In this episode of First Act, host Cec Busby gets up close and personal with the founder of Keep Sydney Open, Tyson Koh.

A self-described reluctant activist, Koh explains the genesis of the grassroots campaign which has since grown to become a political party, shares his view on how a city’s nighttime culture correlates with its level of innovation and explains why we all need to fire up our passions.

In this episode of First Act, host Cec Busby gets up close and personal with the founder of Keep Sydney Open, Tyson Koh.Known for his previous role as a programmer for ABC’s music show Rage, Tyson is not only a DJ but also a staunch advocate for reactivating Sydney’s nightlife. Cec delves into Tyson’s journey from his origins in the music industry to becoming an activist galvanised by the impact of Sydney’s lockout laws. These laws motivated Tyson to champion the city’s cultural and economic vibrancy, exploring his insights into the creative and small business sectors. 

Tyson also shares his experiences running for election with Keep Sydney Open as a political party fighting for change. Whether you are drawn to music, activism, or the evolution of city life, Tyson’s story is sure to inspire. Tune in for an exploration of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a vibrant urban culture.

Key Topics

Origin of the Keep Sydney Open movement

• Tyson’s motivation to become an activist
• Impact of lockout laws on Sydney’s self-worth, culture, and businesses
• Tyson’s background in the music industry and its influence on his activism

Impact of lockout laws on music industry

• Historical context of live music in Sydney
• Effects of lockout laws on live music venues and revenue
• Challenges faced by the music and entertainment sectors

Gentrification and its effects on Sydney

• Changes in areas like The Cross and Darlinghurst
• Broader global trend of gentrification
• Impact on artists and the creative community

Necessity of supporting creative and business sectors

• Government push for innovation versus lack of support for creative skills
• The need for more active support and fewer regulatory restrictions

Personal background and activism

• Tyson’s personal history and family background
• His parents’ stories and influence
• Tyson’s natural inclination to take action rather than just complain

Role and influence of mentors

• Importance of mentors in various industries
• Personal experiences and learnings from mentors
• Influence on Tyson’s political and business endeavors

Current and future initiatives of Keep Sydney Open

• Keep Sydney Open as a political party
• Future plans and ongoing activism
• Broader issues beyond lockout laws addressed by the movement

Challenges and learnings from political involvement

• Experiences from recent elections
• Grassroots politics and its significance
• Future aspirations for Sydney and personal advocacy

Reflection on career and next steps

• Tyson’s career experiences at Rage
• Transition from music programming to activism
• Future ambitions and continuing contributions