No Images? Click here 2018 FLAGSHIP EVENT FUND NOW OPENEvent organisers across NSW are invited to apply for grants under the NSW Government’s 2018 Flagship Event Fund, with expressions of interest now open. Events that have been running for more than two years are eligible to apply, with grant funding available for marketing activities aimed at driving overnight visitation. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the beauty of local events is that they showcase rural and regional NSW at its best. “Our communities have so many wonderful stories to tell and events not only help boost our local economies but take visitors on an incredible journey, whether it’s showcasing our fantastic producers, artists, craftspeople, sportspeople or musicians,” Mr Marshall said. Managed by Destination NSW, the Flagship Event Fund will offer successful applicants a one-off annual grant of $20,000 or a triennial grant of $27,500 per year for three years. Expressions of interest are open until COB Friday, 1 September 2017. Visit the Destination NSW website for further information. COUNTDOWN ON FOR THE SAMPLE FOOD FESTIVALMore than 17,000 food lovers are expected to gather at one of the largest gastronomic celebrations on the NSW North Coast this September. Supported by Destination NSW through the Regional Flagship Events Program, the Sample Food Festival will celebrate the Byron Shire’s vast array of top quality farmers, producers, chefs and artisans. Twenty-six of the region’s best restaurants and caterers will produce $5 and $10 tasting plates inspired by their signature dishes against a backdrop of more than 100 exhibitors. There will be cheese-makers, macadamia farmers, spice artisans, Asian street food specialists, fruit growers and dozens more delicious opportunities to try the region’s outstanding fresh produce. The Sample Food Festival will take place in the picturesque village of Bangalow, 10 kilometres from Byron Bay on Saturday, 2 September 2017. Go to Visitnsw.com to plan your trip. MURIEL HAS FOUND HER RHONDA!Australian actor Madeleine Jones has been announced to play the role of Muriel’s best friend Rhonda, when Muriel’s Wedding The Musical makes its world premiere in November. Secured exclusively for Sydney by Destination NSW, the production is a theatrical version of the iconic Australian film, which tells the story of the socially awkward Muriel Heslop, who leaves her hometown to move to the Harbour City and further her ambitions of having a glamorous wedding. Produced by Global Creatures, the musical is set to delight and entertain audiences with music from homegrown singer-songwriters Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, and chart-topping hits from ABBA. Muriel’s Wedding The Musical opens on 6 November at the Sydney Theatre Company. SYDNEY TO HOST 40th ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF EVITASydney has won the opportunity to host the Australian premiere of the 40th Anniversary restaging of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Evita, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall announced today. Mr Marshall said the Australian premiere has been secured exclusively for Sydney by the NSW Government and will be a major drawcard for visitors to NSW. “We are committed to securing premiere musical productions like Evita which will attract visitors to NSW. More than 17,000 overnight visitors are expected to travel to Sydney to see Evita, generating an estimated $14 million in overnight visitor expenditure,” Mr Marshall said. Celebrating 40 years since the musical premiered in London’s West End, this new production of Evita will bring together the original creative team and will be presented by John Frost and Opera Australia in collaboration with leading UK producer David Ian. Evita will be presented at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House from September 2018. SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE BOOM FOR REGIONAL NSWThe NSW Government has announced a major funding boost for new and existing sports facilities in regional NSW as part of the $100 million Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund. NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the fund, which is part of the $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, would go towards improving the quality and quantity of sports venues in regional areas. “This fund will focus on projects that not only improve the playing experience but the fan experience,” Mr Barilaro said. “High quality sports facilities will allow regional communities to attract significant professional and amateur events to their region. Those sports events will boost visitation, encourage spending in local communities, and ultimately lead to employment and stronger local economies.” Visit the NSW Office of Sport for further information and program guidelines. SOFITEL SYDNEY DARLING HARBOUR TO OPEN IN OCTOBERThe opening of Darling Harbour’s first luxury five-star hotel is just weeks away with the new Sofitel Sydney set to complete the precinct’s transformation as a world-class tourism and events destination. Opening in October, the harbour-side haven