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DESTINATION NSW BOSS CALLS TIME
After eight years in the State’s top promotional role, Destination NSW CEO and Executive Producer - Vivid Sydney, Sandra Chipchase, announced this week that she is leaving the organisation.
“It has been a privilege to lead the State’s Tourism and Major Events organisation,” Ms Chipchase said. “I have achieved all the key goals I set for myself, the organisation and our State’s positioning and the time now feels right to pass the baton on,” she said.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said, “Sandra has expertly dealt with the significant, constant and often relentless challenges in running a multi-tiered, enormously complex organisation with thirteen international offices. There is no denying she has the most outstanding track record of achievement of any tourism, business events or major events executive in the nation. Under Sandra’s exceptional leadership, innovation and negotiation skills, NSW became number one again. I am very sorry to see her go as our state has benefitted enormously from Sandra’s unique skill set.
“Sandra negotiated key airline, travel trade and media partnerships including a three hour live TV broadcast of NBC’s Today Show and devised an Australian tourism first with Sony Music. She delivered much needed positive reform in regional tourism, conceived hugely successful marketing campaigns for Sydney and NSW, gained the digital marketing leadership position for NSW, as well as led sector development strategies including the NSW China Strategy, Aboriginal Tourism Development Action Plan and the Regional NSW Conferencing Strategy.
“Sandra has secured many major sporting events such as the Opening Series of Major League Baseball, College Football, EPL team matches with global brands such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, HSBC Sydney Sevens, regional events such as L’Etape Tour De France and created winning strategies and bids for Australian premiere theatrical productions and musicals such as Matilda, Frozen and Hamilton. Under her leadership we have broken every tourism record for visitor numbers, nights and expenditure every year of her tenure.
“Sandra has also turbocharged the Vivid Sydney festival, taking on the role as Executive Producer to drive its growth to become not only the largest event in Australia but the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere collecting multiple awards along the way.
“I have accepted Sandra’s offer to assist us with transitional arrangements in coming weeks as we commence the recruitment process.
“On behalf of the NSW Government I wish Sandra well in all her future endeavours and thank her for the exceptional contribution she has made to growing our State’s economy and shaping our nation’s profile,” Minister Ayres said.
SYDNEY SET FOR STELLAR WEEKEND OF EVENTS
Sydney will come alive with world-class, game-changing events this weekend bringing tens of thousands of visitors to NSW, and boosting the local economy.
More than 150,000 people will flock to Western Sydney for a stellar line up of major events including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s, Constellation Cup netball and WWE Live.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said events bolster the state’s tourism appeal and vibrancy, and in turn generate economic benefit – helping NSW reach $55 billion a year in overnight visitor expenditure by 2030.
“There’s no better time to get out and enjoy our beautiful State than right now. With so many incredible events on offer, it’s the perfect opportunity to visit a new venue, get friends together at a game or see the world’s best athletes in battle,” Minister Ayres said.
“From the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the world’s richest turf race – The Everest – to international rugby league and netball matches, Sydney is pumping with more culture, adrenaline and team spirit than ever.
“We’ll be showcasing our renowned event hosting credentials and outstanding hospitality this weekend as more than 200,000 people experience six major events in Sydney, generating more than $40 million in tourism expenditure for NSW.
“Without doubt events will be integral to help us achieve the NSW Government’s goal of reaching $55 billion in overnight visitor expenditure by 2030.”
Read more about Sydney’s bumper events weekend.
OBERON TO OPEN AUSTRALIAN SPARTAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2020
For the first time ever, Spartan will bring the 5K Sprint and 21K Beast races to Oberon in partnership with Oberon Council. Featuring breathtaking views, stunning terrain, and tailor-made trails, Spartan enthusiasts have declared the regional NSW town is the perfect setting. Launching the national championship series in Oberon this week, Spartan officials said the Oberon event would be the first event on the Championship calendar in 2020. Fitness fans are encouraged to tackle the World’s number one obstacle course race that involves climbing, crawling, jumping, and swinging over, under, and through some challenging obstacles. The Spartan event will also feature a DJ and epic speaker setup on site in Oberon as well as an array of food trucks and activations. For more information or to register spartanrace.com.au
NSW STARS IN NEW SEASON OF 'ON COUNTRY KITCHEN'
NSW’s south will feature on SBS and NITV’s popular television show, On Country Kitchen, thanks to a NSW Government initiative to promote regional NSW’s top tourism destinations. Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said: “The NSW Government is determined to continue turbocharging rural and regional tourism and share the best of the Bush, spectacular coastline and our wonderful local produce with the world. Securing media coverage, including segments on popular TV shows like On Country Kitchen, helps to promote our State and its culinary experiences to a wide audience and inspires people to look to regional NSW when planning their next holiday,” said Mr Ayres. On Country Kitchen is hosted by Bundjalung man, Mark Olive, a renowned Indigenous celebrity chef, who boasts over 30 years’ experience cooking, along with his right hand man, comic and Noongar man, Derek Nannup. On Country Kitchen airs Wednesdays at 7.30pm on NITV from 23 October.
