$300,000 BOOST TO REGIONAL NSW BUSINESS EVENTSFollowing the success of the NSW Regional Conferencing Development Grants Pilot Program, the NSW Government has committed a further $300,000 to attract and create more business events across the State. Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said there has been an overwhelming response from the industry since the launch of the Pilot Program in August 2017 and 12 successful business events have already received grants of up to $65,000. “Since launching, we have provided more than $350,000 to business events in regions such as Mudgee, Port
Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Armidale to assist with venue hire, event marketing and developing pre and post touring opportunities to encourage longer stays in NSW,” Mr Marshall said. The Regional Conferencing Development Grants Program is managed and administered by the State’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, and provides funding on a matched dollar-for-dollar basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply for grants before 30 June 2018 through www.meetinnsw.com.au.
STOSUR AND BARTY LEAD AUSTRALIAN FED CUP SIDEGrand Slam champion Sam Stosur will return to Fed Cup competition, joining world No.18 Ashleigh Barty, No.24 Daria Gavrilova and rising star Destanee Aiava when Australia faces the Netherlands on a purpose-built hard court at Wollongong Entertainment Centre this weekend. Australian Captain Alicia Molik said her side would enter the World Group Play-off tie in a strong position. “We have an accomplished and talented team with two players in the world’s top 25, as well as great camaraderie within the group. There’s a terrific balance of
youth and experience and I know each player will bring their all to get us across the line against the Netherlands,” she said. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said, “With two days of world-class tennis in addition to the spectacular beaches and a vibrant dining scene in the region, it promises to be a fantastic weekend for all visitors.” Single and two-day ticket packages are now available through Ticketmaster. Image: Daria Gavrilova (L) and
Ashleigh Barty. Credit: Tennis Australia.
TRUNDLE ABBA FESTIVAL
RETURNSMore than 5,000 people from across Australia are expected to attend this year’s Trundle ABBA Festival. Held in the rural township of Trundle in Central Western NSW, it is Australia’s only and original ABBA festival. It’s a day packed with family-friendly entertainment – highlighting Bjorn Again, the world's number one ABBA tribute band along with Fashions of the Festival. Many locals will also be holding fundraising events, including a trivia/band night at the Trundle Hall, which is being hosted by the local St Patrick’s School. For the first time there will also be a bar with profits raised going towards
restoring the pub to its former glory. The Trundle ABBA Festival will take place on 4 and 5 May, 2018. For more details, visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au.
THE WORLD'S BEST
BODYBOARDERS ARE COMING TO KIAMAThe world’s best bodyboarders will take to the waves in Kiama later this year, with the region set to host the inaugural Kiama Bodyboard Slam. The event has been secured by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with Kiama Council and Surfing NSW. Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the event would deliver significant benefits to local businesses and accommodation providers. “The Kiama Bodyboard Slam will be one of five Association of Professional Bodyboarders (APB) World Tour events, ensuring the best bodyboarders in the world travel to the South Coast to compete,” he said. “It is expected to attract more than 450 overnight visitors to the region and deliver close to $300,000 in visitor spend.” The Kiama Bodyboard Slam waiting period will be from 30th July to 9th August 2018. For more information, visit www.apbtour.com.
INDIAN PACIFIC PULLS INTO BLUE MOUNTAINSThe iconic Indian Pacific train is now offering weekly Blue Mountains off-train excursions. Thanks to a new partnership between Fantastic Aussie Tours (FAT), Great Southern Rail, Blue Mountains Guides and the Trippas White Group, passengers travelling from Perth will now have the option to explore the stunning Blue Mountains each Wednesday. Passengers will be transported to Scenic World to experience the range of thrilling rides or a trek through awe-inspiring landscapes along Prince Henry Walk with Blue Mountains Guides. Passengers will then enjoy lunch at The
Lookout Restaurant near the Three Sisters before continuing their rail journey to Sydney. FAT Managing Director Jason Cronshaw said, “This is a fantastic coup for the businesses directly involved in this package including us of course, but it has the potential to bring hundreds of visitors to the region who will hopefully return to stay at least one night in a hotel or B&B, eat out in our cafes and restaurants and visit the attractions and retail outlets throughout the area.” For more information or to book a seat on the Indian Pacific, click here.
PARKES AERO SPECTACULAR THIS WEEKEND Don’t miss the Parkes Aero Spectacular this weekend, a one-off special event celebrating 70 years of Parkes Aero Club’s aviation history. Experience the excitement of an air show by the Royal Australian Air Force’s aerobatic team, the Roulettes, see vintage aircraft displays, including a large HARS multi-engine aircraft and enjoy family-friendly entertainment and delicious food. General family admission costs just $60. To purchase tickets, click here.
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK HOLIDAY FUNFor a fantastic range of school holiday activities, Sydney Olympic Park’s Autumn Program, Kids In The Park, has options to suit all tastes, ages and budgets. For budding authors, The Writing Workshop is a big drawcard with seven workshops hosted by award-winning author Dr Bernard Cohen. For more action there are plenty of highlights including a Heritage Hunt, a Swimming Intensive Program and the ever-popular gymnastics program. For more information, click here.
NEW AIR NZ FLIGHTS TO SYDNEYAir New Zealand has unveiled the trans-Tasman schedule it will operate once its alliance with Virgin Australia ends this October. Christchurch to Sydney will run twice daily Monday to Friday, with Auckland set to see an additional 125,000 Air New Zealand seats annually to Australia, including a new lunchtime service to Sydney. All customers booked on Air New Zealand tickets for travel on Virgin Australia after 27 October 2018 will be moved to Air New Zealand operated services shortly.
APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR NPWS ADVISORY COMMITTEESApplications are being sought for appointments to the eight National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Regional Advisory Committees across NSW. Appointments are for terms of up to four years, commencing 1 September this year. Positions are voluntary with committees meeting at least four times a year, with members attending field inspections to parks and reserves. An application form and further information is available here. Applications close Tuesday 1 May, 2018.
NEW DNSW BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTEDMinister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall has announced a number of appointments to the Destination NSW Board. John Warn has been appointed the new Chair, commencing in July, with Sally Loane and George Souris AM also joining as board members from 12 April. Russell Balding AO, David Baffsky AO and Margaret Jack have been reappointed to the Board for a further four years. Mr Marshall also acknowledged the important contributions of retiring Chair
John Hartigan and board member Wendy Machin. Click here to read the full media release.
BATHURST CELEBRATES HISTORY AT HERITAGE TRADES TRAILBathurst will celebrate over 200 years of its rich history and pay homage to the trades and traditions that have helped shape the region at the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on 12 – 13 May. Assisted by the NSW Government’s Heritage Near Me Program, the two-day event will allow the community to visit sites that are not usually open to the public including Chifley Home, built in the 1880s, and the historic Tremain’s Mill. To purchase tickets or for more information,
click here.
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