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VIVID SYDNEY 2021 DATES CONFIRMED
Vivid Sydney, the southern hemisphere’s largest celebration of light, music and ideas, will return from 6 to 28 August 2021.
Expressions of Interest for the Vivid Light program are now open with artists and creatives invited to take part.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the 2021 event would support the recovery of the visitor economy and creative arts sector in a COVID-safe way.
“It’s exciting to get planning underway for Vivid Sydney 2021 so we can deliver another world-class showcase of creativity and innovation here in the Harbour City,” Minister Ayres said.
“We hope that Sydneysiders, residents of NSW and visitors from around the country will start planning now and book accommodation, tours and attractions to make the most of their Vivid Sydney 2021 experience.
“Vivid Sydney also supports the NSW Government’s new 24-Hour Economy Strategy which will help Sydney realise its potential as a thriving global city, and create more employment opportunities in the arts, entertainment, cultural and hospitality sectors.”
The world-renowned Vivid Sydney Light Walk features dozens of light installations and large-scale projections to create a magical, interactive gallery around Sydney Harbour.
Expressions of Interest for the 2021 Light Walk close on 23 November. To complete an Expression of Interest for Vivid Light, go to www.vividsydney.com/.
Further information about the Vivid Sydney 2021 program will be available in future editions of Insights.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASED
Restrictions on outdoor dining and outdoor music performances will be eased under relaxed COVID-19 safety rules.
From today, restrictions at hospitality venues will be amended to allow one patron for every two square metres in outdoor areas. Businesses wishing to take advantage of the relaxed restrictions must use electronic methods, like QR codes, to record and keep contact details.
In addition, 500 people will be able to attend outdoor seated music performances and rehearsals, subject to the four square metre rule and people being seated.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the community and businesses are doing a great job of working together to keep COVID-19 at bay, which meant the rules could now be relaxed.
“In NSW, we are focused on keeping the virus under control but also ensuring our economy keeps going and these changes will allow hospitality venues to increase their capacity in a COVID-safe way,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Our aim is to provide as many opportunities as we can for businesses and organisations to succeed – but for that strategy to be successful we need everyone to follow their COVID-19 Safety Plan.”
Organisers of outdoor music performances or rehearsals are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK RETURNS WITH NEW TITLE SPONSOR
Australian Fashion Week will return to Sydney’s Carriageworks in 2021 with a new title sponsor, Afterpay.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney said major events will play a critical role in rebooting the visitor economy and NSW’s broader COVID-19 recovery strategy.
“It’s great to see Sydney get back on track in a COVID-safe environment, and ready to press ahead with event planning for next year,” Minister Ayres said.
“Australian Fashion Week – like Sydney – is iconic and globally recognised, and it will be fantastic to gather industry leaders at Carriageworks again next year for the country’s premier fashion event."
As the incoming title sponsor of the event, Afterpay will focus on supporting and championing Australian fashion’s future. Co-founder Nick Molnar said the business had an unwavering commitment to helping Australian brands and designers prosper both in Australia and on the international stage.
“Our support of Australian Fashion Week, particularly at this time, is just one way we can ensure the sustainability and success of an industry of which we have grown up in,” Mr Molnar said.
In recognition of the challenges faced by the fashion industry in 2020, designer participation fees will be waived, with Afterpay covering the costs for designers to be included in the official schedule. Registration and attendance fees for industry delegates, including global media and stockists, will also be waived in 2021.
Members of the public will be able to purchase tickets to select shows on the official schedule and access VIP packages via Afterpay Australian Fashion Week: The Experience.
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) is supported by the NSW Government, via Destination NSW, and will be held from 31 May to 4 June 2021.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN
Tourism Australia this week launched the next iteration of its Holiday Here This Year campaign, which aims to get Australians travelling safely across the country to provide a much-needed boost to tourism businesses and operators.
Two of Australia’s most iconic homegrown personalities, Hamish Blake and Zoë Foster-Blake, front the campaign, helping to inspire Australians to get out and take a holiday in their own backyard.
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said tourism employed one in 13 Australians and was the backbone of so many businesses across Australia, but the industry had been hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
“This campaign is about getting more Australians on planes and spending in our cities or tourism regions. We are urging Australians to support our airlines and airports, tour operators, hire car companies and accommodation providers, while also giving people the chance to enjoy some of the incredible experiences our country has to offer,” Minister Birmingham said.
Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Jonno Duniam said this campaign would encourage Aussies to support hardworking tourism and hospitality business owners across our regions.
“As restrictions continue to ease, there’s no better time to visit our regions and support local businesses,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“Our regions have so much to offer, so whether you’re visiting somewhere for a week or stopping by for lunch, you’ll be doing the community a huge favour.”
