GW Barista serves Brew Ha Ha coffee, roasted in Lilyfield, and pastries from Hearthe cafe in Stanmore. Oh, and they do matcha. Little extras like that are important, Creencia says.
“Working night shift, you already have the cheap coffee from the machine that is free at work. Or, you treat yourself and buy better coffee,” he said.
“It’s about what getting a coffee represents. It’s a break: you go and get coffee as a group, and have a quick chat. Good coffee can really change your mindset.”
Data from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s latest night-time economy quarterly report shows there has been a small increase in “core night-time businesses” in NSW.
More than 53,500 such businesses were operating in September 2024, a 1.6 per cent increase from the same time in 2023.
The greatest rise was seen in takeaway food businesses, which increased by 4.4 per cent. Pubs, taverns and bars slightly declined, down 1 per cent.
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Blacktown, Bringelly and St Marys all had a 20 per cent uptick in night-time businesses in the two years to September 2024. Sydney’s inner city recorded 4.2 per cent growth in such businesses during that time, from a much higher base.
The state government’s updated 24-hour economy strategy, published in September, highlighted the need to improve night-time services and safety for shift workers.
Night-time Economy Minister John Graham said at the time that meeting the needs of these workers represented an “enormous opportunity” for the night-time economy.
Creencia says his regulars are grateful to finally be able to access something during the night.
“Night shift is already hard enough. You have to prepare your meals. It is good to have something available.”
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