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GROWING SYDNEY'S NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY
The NSW Government will enhance Sydney’s night-time economy with extended trading hours for venues and bottle shops, a relaxation of after-midnight drink rules and other changes to be introduced from January.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the initiatives introduced five years ago had undoubtedly made Sydney safer, but now was the right time for change in the CBD, particularly with light rail services commencing soon.
“Sydney has transformed dramatically over recent years, and we need to ensure we have a strong and vibrant night-time economy that reflects our position as Australia’s only truly global city,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Following a detailed review of the Joint Select Committee’s recommendations, we will implement changes over summer to ensure Sydney has a thriving, safe and diverse night life that can be enjoyed by all.
“While the extended trading hours will provide a boost for the night-time economy, community safety will always be a focus.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said an enhanced night-time economy would provide a huge boost for tourism, providing another incentive for people to visit Sydney.
“It’s time to embrace a 24 hour economy that creates jobs, fosters arts, culture, live performance and safety on our streets. You don’t have to trade safety for liveability but we all need to take responsibility for making Sydney the best it can be,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney is Australia’s number one tourism destination, with the world’s most iconic harbour, scenic beaches, world-class transport, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.”
Consistent with the Joint Select Committee’s recommendations, existing arrangements will be maintained in the Kings Cross precinct.
The Government will monitor the impact of these changes and conduct a review after 12 months. Minister Ayres will be responsible for the implementation and review of the NSW Government response.
To view the Government’s full response to the Committee’s recommendations, visit this link.
TONES AND I DOMINATE 2019 ARIAS
Tones and I was the biggest winner of the Australia music industry’s night of nights, collecting four ARIAs at the ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday night. Toni Watson (aka Tones) was named Best Female Artist, Breakthrough Artist, Best Independent Release and Best Pop Release for her megahit ‘Dance Monkey’.
Other big winners included Guy Sebastian (Song of the Year and Best Video), Hilltop Hoods (Best Australian Live Act), Dean Lewis (Best Male Artist and Album of the Year), RUFUS DU SOL (Best Dance Release), The Teskey Brothers (Best Group and Best Blues & Roots Album) and Sampa The Great (Best Hip Hop Release).
Antonio Chiappetta from St Andrews College in Marayong, NSW was also named Music Teacher of the Year for his passion and hard work in providing children with a better education and the chance to play and enjoy music.
The NSW Government is a strategic sponsor of the ARIAs through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said, “The ARIA Awards bring together the very best talent in the Australian music industry, showcasing electrifying breakthrough artists and industry veterans alike, along with the world’s hottest international acts – the 2019 line-up was no exception.
“These iconic awards not only provide a significant boost to the State’s visitor economy, but also cement Sydney’s reputation as Australia’s music and creative arts hub across the Asia Pacific.”
ARENA UPGRADE ON TRACK FOR ATP CUP
Ken Rosewall Arena will sport a brand new roof in time to welcome the world’s top players for the new ATP Cup from 3 to 12 January 2020.
The spectacular $50.5 million upgrade to the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre has included the transformation of Ken Rosewall Arena into a multipurpose outdoor covered arena and will feature upsized in-stadia videoboards and new seating for 10,000 spectators.
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said, “Major events like the ATP Cup play a crucial role in driving visitation to NSW, so it is fantastic that players and their devoted fans can enjoy these world-class upgrades to Ken Rosewall Arena at the inaugural tournament in Sydney.”
The tournament will be played over six days in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, with the eight surviving teams advancing to the Final Eight in Sydney.
The ATP Cup is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
Tennis NSW CEO Lawrence Robertson, Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres and Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell.
TICKETS ON SALE TO 2020 DENI UTE MUSTER
Tickets are now on sale to the 2020 Deni Ute Muster – an iconic event which attracts thousands of people to the town of Deniliquin each year.
The event was established in 1999 by a group of community-minded individuals who had a vision to put Deniliquin on the map. The initiative was conceived during one of Australia’s worst droughts and the goal was to increase tourism to the region as well as boost community spirit.
