HELPING THOSE IN NEED DURING NSW BUSHFIRES

Thousands of people across our State have been affected by devastating bushfires, from our brave firefighters, to families who have lost loves ones, their households and livelihoods. 

Those planning to visit any of these areas should check the latest information and advice on the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) website before they travel and ensure, if they are already staying in a bushfire-affected region, to follow directions from the RFS.  Updates are also available on abc.net.au.

Airports across the state remain open, although some road closures are impacting travel to northern NSW. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services have closed national parks and reserves in affected areas until further notice. For latest details, see nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, is working closely with emergency services, authorities and local communities to minimise risk in these areas, and support recovery efforts.

There are many ways you can provide support to these communities.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is accepting support from the public to assist both the RFS in general, or direct support to a local RFS brigades.

You can also donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery to help affected communities. The Red Cross are providing community aid, as well as stocks of critical disaster response equipment, including water filtration, shelter, hygiene and cooking kits for use in emergencies.

The Salvation Army has launched The Bushfire Disaster Appeal so Australians can support the communities affected. This appeal aims to not only assist those who are immediately in need, but also help support long-term recovery.

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is hard at work helping to rescue koalas affected by the fires. The hospital estimates as many as 350 koalas have died, with a number of fires in the region burning throughout their habitats. The Rescue Collective, in conjunction with Animal Rescue Freecycle and Support is collecting donations on behalf of smaller rescues to help badly burned wildlife which have been hurt by the fires.

We’re also encouraging everyone to remember to support businesses in our own backyard and beyond through both Buying Regional this Christmas and also looking to Stay in the Bush this holiday period.

VIVID SYDNEY CLAIMS ANOTHER TOURISM WIN 

Vivid Sydney – the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere – has been named NSW’s best major festival and event at the NSW Tourism Awards.

After a record-breaking year, Vivid Sydney was recognised by the judges for enhancing the profile and appeal of Sydney, and how the festival drives regional dispersal and delivers economic return for NSW.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney was the jewel in the crown for Australia’s major event capital.

“Vivid Sydney is the event that other cities around the world envy but only Sydney can deliver,” Minister Ayres said.

“The spectacular backdrop of the Harbour and our beloved icons including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House provide a unique canvas for this explosion of colour, art, culture and technology,” Minister Ayres said.

“In 2019 a record 2.4 million people attended Vivid Sydney, generating $172 million for the NSW economy. This included a record 86,700 international Vivid Sydney travel packages sold – 13,000 more than in 2018.”

Vivid Sydney debuted in 2009 and is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer and Vivid Sydney Executive Producer Sandra Chipchase said the event continued to exceed expectations.

“Vivid Sydney has been instrumental in transforming what was traditionally the quiet winter period for the city’s tourism industry,” Ms Chipchase said.

“About 621.7 million people around the world saw content from Vivid Sydney 2019. The festival has an international profile and puts Sydney front of mind for travellers who are looking for a destination that celebrates creativity, has incomparable natural beauty and is ‘on’ year round.

“Vivid Sydney also drives visitation to regional NSW – more than 36,000 visitors to Vivid Sydney also travelled to regional NSW and stayed overnight, generating more than $18 million in tourism related expenditure.”

Vivid Sydney will now progress to the Australian Tourism Awards, with winners announced on 6 March, 2020 in Canberra.

For the full list of winners, see here. 

2019 NSW TOURISM WINNERS CROWNED

Outstanding tourism businesses from across New South Wales were honoured last night as the winners of the 30th anniversary edition of the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards were announced at the Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney with 490 industry representatives in attendance.

Managed by the Tourism Industry Division of the NSW Business Chamber, the state’s peak business organisation, and supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW the NSW Tourism Awards recognise those businesses who exemplify quality tourism. These businesses provide leadership in innovation, marketing and in the delivery of quality products and services. These are businesses who advance and promote the NSW and Australian tourism industry through consistent customer service and quality experiences to all.

Speaking at the Awards, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres highlighted the importance of tourism and events to the State’s economy and congratulated the winners.

“Tourism is vital to our State’s economy, so to be recognised at the NSW Tourism Awards is a truly outstanding achievement. I thank all of the winners for their unwavering commitment to offering our domestic and international visitors Australia’s most remarkable experiences.

“Beyond our spectacular natural scenery and iconic capital city, the highlight for many visitors to NSW is the individuals who front these award-winning experiences, who exude contagious passion and excitement and ensure every trip to our State is simply unforgettable,” Mr Ayres said.

Seventy-five award winners were announced in a range of categories including Major Tourist Attractions, Festivals and Events, Destination Marketing and Accommodation. With 124 finalists in 2019, each winner was selected by an independent judging panel for their exceptional contribution to the NSW Tourism Industry.

Gold Medal winners in categories 1 to 25 go on to represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, to be held in Canberra in March 2020.

NSW Business Chamber Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cartwright, said “This group of winners and finalists should be incredibly proud of this recognition. Award entrants continue to showcase a diverse array of talent, passion and innovative drive that allows our state’s tourism industry to thrive. Good luck to all winners continuing on to the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards in March.”

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