”
Canterbury-Bankstown Deputy Mayor, Rachelle Harika said:
“The accreditation is a vote of confidence in our City.
“Haldon Street is a unique place to visit where people come from all over to experience multiculturalism at its very best. Tantalising tastes and people from around the globe bringing culture and excitement to our streets, smack bang in the heart of Sydney.
“The recognition would lift the City’s profile and draw people to the area.
“This is going to be a massive boost for businesses, and equally an important step towards creating a safe and friendly place for families to visit. It’s about promoting a precinct that is safe, accessible by all means of transport and has great food.”
Owner of local business King of Sweets, Rasha Almaanawe said:
“Lakemba is one of those areas where you can actually experience different cultures in the one spot. For example, you could have Indian food for dinner and then walk down the road and have Moroccan tea and walk further down the road and have Lebanese sweets for dessert or even Italian gelato.
“I love seeing people from different parts of Sydney come to visit Lakemba and discover the area and what it has to offer.”
