Community & Belonging · Indicator 3
Sense of cultural ownership & belonging
What this indicator asks
How much do people feel a sense of ownership over nightlife culture in Sydney?
61.5/ 100 · Sydney
The Stonewall Hotel on Oxford Street entered administration in 2026 after 28 years. A participant said the queer spaces lost in the last year were places where communities gathered not just to party, but to work together and plan for the future. The City of Sydney has begun heritage-listing the remaining queer landmarks on the street.
A total of 61% of survey respondents agree that the scene is for people who live in Sydney, not for tourists. A participant said there is a will but not enough power, because there are no unions or bodies dedicated to keeping nightlife active and protecting it from legislative trouble. Another said the scene is losing its leaders:
“When you lose venues, collectives, curators and all with tenure in the community, you also lose leadership in the community.”