Lennox Head has secured $200,000 in NSW Government funding to help boost the shire’s  night-time economy.

The funding is part of the state government’s new $2 million Regional Night-Time Economy Program.

Just ten towns across NSW were selected for the pilot.

Four are on the North Coast — Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Lennox Head and Sawtell.

Business Lennox president and Ballina Shire councillor Michelle Bailey said the funding was exciting news for the local business community.

“It’s fantastic news for Lennox and for the businesses that help make the village such a special place,” Ms Bailey said.

“We’re really looking forward to creating more things for people to enjoy in the evenings and showcasing what we have to offer.”

“We actually secured the full amount — $200,000,” she said.

Business Lennox vice-president Alexander Sharkey who led the grant submission said it took a lot of work.

“One part of the application alone was over 60 pages,” Mr Sharkey said.

He said the concept focused on creating a regular rhythm of activity in the town rather than relying on a single annual event.

The plan is to run events on the second Saturday of each month, beginning in August.

The program would run through to June 2027, when the annual Love Lennox festival will become the final event in the cycle.

“The idea is that people know they can come to Lennox on the second Saturday of the month and there will always be something happening,” Sharkey said.

He said the aim was to encourage visitors to stay longer in town and visit multiple venues during the evening.

“Instead of people just coming in, having dinner and going home, we want them making multiple stops throughout the night,” he said.

The project is backed by a business collective of 26 organisations, including restaurants, arts groups and community organisations.

Business Lennox VP Alexander Sharkey and president Cr Michelle Bailey.

Main image: Love Lennox Festival 2025 – the year long program will culminate with the 2027 festival (photo: Business Lennox Head)

Sharkey said the program was designed to support businesses across the village.

“We’ve seen a few shops close over the past year or two, so this is about building more consistency and sustainability for local businesses,” he said.

Not just for Lennox

A shuttle partnership with Ballina Buslines also forms part of the plan.

The buses are expected to run between Ballina and Lennox from around 5pm until midnight on event nights.

“That gives people a safe way to get home if they want to enjoy the evening without worrying about driving or parking,” Sharkey said.

Ballina Chamber of Commerce also applied for funding under the program however its submission was not supported.

However, the shuttle service means residents from across the shire could still easily attend the Lennox events.

The Lennox Hotel – one of the venues taking part in the program and also hosting a briefing for interested businesses later this month. (photo: Facebook/Lennox Hotel).

Details of the program are expected to be announced later this month, with Business Lennox planning a launch at an after-hours networking event at the Lennox Hotel.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the funding would help regional communities develop vibrant and safe evening precincts.

“This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” Ms Saffin said.

“We know our region has a unique vibe and this funding helps local business communities create more exciting options to enjoy closer to home.”