About to enter its 21st year, the Deni Ute Muster is a family friendly festival that combines a salute to the culture of the Ute, two night-time concerts featuring Australia’s best country and rock musicians, a day stage and a jam-packed weekend of entertainment for all ages.
Previous concerts have featured national and international artists such as Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Cold Chisel, John Williamson and Troy Cassar-Daley.
The NSW Government is proud to support the Deni Ute Muster through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
DNSW FOCUS ON INDIA 2020
Destination NSW is offering NSW tourism suppliers and destinations the opportunity to attend the Focus on India workshop and networking dinner in Sydney next year, with applications now open. Focus on India 2020 will take place in NSW from 15 -21 March 2020. Tourism suppliers across the State are invited to attend a one-day workshop to be held in Sydney on Tuesday 17 March to meet with 20 key Indian travel agents and 10 key Australian based Inbound Tour Operators. The event is designed to showcase Sydney and regional NSW products and destinations to key tourism partners. To register, click here.
WOLLONGONG GETS A WHOLE LOT SPICIER
Wollongong’s first indigenous pop-up restaurant has launched, led by world-renowned celebrity chef Mark Olive. Black Olive on Harbour Street will blend native bush ingredients, sourced locally, with the region’s finest produce to offer foodies a uniquely Australian dining experience. The pop-up restaurant highlights Mark’s desire to promote native foods and Aboriginal tourism within the Illawarra. The initiative builds on the latest TV series of On Country Kitchen, which showcases the culinary delights of the South Coast, and was secured by Destination NSW in partnership with Destination Sydney Surrounds South.
HOST YOUR NEXT BUSINESS EVENT IN REGIONAL NSW
If you’re thinking about hosting your next business event in Regional NSW, consider registering for the Blue Mountains or Wollongong business event famils, both taking place on Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 December. Only 90 minutes from Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains famils will showcase the region’s attractions such as Scenic World, Hydro Magestic and Megalong Valley, as well as a hidden gem – Dryridge Estate – for a unique regionally sourced dinner experience. Highlights of the Wollongong famils include a hatted-chef dining experience, guided coastal walk and a mindful meditation session at the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. For more information or details on how to register, contact conferencing@dnsw.com.au
THREDBO NAMED BEST AUSTRALIAN SKI RESORT
Thredbo in the NSW Snowy Mountains has stamped its mark as Australia’s top alpine tourist destination by winning the prestigious accolade of the Best Australian Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards in Kitzbuhel, Austria. The World Ski Awards, voted on by professionals in the snow industry and skiers and snowboarders worldwide, is a global initiative that recognises, rewards and celebrates excellence in the snow industry. This is the third consecutive year that Thredbo has taken out the title. Although the colder months are now behind us, Thredbo also offers adventurers plenty to do in Summer including hiking, mountain biking and yoga retreats. Find out more at Thredbo.com.au
EXPLORE THE RIVERINA OUTDOOR ART TRAIL
Thrive Riverina in conjunction with Destination Riverina Murray have launched the new self-guided Riverina Outdoor Art Trail. Follow scenic highways and wide country roads across the Riverina on an artistic journey of discovery. Covering an area of more than 500km of diverse landscapes, the Trail includes the magnificent Weethalle Silo Mural, Narrandera Water Tower Mural and Lockhart Water Tower Mural. The vibrant back lane murals of Wagga Wagga and Griffith are a must-see, as are the many intricately designed sculptures and unique artworks located throughout the regions pretty towns and villages. Download your Riverina Outdoor Art Trail guide and plan your visit here.
ALERTS FOR NSW NATIONAL PARKS
Despite a slight easing in fire conditions, tourism businesses and operators should be aware many national parks and reserves particularly on the mid north coast and to the north east will remain closed until further notice. For parks that are closed, this means no public access at all, including tracks, trails, campgrounds and picnic areas. As many national parks elsewhere are open, people planning a visit are urged to check for any fire bans and stay up to date with the fire situation by using the Fires Near Me app. Visitors are urged to avoid remote areas in large reserves during the current bushfire conditions. Find out more here.
