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COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASED IN NSW, BORDERS OPEN
NSW has eased COVID-19 restrictions today in line with updated health advice following no community transmission of the virus for 12 days.
The new measures, specific to Sydney, will allow for greater numbers at household and outdoor gatherings, no upper limit on the number of guests at venues (but observing the one person per four sqm rule) and a relaxation of compulsory mask wearing in retail shopping centres. Masks remain mandatory on public transport, places of worship, hairdressers, beauticians, in gaming rooms and for front-of-house hospitality staff.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian commended the community for the combined effort to contain the recent outbreak.
“We must remain vigilant – it is critical we are getting tested with the mildest of symptoms, follow the health advice and continue to be COVID-safe right across the state.”
See the latest health advice and current restrictions at www.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.
In response to the lack of community transmission in NSW, Queensland has also confirmed it will reopen the border to all of NSW on Monday 1 February allowing for travel between states once again. Victoria has also updated its travel advice regarding Sydney and from 6pm this evening anyone from NSW can enter Victoria with a permit. All areas of Greater Sydney are now green zones, except Cumberland LGA which is an orange zone. South Australia has also indicated it will ease travel restrictions on visitors from Greater Sydney from 12.01am Sunday 31 January, pending no further cases being identified. For the latest information on border restrictions, visit the NSW Government website.
MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN TRAIN FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
Infrastructure in Western Sydney is progressing rapidly, creating jobs and new opportunities for the area as a result of significant NSW Government investment.
The revitalisation of Parramatta’s ‘Eat Street’ is well underway with the first tracks laid for Parramatta Light Rail in the dining precinct.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said major light rail construction on Church Street is being fast-tracked for completion in mid-2021.
“Construction crews are working a combined 8,500 hours a day right across the whole 12-kilometre alignment to deliver this project as quickly as possible, so everyone can enjoy the benefits,” he said.
A celebration is planned for August ahead of installation of light rail stops, and network testing and commissioning. For more information on the project - which will connect Westmead to Carlingford – go to www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au.
Meanwhile, a new warehouse and distribution hub in Kemps Creek neighbouring the Western Sydney aerotropolis will secure up to 1,650 new jobs and $242 million in economic investment for the state.
The approved new Kemps Creek Warehouse, Logistics and Industrial Facilities Hub will create 700 construction jobs and 950 operational jobs to support major global retailers, e-commerce providers, health and pharmaceutical companies, warehousing and logistics operators, light manufacturing and data centres.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said creating jobs and boosting business is a priority for the NSW Government.
“This is just another example proving that COVID-19 won’t stop NSW from growing stronger, and the Hub also supports our plan to foster new sources of growth, jobs and investment in Western Sydney,” he said.
Construction will begin this year with the first building to be completed within 12 months.
NSW ARTISTS INVITED TO APPLY FOR FOUR NEW FELLOWSHIPS
Four new Fellowship programs will give five successful recipients the opportunity to grow their careers in the arts and cultural sectors.
The NSW Government’s arts and policy funding body, Create NSW, has partnered with eminent arts organisations to deliver the programs at a total investment of $150,000.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said: “We are committed to fostering world-class arts and facilitating the creation of new cultural works across various artforms, including Aboriginal cultural and artistic practices.
“The arts industry boosts our state’s economy and is integral to the enrichment of our lives and social wellbeing."
The four Fellowship programs include:
The Aboriginal Curator Placement (Emerging), which will offer two early-career Aboriginal curators the opportunity to deepen their experience through a placement at the Art Gallery of NSW.
The NSW Aboriginal Creative Fellowship, which will provide an opportunity for an Aboriginal artist, knowledge holder or creative practitioner to undertake creative research that will work towards a presentation at the State Library of NSW.
The Conductor: Orchestral Conducting Fellowship, which will support the emerging and early career professional practice of an orchestral conductor through a program with Sydney Youth Orchestra.
The NSW Musical Theatre Fellowship, which will offer a composer, musical director and/or creative team the opportunity to research and develop a new work of musical theatre with the support of Hayes Theatre Co.
Applications are open until 5pm AEDT on Monday 1 March 2021. Find out more information and apply at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
$16M UPGRADE FOR TARONGA ZOO
The NSW Government has given the green light to the proposed $16 million dollar revamp of one of Taronga Zoo’s most popular native animal enclosures, which is set to provide the state with a huge boost in jobs, visitation and animal conservation.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said significant upgrade works to the Australia Precinct would include a new koala viewing canopy walk, extensions to the kangaroo and wallaby 'walk-through experience', underwater viewing of platypus and improvements to the nocturnal exhibition.
“Taronga Zoo is one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations and this revamp will place greater emphasis on some of our nation’s most iconic animals,” Mr Stokes said.
“This development will inject $16 million into the state’s economy and create more than 800 construction jobs while helping to make Taronga Zoo a more attractive tourist destination.”
Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said Taronga Zoo has been an important part of Sydney Harbour’s landscape and NSW’s critical conservation work since 1916.
