$200,000 grant to bring after-dark events to Murwillumbah

MURWILLUMBAH will host four major cultural events after securing a $200,000 grant through the NSW Government’s Regional Night-Time Economy Program.

The town was one of 10 regional towns selected in this pilot round of the program, securing funding to stage the events across the CBD between August 2026 and May 2027.

More than 17 local venues, businesses and cultural organisations will be involved in the program, aimed at boosting the town’s night-time economy.

The program was championed by Business Murwillumbah treasurer Phillip Hepburn, owner of Tweed River House, whose drive and leadership was instrumental in securing the grant.

Hepburn said the grant would deliver significant economic benefits for the town.

“I’ve always believed Murwillumbah has the venues, the talent and the character to be a genuinely exciting night-time destination – we just needed the support to make it happen at scale,” he said.

“This grant is a game-changer for our local businesses: it means more people in the CBD after dark, more trade for hospitality, retail and creative industries, and a program of events that will put Murwillumbah on the map for visitors from right across the region and beyond.”

“I’m incredibly proud of what our Business Collective has pulled together and can’t wait to see our town come alive.”

The first event, Murwillumbah: Tales of the Tweed, will be held from 28-30 August 2026 and will feature film screenings, live music, projection art, artist workshops, food experiences and community storytelling across the CBD as part of a multi-venue weekend activation celebrating the history and identity of Murwillumbah and the Tweed Valley.

The Murwillumbah International Film Festival will follow from 13-15 November 2026, with international and independent films screened at The Regent Cinema alongside themed dining experiences, extended trading, visitor packages and complementary events across participating CBD businesses.

Murwillumbah – Through the Ages, will be staged from 19-21 February 2027, featuring classic and cult films, decade-themed venue activations, live music and immersive experiences, as part of a nostalgic celebration of film, music and popular culture from the 1970s to the 2000s.

The program will conclude with Lights, Camera, Action – Laneway Party and Outdoor Cinema from 21-22 May 2027, transforming the CBD into an illuminated cultural trail from The Regent and M|Arts Precinct through to Proudfoots Lane, featuring an outdoor cinema, light installations, projection art, live performances and a street party.

The program will harness Murwillumbah’s extensive network of local businesses and organisations, including The Regent Cinema, M|Arts Bar & Café, The Imperial Hotel, Courthouse Hotel, The Citadel, Tweed River House, the Tweed Regional Museum and the Murwillumbah Historical Society.

Business Murwillumbah president Rebecca Whan said the funding would give the town’s creative sector a platform after dark.

“Murwillumbah has always had an incredible creative energy – now we have the resources to share it with the world after dark,” Whan said.

“These four events will transform our CBD into a destination that locals are proud of and visitors will travel to experience, while genuinely supporting the businesses and artists who make this town what it is.”

“We’re enormously grateful to the NSW Government and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner for believing in our vision, and we can’t wait to bring these events to life alongside our incredible Business Collective.”

The program officially begins on 1 July, with community members and businesses invited to contact Business Murwillumbah to become involved in the events.