Click here for more information on the campaign.
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM OF LIVE EVENTS
The Sydney Opera House has announced an exciting next step in welcoming audiences and visitors back to the site with a program of unmissable live events set to start in two weeks.
The line-up includes the return of Antidote, the Opera House’s annual festival of action, ideas and change that will bring together thought-leaders from around the world to reflect on 2020. The program also includes a diverse calendar of First Nations culture and storytelling, comedy, jazz, kids shows and independent local artists.
For the first time, the Opera House and award-winning Bennelong restaurant will offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the finest food and wine, with performances by musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Guided tours will return with a new purpose-built venue that allows visitors to watch unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances, brought to life through a 270-degree digital projection.
Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said, “Since closing in March due to COVID-19, we have continued to connect artists with audiences through the digital program From Our House to Yours, with close to six million views and listens of free on-demand content to date.
“But there’s nothing like live, in-person experiences. So we’re delighted to be welcoming the community back to the Opera House with an exciting range of performances, events and a new one-hour tour.”
All events and activities will be conducted in line with NSW Health advice, with a range of robust on-site measures to ensure the safety of artists, audience, visitors and staff.
Click here for full program details.
SHIPPING CONTAINERS THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL
In an Australian first, the NRMA has converted two shipping containers into ‘Glamtainers’ – luxury accommodation options that can be easily moved between holiday parks across the state.
The seven-metre extendable Glamtainers, kitted out with two queen beds, kitchen, living area, full-sized bathroom and luxury finishes, will be available at NRMA Ocean Beach on the Central Coast before relocating to Jindabyne for the 2021 ski season.
NRMA Holiday Parks CEO Paul Davies said the Glamtainers were already proving popular at their Ocean Beach Holiday Resort.
“A few years ago, glamping was the buzz word but we’re now moving into the era of Glamtainers,” Mr Davies said.
“Not only are they incredible accommodation options that can be placed anywhere there’s room for a caravan, they are also more sustainable with the millions of available shipping containers already in circulation able to be converted.
“Ocean Beach really is the perfect setting for our Glamtainers. Waking up to the peaceful sounds of nature, meeting the local wallabies who hop along the garden and falling asleep to the sound of water lapping at the shore is enough to win over the fussiest of travellers.”
Click here for more information.
INCREASED CAPACITY FOR MAJOR RACING EVENTS
More people will be able to attend Sydney’s major Spring Racing Carnival events after the NSW Government accepted health advice for The Everest (Randwick, 17 October), The Golden Eagle (Rosehill, 31 October) and Cup Day (Randwick, 3 November) events this year.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the decision would help create jobs and stimulate the economy – key goals of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“Spring Racing is such an important part of the Sydney events calendar and it’s great that more people will be able to attend in a COVID-safe way,” Minister Ayres said.
“COVID has had a major impact on our events sector and these changes will be a welcome boost to this critical sector of the NSW economy.”
The increased capacity arrangements will mean the Australian Turf Club can host almost 11,000 racegoers at Royal Randwick, and just over 6,000 at Rosehill Racecourse for the three marquee events.
All racegoers will be required to be seated as part of their raceday experience unless for essential purposes such as walking to hospitality areas for food and drink purchases, or to the restroom.
DE BORTOLI WINES BILBUL OFFERS NEW EXPERIENCES
It’s full steam ahead for De Bortoli Wines Bilbul, which has adapted to the current climate by offering a range of new visitor experiences showcasing the Griffith region.
The Bilbul team is offering a Noble One Experience at the De Bortoli Wines Cellar Door, where visitors can try three vintages of the Noble One followed by the unique Black Noble, paired with a selection of cheeses.
The winery is also hosting garden tours every Saturday at 10am and on the last Sunday of each month, visitors can experience a ‘Bubbles & Brunch’ session.
For more information, click here.
SOUTHERN BORDER GRANT DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Southern Border Small Business Support Grant program has been extended until 31 October 2020 for eligible small businesses operating in the 13 impacted Local Government Areas.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the grant had been designed to help cushion the effects of the border restrictions on eligible NSW small businesses.
“This program is essential in helping keep businesses in business, and people in jobs as we set the state up for dynamic recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.
More information on the small business support grants is available here.
REGIONAL TOURISM RECOVERY PACKAGE
The Australian Government will inject $250 million into regional Australia, encouraging more Australians to travel and experience a home-grown holiday, boosting regional jobs and local economies.
The package includes a $50 million Regional Tourism Recovery initiative to assist businesses in regions heavily reliant on international tourism and $200 million for an additional round of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
BBRF Round 5 will be delivered like its previous four rounds, with Infrastructure Project and Community Investment streams. Grant guidelines will be available soon.