“The project will see new life breathed into parts of the precinct that are more than 30 years old, improving the visitor experience and encouraging more people to get out and learn about the conservation of our iconic Aussie animals,” Mr Kean said.
Works on the precinct upgrade are set to kick-off in the coming months, with the project expected to be completed by 2023.
SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS GUIDE RELEASED
The guide for the 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival and parade was released this week, unveiling another wonderful program of Sydney pride, passion, colour and creativity this year. Taking place from 19 February until 7 March 2021, the festivities are packed with performances, movies, talks, and plenty of surprises, culminating in the once-in-a-lifetime COVID-safe Parade at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.
While some of the annual events won’t take place this year due to the pandemic, event organisers have scheduled an array of popular shows and spectacles. These include the widely-loved comedy gala, Laugh Out Proud, as well as thought-provoking speaking events such as Queer Thinking, My Trans Story and My Drag Story where the LGBTQI+ community will discuss, share and debate a range of topics.
As part of an ongoing partnership, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Facebook Australia recently announced the launch of the Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Events Grants program. The new initiative will support hospitality venues, small businesses, and LGBTQI+ artists and performers around Australia to host COVID-safe events for the 2021 Mardi Gras Parade. Both regional and metropolitan venues are strongly encouraged to apply with $100,000 available to ensure that celebrations can be done in style and in accordance with COVID-safe requirements.
For more information, including the official guide, which provides further details on the events, stories from Mardi Gras and LGBTQI+ community, please visit the 2021 Mardi Gras Festival Guide.
SYDNEY SET FOR SUMMER LOVING WITH
SUNSET PIAZZA
Culture and music will take centre stage at Cathedral Square in Sydney CBD for the next two months following the launch of Sunset Piazza last night.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the festivities were the hottest ticket in town and would showcase Sydney at its best.
“It’s going to be sounds in the city this summer with acts such as James Morrison, Ben Lee, Opera Australia, iconic Cumbiamuffin and international sensation Sneaky Sound System putting on great performances," Mr Perrotettet said.
“This is exactly what the Summer Summit last year was all about – putting the spotlight back on Sydney and bringing people back into our great CBD.”
Jazz veteran James Morrison said: “It’s so exciting to be performing for a live audience again after so long where we haven’t been able to and of cause what better place to do it than in my home city of Sydney. It doesn’t get any better than that.
“It’s going to be a party that brings the city to life and it’s going to transform Cathedral Square into an artistic hub, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said: “Over 32 nights from 28 January until 21 March people will be able to enjoy dozens of performances with friends and family in a COVID-safe way.”
To see the full program and purchase tickets visit www.sunsetpiazza.com.au.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA ENCOURAGES AUSSIES TO PLAN THAT NEXT
HOLIDAY HERE
Tourism Australia will kick off its first wave of Holiday Here This Year campaign activity for 2021 next week, coinciding with the majority of Australians returning to work after the summer break.
Acknowledging that many Australians' holiday plans were disrupted during December and January, Tourism Australia is confident that citizens will be eager to book a holiday soon.
“Despite border closures and travel restrictions, Tourism Australia’s latest research shows that overall domestic consumer confidence is at an eight-month high and more than half of all Australians are considering or planning interstate travel,” Tourism Australia said.
“The activity next week aims to combat post-holiday blues and give consumers something to look forward to by inspiring to book their next Australian holiday now.”
Businesses can align with the Holiday Here This Year campaign activity by downloading the industry toolkit and adding the campaign logo to marketing and social media materials. Adding the #HolidayHereThisYear hashtag to social media posts will also help businesses to be seen and be part of the conversation next week when Tourism Australia's promotional activity will be encouraging potential visitors to look out for the tag.
For more information about the Holiday Here This Year campaign, visit the Tourism Australia website and follow Tourism Australia’s corporate social media in coming days.
CARAVAN AND CAMPING CRITICAL TO DOMESTIC TOURISM AND REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
Latest insights from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) reveal caravan and camping is the most popular holiday accommodation type for Australians right now.
Accounting for 44 per cent of all holiday nights across Australia, the insights revealed that for the year ending September 2020 more than 1.9 million caravan and camping holidays were undertaken by Australians nationally, creating 8.4 million nights for the September 2020 quarter alone.
This represented a national decline of –28 per cent and –14 per cent respectively from 2019 but was well ahead of broader tourism numbers.
CEO of Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CCIA), Stuart Lamont said: “The latest data from TRA reaffirms the important role caravan and camping has in driving the economic recovery of the visitor economy.”
“We live in a world of fragile consumer confidence at present creating a two-speed economy. Whilst it is important that governments make health the first priority for Australians, concerns remain for those operators and communities in border towns, transit regions and remote locations that are continuing to feel the financial pain of border closures and are not enjoying the spoils of Australia’s fascination with the caravan and camping lifestyle.”
To showcase the beauty of caravan and camping travel, CCIA has supported the production of the Channel 7 program My Road to Adventure. The lifestyle and travel show follows Australian celebrities as they explore the relaxed and carefree lifestyle of staying in caravan parks. See the series on 7Plus or visit the website for more information.