NSW CARAVAN AND CAMPING HOLIDAYS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER
The NSW Caravan and Camping sector has recorded its strongest ever performance with more than 4.4 million caravan and camping trips taken in the year ending June 2019, according to new data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA). This represented a 4.3 per cent increase over 2018 figures and also accounted for a strong growth in visitor nights for the same period, which jumped by 6 per cent to deliver more than 17.4 million nights in NSW. The 55+ market continued to grow at the fastest rate in NSW, with trips increasing by 11.4 per cent in 2019 (1.44 million trips), although it was the 30-54 year market that accounted for the largest number of trips (1.93million, representing a 2.2 per cent annual increase). NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) CEO Lyndel Gray said: “Retirees, families and young people are camping more often and they are seeking the same fundamentals – a mix of active and relaxing experiences in beautiful natural environments, a chance to kick back and enjoy time with friends and family and a balance to intense busy lives.”
NSW SOMMELIERS WIN INAUGURAL WINE LIST AWARDS
NSW’s top sommeliers and restaurants have been recognised at the inaugural NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards this week. Launched by the NSW Wine Industry Association, Restaurant & Catering Association and Destination NSW, the new look awards were created to showcase, support and reward the Sommeliers and restaurants in Sydney and regional NSW that offer their customers a great wine experience and a range of delicious local wines. The inaugural awards attracted large and small Sydney venues and restaurants from across regional NSW including venues from the wine regions of the Hunter Valley, Orange, Mudgee, the Canberra District, Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven Coast, the Riverina and Hastings River. The trophies were presented on the evening by NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres who said it’s vital to recognise those who are championing the industry at a grassroots level. “NSW remains Australia’s number one tourism State, and a key part of that ongoing success is the incredible diversity of food and wine experiences on offer which help to drive visitation.”
FAUNA JOINS FLORA AT ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN SYDNEY
This spring the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail comes to Sydney for the first time, taking up residence in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Framed by iconic harbour views and picturesque garden beds, over 20 one-metre high fibreglass koala sculptures will delight Sydneysiders and visitors alike. Each koala is designed and painted by an Australian artist and tells its own story. The exhibition includes 20 koala sculptures including the debut of three new koalas: Wollemia the Vital Scientist (by Lisa Burrell), Charlie the Botanic Horticulturalist (by Kim and Wayne Staples) and Koalasaurus MAX (by Pauline Roods). A customised trail map is available on site, and more information about Hello Koalas at RBG Sydney can be found online.
AUSSIE BIRD COUNT TO LAUNCH AT BIRD HAVEN FESTIVAL
BirdLife Australia will launch the 2019 Aussie Bird Count at the Bird Haven Festival in Shoalhaven Heads this weekend. Australians are being asked to help BirdLife Australia count the birds that share their urban, rural and regional backyards as part of the count to document more than 3 million birds nationwide across a week of activity. The Bird Haven Festival will run from 18-20 October 2019 and includes speed talks from bird experts and enthusiasts, birdwatching walks, market stalls and community activities. Sunday 20 October is entirely free and includes family friendly storytelling, workshops, music and an exhibition by the Australian Museum. For full details birdhavenfestival.com.au
10TH ANNIVERSARY TASTES GOOD FOR BALLINA
Ballina Food and Wine Festival will mark its 10th anniversary when the popular north coast event kicks off tonight. The Asahi After Dark Gala Dinner opens festivities tonight and will be headlined by a performance from stage and screen darling Rachael Beck, with a four-course gourmet dinner designed and prepared by Ballina RSL Executive Chef Blake Seymour. The main festival day on Sunday 20 October includes demonstrations by TV host and chef Sean Connolly and others, wine, beer and cider appreciation sessions, exhibitors and information sessions, and live entertainment by Rachael Beck, Kathryn Jones, David Cameron and more. For full details of the festival ballinafoodandwine.com.au