comprises 590 luxurious rooms spread over 35 floors in Darling Harbour’s tallest building. Guests will have access to facilities including a rooftop club lounge, meeting rooms, gym, ballroom and outdoor infinity pool deck, as well as bars and restaurants with views of city. Sydney Business Chamber Executive Director Patricia Forsythe said, “Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will complement the new International Convention Centre and together will grow Sydney’s competitive advantage as a city where many of its key tourist assets are adjacent to one another.” “This is just another example of high-quality developments within Sydney’s built environment and will further encourage national and international visitors to enjoy this section of the harbour.” Visit the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for more information and to book. COMING UP SOON IN NSW FIRST: REGIONAL TOURISM FUND WEBCASTSTourism organisations across the State can enroll in two free webcasts to learn about opportunities available through Destination NSW’s Regional Tourism Fund. The sessions will focus on the two funding streams available – marketing and product development – and provide examples and tips for submitting the best possible application: 17 August 2017, 12pm – 12:45pm: Regional Tourism Fund – Cooperative Tourism Marketing Program. 19 September, 12pm – 12:45pm: Regional Tourism Fund – Tourism Product Development Program. The webcasts are part of the NSW First Program. To register for these events, and to watch previous webcasts including sessions on funding under the Regional Flagship Events Program, click here. ICC FERRY SERVICECaptain Cook Cruises has commenced operating its new fast ferry route between the ICC Sydney, Barangaroo and Circular Quay. To launch the new service a special offer of 10 trips for $5 is on sale until 16 August 2017. Captain Cook has also introduced a ticketless travel pass system, including a special ‘ICC Delegate TravelPass’ for business event visitors. Available as a two, three or five-day pass, the three and five day options also include a free Harbour Story or Hop on Hop Off-Harbour Explorer cruise. Click here for further information. FUSION OF RIVERINA ART & FOODGriffith restaurant Limone Dining will host a special art series event this September to celebrate the forthcoming exhibition of local sculptor, Hape Kiddle. Stories, process and inspirations will be shared directly from the artist and chef as diners experience an exclusive first look at the artworks while enjoying a thoughtful and interactive flow of fine food and service. The art series dinners are being offered over four nights from 26 to 29 September, ahead of the official exhibition opening on Saturday, 30 September. Click here for more details. SCULPTURE AT BARANGAROOSculpture at Barangaroo is on again, presenting a visually stunning free exhibition at the spectacular Harbour foreshore park. Presented in partnership with the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and Sculpture by the Sea, the outdoor exhibition features 14 artworks by nine established and emerging Australian artists. Hand selected by curator Geoffrey Edwards, the works draw on the geographical significance of Barangaroo and complement the striking landscape. Visitors are encouraged to view the works between 8am to 6pm daily. COUNTDOWN TO WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUPThis week welcomed an exciting milestone for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, with Tuesday marking 100 days to go until the world’s first standalone event. Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said, “There has been incredible interest in the Women’s Rugby Sevens teams over the last few years, and it is now time for women’s rugby league to take centre stage as we celebrate the continued growth of women’s sport in NSW and across the country." The Women’s Rugby League World Cup will begin from 16 November, 2017 at Southern Cross Stadium in Cronulla. Click here to purchase tickets. BLUE MOUNTAINS GREAT WALKS Great Walks of Australia collective has added Blue Mountains Grand Traverse by Auswalk as its latest member. The new walking holiday member brings the total number of walks in the program to 12, with 10 of those showcased in the new Signature Collection. Blue Mountains Grand Traverse features a three day, two night walking experience including transport to and from Sydney. It is the second Great Walks member in NSW. Click here for further information on the Blue Mountains. PORT MACQUARIE SHOWCASED TO MORE THAN 665,000 ON INSTAGRAM Port Macquarie has been showcased to potential visitors around the world, with seven leading Australian Instagram influencers visiting the region this week. The campaign activity was secured by the State’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, in partnership with Port Macquarie Hastings Council. The images will entice audiences to take a journey through the maze at Bago Vineyards, the hinterland village of Comboyne, Bago Bluff National Park, Camden Haven, Diamond Head National Park, Lighthouse Beach, Dunbogan Boatshed as well as the famous Town Beach. |