NSW CROWN LAND GETS $51 MILLION FUNDING BOOST
The NSW Government will provide a record $51.7 million from its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) to maintain and upgrade Crown reserves and community facilities across the State.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this year’s fund has received a $40 million stimulus boost to support communities impacted by bushfires and COVID with infrastructure improvements to support jobs and local economies.
“Last year the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund supported about 345 projects across NSW and this year’s stimulus boost will more than double the number of projects to 705,” Ms Pavey said.
“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund will support projects right across NSW which will contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of communities.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said CRIF projects include improvements to nature reserves, public halls, surf life-saving facilities, Scout and Girl Guide halls, showgrounds, caravan parks, amenities blocks, PCYC clubs, racecourses, playground equipment and more.
“Crown land is for the people of NSW to use and enjoy, and to support organisations at the heart of our communities,” Mr Stokes said.
“Across the State, Crown land provides space for local parks and nature reserves and a home for community organisations like showgrounds and surf life-saving clubs.
“This record $51.7 million investment will protect and enhance Crown land while stimulating local economies with work for tradespeople.”
For more information, visit the website.
FASTER PAYMENTS PILOT FOR SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS
A new pilot program has been launched for small businesses that supply goods and services to larger businesses doing work for the NSW Government. The program allows small businesses to be paid within 20 business days. Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said: “We want to do better when it comes to getting small businesses paid on time and this pilot program is the first step in the journey to making life easier for those small business subcontractors that supply goods and services under NSW Government contracts. We know one of the biggest challenges for small businesses is cashflow. When you get paid quickly, it is easier to pay your staff and other bills." The new pilot program is expected to be completed by June 2021. For more information, visit the website.
AIME 2021 CANCELLED
Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the business event industry’s annual gathering – Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), has been cancelled for 2021. The event was set to take place in Melbourne from 15-17 March, as well as virtually through the new AIME online platform. AIME Event Director Silke Calder said: “Not being able to run AIME 2021 is devastating for the entire AIME team. They put 110 per cent into this show and I couldn’t be prouder.” The Destination NSW Regional Conferencing Unit is planning a number of other Business Events industry activities over the next six months. Further details to be announced soon. AIME 2022 will be held from 21-23 March.
SYDNEY TOWER EYE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
Sydney Tower Eye has kicked off its 40th anniversary celebrations by announcing an extension of its lease until 2030. Merlin Entertainment Group Divisional Director, Midway Asia Pacific, Rob Smith, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to offer a world class tourist attraction from the tallest building in the city until at least 2030, and we are pleased to be celebrating this alongside Sydney Tower’s 40th anniversary. Despite trying times in the tourism and attraction management industry, we are focused on ensuring that we continue doing what we do best – working together to create magic and memorable experiences.” To celebrate the Tower’s milestone anniversary, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in a number of new offerings throughout 2021, including two brand-new VR Pods in March. Visit the website to find out more.
KEMPSEY OPENS NEW VISITOR CENTRE
The Slim Dusty Centre in South Kempsey has re-opened with the addition of the Macleay Valley Coast Visitor Information Centre, giving visitors the opportunity to visit the Slim Dusty Museum and art gallery, get local tourism information and enjoy a coffee and bite to eat at the café. The Slim Dusty Centre closed abruptly in March 2020 due to COVID-19, following a period of reduced visitation as a result of the drought and bushfires. In October, Kempsey Shire Council announced its decision to takeover and reopen the Slim Dusty Centre for six months, while preparing a detailed business case that may see ownership of the Centre permanently transferred to Council. The Slim Dusty Museum features objects and images from the Kirkpatrick family’s own extensive archive, as well as contributions from fans all over the world. To learn more, visit the website.
FOOTY FEVER IN COFFS HARBOUR
The AFL has announced it will be bringing a game to Coffs Harbour this year, with the Sydney Swans taking on the Collingwood Magpies at 7.10pm on 3 March at C.ex Coffs International Stadium. The match is part of the AFL Community Series and will be the first pre-season game since the stadium was upgraded. Sydney Swans General Manager – Football, Charlie Gardiner, said: “We’ve been travelling to Coffs Harbour for a number of years now and it’s a genuine highlight of our pre-season. The community is always extremely welcoming.” Coffs Harbour will also host an epic NRL showdown between the Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans on Sunday 30 May, with kick-off at 2pm. Cronulla Sharks CEO, Dino Mezzatesta, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the Sharks in that these games give us the chance to play in front of our regional fans who might not otherwise be able to watch our team play in person.”
ARIA APPOINT NEW CEO
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) announced the appointment of Annabelle Herd to the position of Chief Executive Officer this week. Commencing on 1 February, Ms Herd will be responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of both Australian music industry organisations in a joint role, reporting to the Boards of both ARIA and PPCA. She joins ARIA and PPCA following a 16-year career at Network 10 where she most recently held the role of Chief Operating Officer. Ms Herd said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role serving and supporting our amazing Australian music industry at a time when the inspiration, connection and joy that our artists and musicians give us is more important than ever.” Read the full announcement.
