Newtown Enmore District Launch

On Tuesday 20th May, more than 60 business owners, creatives, government officials and supporters gathered at Odd Culture Newtown to celebrate something long in the making: the official launch of the Newtown Enmore Business Community’s district identity.

The evening began with a Welcome to Country by Gadigal Elder Uncle Allan Madden from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, offered with his usual mix of sharp humour and deep truth. It was a grounding moment, a reminder that while we speak about building community, that work always starts with acknowledging the unceded lands we stand on.

Gadigal Elder, Uncle Allan Madden giving his welcome to Gadigal Country

MC for the night Rodney Todd

Our MC for the night, Rodney Todd, opened the event with his signature charm, warmth and wit, and true to form, a spreadsheet. Rodney shared data he’d personally gathered on local business owners, highlighting not just numbers but the personality and pulse of our neighbourhood. It set the tone for an evening that was as celebratory as it was practical.

From there, we heard from Michael Rodrigues, NSW’s 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, who shared the role Newtown Enmore plays in the broader night-time economy vision for Sydney. His support for the Uptown Program, and his recognition of this district’s leadership, affirmed just how important our work is not just locally, but at a city and state level.

24hr Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues

City of Sydney Councillor Jess Miller

Cr Jess Miller, speaking on behalf of Lord Mayor Clover Moore and the City of Sydney, followed with reflections on the City’s investment in our wayfinding project, precinct map, and brand development. She spoke to the importance of community-led initiatives, especially ones that bring clarity, cohesion and visibility to our business environment.

The heart of the event belonged to our NEBC committee. James Thorpe, President of NEBC and CEO of Odd Culture, welcomed us into his venue and reminded us why the chamber exists: to bring people together, not in competition, but in collaboration. Oscar McMahon, Vice President and co-founder of Young Henrys, followed with a nod to the street-level culture that makes this district unlike anywhere else. He reminded us that good lives here, and that our strength lies in holding on to what makes us different.

James Thorpe, CEO of Odd Culture Group and President of the NEBC

Oscar McMahon, Owner of Young Henry’s and Vice President of the NEBC

As District Coordinator, I closed out the speaker line-up with reflections on what we’ve built so far and what’s still to come.

I began with the words of our members:

“You do not just see Newtown, you feel it.” – Peter Samios, iDental

“Behind the quirky shopfronts and street art, there is a real warmth. Locals support each other and small businesses feel like family.” – Wayne, The Flower Room

“Newtown has a heartbeat. It is welcoming to everyone.” – Amy Low, The Social Outfit

“Without a doubt, we are shaped by the welcoming and accepting spirit of Enmore and Newtown.” – Dylan Howarth, Fortunate Son

The map, the brand, and the first issue of TOWNMAG represent far more than design outcomes. They are the result of months of consultation, feedback, and trust. They are proof that business-led change doesn’t have to be top-down. It can be local, layered, inclusive and adaptable, just like this precinct.

Our committee and subcommittee gave their time, ideas, and honesty to help shape this work, not just to promote visibility, but to rebuild vibrancy and community in a time when so many were still navigating uncertainty and isolation. That spirit now lives in everything we’re building.

Although Minister for the Arts, 24-Hour Economy and Transport John Graham was unable to attend due to an urgent Transport for NSW matter, he sent his sincere apologies and a message of support. We’re grateful for his continued backing of the Uptown Program and of our community-led work.

Yours truly closing out the speeches.

Room full of legends.

The event closed with vinyl spun by Gonz from Papa Disco, blooms from Wayne at The Flower Room, and drinks shared by familiar faces. It felt exactly how it should: connected, present, and hopeful.

We want to thank everyone who contributed: our MC Rodney Todd, the team at Odd Culture for hosting us, our committee for showing up again and again, and especially Lachlan Bruce and Rohan Carter of Good Decisions. The identity, the magazine, the map, the website, all of it came to life through their vision, creativity, and deep understanding of this place. Every icon, colour, and line reflects us.

This is only the beginning.

TOWNMAG second issue will go to print in October this year, and our precinct map will be updated every six months. All NEBC members with a business address are featured, and new members are welcome to join. Membership is free until July 1.

If you were there, thank you.

If you weren’t, we hope to see you at the next one.

And if you’re running a business in this precinct, this is your chamber. Come be part of it.

Hx

ALL PHOTOS AND CREATIVE = GOOD DECISIONS