No Images? Click here VIVID SYDNEY'S INCLUSIVE FAMILY FUN AREAVivid Sydney and its access and inclusion partner, Cushman & Wakefield, have announced plans for a ground-breaking inclusive festival experience for all as part of the world’s largest festival of Light, Music and Ideas. Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said Tumbalong Lights will delight children and families with a series of interactive and inclusive light installations at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour. “The installations, which are the result of hard work between artists and community groups, have been specifically designed for children with disability,” Mr Marshall said. “We’ve strived hard to ensure Vivid Sydney is a world-class festival for everyone to enjoy and this experience really pushes the boundaries in terms of how access and inclusion principles can be incorporated into major public events,” he said. Tumbalong Lights is a collaboration between Cushman & Wakefield, Charter Hall, Stockland, ARA Group, Westpac and Australia Post. For visitors with disability, a more customised visitation session can be pre-booked free through www.cwtumbalonglights.com. TILBA LAKE PODS OPEN ON SOUTH COASTTilba Lake Pods, unique and eco-friendly new accommodation on the NSW South Coast, have officially been launched by Member for Bega Andrew Constance. The new solar-powered Tilba Lake Pods can accommodate between two and three people each and contain luxury bedding, a spacious bathroom with shower, a wood fire and a modern kitchen. The ‘tiny homes’ are nestled on 11 acres of coastal countryside. A stay in a Tilba Lake Pod starts from $225 per night depending on the pod type and season and discounts apply for longer stays. The eco pods are part of the picturesque Tilba Lake Camp and were successful applicants through the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Fund. For more information and to book, visit www.tilbalakecamp.com.au/stay. L'ÉTAPE AUSTRALIA WINS BIG AT MEA AWARDSL’Étape Australia by Le Tour de France has won three awards at the prestigious Meetings and Events Australia Awards. L’Étape Australia is held annually in the Snowy Mountains and is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Lateral Events Australia, organisers of L’Étape Australia, was awarded Public Event of the Year and Regional Event of the Year. In addition, Lateral Events Australia was named joint winner of the Platinum Award – Company along with Crowne Plaza Terrigal, with the two regional NSW businesses receiving the most points of all submissions across all award categories. Manly’s Q Station and TAFE NSW Ultimo also picked up awards. For the full list of winners, visit www.meetingsevents.com.au/awards2017. SPIRIT OF FUN LIGHTS UP LUNA PARKThe home of Sydney’s most famous smile is set to shine even brighter when Luna Park joins Vivid Sydney for the first time in 2018. The Spirit of Fun installation, located on the façade of iconic Coney Island, tells the story of Luna Park’s colourful history while the iconic Ferris Wheel will be lit up for Vivid Sydney for the first time this year. Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall said, “Luna Park has been bringing joy to visitors for more than eight decades. It is sure to charm returning and first time visitors alike when it lights up like never before for its Vivid Sydney debut. Luna Park is an ideal spot to view the Vivid Sydney skyline, whether from aboard the magnificent Ferris Wheel or on the ground.” Returning in 2018, Chatswood will be glowing and buzzing with Lightscape, an eclectic celebration of fantastical light, fabulous food, funky fashion, the future of the planet and the far reaches of the universe. For more information on these Vivid Sydney precincts, go to vividsydney.com. NATIONAL INDIGENOUS NAIDOC ART FAIR RETURNS TO SYDNEYThe National Indigenous NAIDOC Art Fair will return to Sydney across two days this year, offering remote Indigenous art centres and artists the opportunity to promote their work in Sydney. Presented by Blak Markets, a social enterprise arm of First Hand Solutions, the event is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with the Port Authority of NSW. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell said, “With 10,000 visitors attending the inaugural one-day event last year, this year’s Art Fair will provide an opportunity for thousands more to experience Aboriginal art and help reinforce NSW’s reputation as a State with a strong, vibrant and diverse indigenous culture.” Find out more here. Image: Marlene Rubuntja from Yarrenyty Arltere Artists. Credit: Lyndsay Urquhart. SYDNEY STILL THE PLACE TO DO BUSINESSSydney has once again been confirmed as Australia’s number one destination for business events and conferences, according to the latest annual International Congress and Convention Association Country and City Rankings. Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the report saw the Harbour City retain the Australian top spot and climb from 10th to seventh place in the Asia Pacific. “Sydney’s global ranking has jumped a whopping 15 places from 41st to 26th and is proving a strong contender within the Asia Pacific region,” Mr Marshall said. “This outstanding result shows Sydney’s enduring global appeal as a destination for major international events. “Securing these international events equates to big business for the State’s visitor economy, putting dollars in the pockets of local businesses bolstering our tourism industry.” Click here to read more. HARBOUR CITY TO HOST 3X3 BASKETBALLThe world’s most popular urban team sport, 3x3 basketball, is set to hit Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal this weekend. The 3x3 format follows the same technical rules as basketball, but uses half a court, one hoop and teams of three versus three. The 3x3 Pro Hustle will be played tomorrow and Sunday, with a 3x3 Challenger event at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on 18 - 19 May. Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said, “These events will see more than 400 players from around Australia and the world converge on Sydney, which is great news for local businesses, accommodation providers and tourism operators.” Both events have been secured by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. For more information and tickets, visit www.3x3hustle.com. Image credit: Getty Images DUBBO AND MOREE TO FEATURE IN RFDS BROADCASTDubbo and Moree will feature in a special broadcast when the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s 90th Air Pilgrimage flies over the regions. The journey of 26 antique aircraft will feature in a special episode of Channel Seven’s Travel Oz, in Qantas’ inflight entertainment and will reach three million people across China through www.people.cn. The NSW Government is supporting the filming via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAM ANNOUNCEDNSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin this week announced the 65th Sydney Film Festival program, unveiling a huge line-up of contemporary cinema from Australia and around the world, as well as an exciting series of talks and panel sessions, including five free talks presented as part of Vivid Ideas. The Sydney Film Festival is a key cultural event on the NSW Events Calendar and takes place annually against the backdrop of Vivid Sydney. For the full festival program, click here. ART GALLERY WITH A VIEW AT KILLALEAGiving visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy art with a ocean view, Sculptures at Killalea will return to Reflections Killalea Reserve in Shellharbour from 14 September to 23 October. There will be over 60 installations on display made of steel, wood, ceramics and more, With $10,000 in prizes and giveaways on offer, artists can apply now through the Sculptures at Killalea website here and applications close 30 July. FASHION TAKES |