FIRST EVER REGIONAL TOURISM TARGET FOR NSWRural and regional NSW will get its fair share of the State’s rapidly growing tourism pie with the NSW Government announcing the State’s first regional tourism target to double the current spend. Making the announcement at AgQuip in Gunnedah, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the Government would work with industry to reach an ambitious target of $20 billion in visitor expenditure in rural and regional NSW by 2025, rising to $25 billion by 2030. “The tourism sector in NSW has never been stronger—we are by far the
number one destination for domestic and international tourists by every measure. “But our current State wide tourism target has Sydney as the heavy lifter getting us to number one. It’s now time to look beyond Sydney and do the work needed to turbocharge tourism in our rural and regional areas and double the current record levels of visitor expenditure.” The regional target will be supported by a range of initiatives by the NSW Government, including marketing campaign funding, more rural and regional events, improved tourism infrastructure and measures to address skills shortages in tourism and hospital sectors. Click the image above for a video of the announcement or read the full announcement here. Image: L-R, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall, Destination Country and Outback General Manager, Rhonda Taylor and Destination Country and Outback Chair, Stephen Bartlett.
NEW KOALA JOEY AT DUBBO ZOOThere’s a new addition at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with a male Koala joey visible from his mother’s pouch in the Aussie exhibit. The Koala joey—the third for experienced mum Rosea—is around six months old and yet to be named. Taronga Western Plains Zoo Keeper Shannon Rover said she’s really happy with how mother and joey are doing. “The joey is growing and developing well, he is quite curious and reasonably confident for his age. “The
joey is currently spending most of his time on the tummy area of Rosea but in the next couple of weeks he will explore further and start riding on Rosea’s back.” The ideal time to see the joey is mid-morning to lunch on warmer days. The new joey is the first joey to emerge this breeding season and Taronga Zoo is hopeful there will be more. Read more about Taronga’s conservation programs here and for zoo visitor information and tickets, visit taronga.org.au.
EVITA REHEARSALS KICK OFF IN SYDNEY Rehearsals for the Australian production of Evita have commenced in Sydney, with the musical opening at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, on 13 September. Evita charts the story of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón, from her humble beginnings, through to the extraordinary wealth and status which ultimately led her to be heralded the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’. This recreation of the original West End and Broadway production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, has Tina Arena in the lead
as Eva Perón, alongside Paulo Szot as Juan Perón. Evita has received more than 20 major awards and features some of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best loved songs, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina and Another Suitcase in Another Hall. The Australian premiere has been secured exclusively for Sydney by the Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. Visit evitathemusical.com.au for details and tickets.
SYDNEY 7s TICKETS ON SALE NOWThe non-stop action and entertainment of the HSBC Sydney 7s continues in 2019 with tickets now on sale to the iconic tournament that will be held from 1-3 February. Teams from all over the world will descend on Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park to battle it out in the annual men's and women's World Series events. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said, “Western Sydney is the home of some of Australia’s biggest sporting events and most passionate sports fans, who will create an incredible atmosphere at Spotless
Stadium.
“The Sydney 7s is synonymous with three days of festivities and Western Sydney hotels, restaurants and attractions are set to reap the benefits with visitors travelling from around Australia and the world to support their team.
“I encourage everyone to get their tickets early and start planning an extended stay.”
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek. Image credit: Getty Images.
FFA NATIONAL YOUTH
CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR BOYS ON COFFS COASTOver 600 of Australia’s finest football players are set to converge on Coffs Harbour to contest the FFA National Youth Championships for Boys. The Championships, hosted by Northern NSW Football, will take place from 24-28 September at the C.ex International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, where 36 teams from around Australia will represent their State, competing in age divisions of 13 and 14 years. Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser said the event is proudly supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. “Supporting a wide range of events in our region provides a fantastic opportunity for local hotels,
restaurants and tourism attractions to capitalise on additional visitors while showcasing our spectacular beaches, national parks and local attractions. We look forward to welcoming competitors and spectators to Coffs Harbour this September for another fantastic few days of football,” Mr Fraser said.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG AT
CENTENNIAL PARKLANDSCentennial Parklands has released their Spring season What’s On Program, with festivals, concerts, camping and more. On 2 September is the Father's Day Festival, where the Blak Markets and IMF Warrior Run come to Centennial Parklands. Try bushfood from the BBQ, learn traditional arts and watch a warrior dance at this family-friendly festival. For a unique camping experience just 10 minutes from Sydney CBD, Park after Dark will be held on 14 September, 12 October and 9 November. Families and friends can enjoy an authentic camping experience with campfire stories, nocturnal wildlife tours, Tent Assembly 101 plus a fully catered BBQ breakfast and dinner. Other not-to-be-missed Spring events include the Sydney Running Festival, Walking in Ancestors Footprints Workshop and Tracks, Trails, and Treasure Hunts - Wild Play for Families. One of Sydney’s best-loved parks, Centennial Parklands won gold in the World Urban Parks inaugural 2018 International Large Urban Parks Awards. The 360-hectare swathe of undulating parkland and woods in Sydney's inner east is the city's greatest green space. Discover the full Spring What’s On program and school holiday events here.
QUEANBEYAN GOLF COURSE HOLE IN ONEQueanbeyan Golf Course is set to receive an impressive transformation in time for the 2019 NSW Women’s Open thanks to $1.2 million in NSW Government funding. Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres at the popular golf course to make the announcement. Ms Berejiklian said the funding would go towards modernising public facilities and improving spectator viewing areas, taking the facility from a well-loved community asset to a state-of-the-art sports
venue. “Last year the NSW Government secured the 2019 NSW Women’s Open for Queanbeyan, so it gives me great pleasure to announce a second win for Queanbeyan today,” Ms Berejiklian said. “This funding will ensure the golf course is in pristine condition when it is showcased internationally to the world’s top female golfers teeing off for the 2019 Women’s NSW Open here in Queanbeyan.” The $300 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to improve economic growth and productivity with investment in regional communities.
GERRINGONG AND BOWRAL HOST NSW FIRST WORKSHOPS Tourism businesses can now register for NSW First Program Workshops in Sydney Surrounds South this October. Find out how to develop and promote your tourism product at the Gerringong Tourism Development Workshop on 17 October or learn
to target international visitors and sell through online and inbound travel trade at the Bowral Inbound Strategy Workshop on 19 October. View the calendar here.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR USA ROADSHOWDestination NSW is pleased to offer NSW tourism suppliers and destinations the opportunity to attend the 2018 USA Roadshow in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, from 11 - 17 November, 2018. The Roadshow is designed to showcase Sydney and NSW’s products and destinations to key tourism partners and give NSW suppliers a better understanding of the USA market. For more information and to register, click here.
MAYFIELD FOOD
AND WINE FESTIVAL BIGGER THAN EVER The Mayfield 2018 National Cool Climate Wine and Food Festival returns on Saturday
13 October, after the inaugural 2017 event attracted over 600 visitors. Attendees can sample premium cool climate wines, local gourmet food and enjoy performances from local musicians, while children will love the free face painting and jumping in the giant flower pit. Click here for information.
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