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NSW PUMPS-UP THE VOLUME WITH PACKAGE TO SUPPORT ACCOMMODATION, LIVE MUSIC AND EVENTS
Up to 200,000 accommodation vouchers worth $100 each will be available to NSW residents as part of a new $51.5 million economic package designed to encourage people back into the Sydney CBD, re-ignite live music across the State, and support jobs in the accommodation, entertainment and tourism sectors.
The NSW Government’s latest COVID-19 response package will also include $24 million for eligible live music venues, a support package to help the business events industry in Sydney and regional NSW, and a funding boost for tourism marketing.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new package recognised the Sydney CBD and workers in accommodation, live entertainment and tourism industries had been especially hard hit by COVID-19.
“With international, interstate and business travellers virtually non-existent for the past year, the CBD, and in particular the accommodation industry, has done it tough,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said supporting the live music and business events industry was vital as NSW continued its economic recovery.
“Everyone has missed live music, the industry is coming out of hibernation, and this package will ensure our much loved venues are there to host the gigs people want to see as they celebrate NSW emerging from the pandemic.
“There will also be support for business events and more money to market local tourism attractions as part of the Love NSW platform.
“Our success in containing COVID-19 means we can now focus on assisting these vital industries get back to business,” Mr Ayres said.
The key components of the program are:
- $20 million for up to 200,000 x $100 CBD accommodation vouchers
- $24 million to Destination NSW for a Live Music Support Package to be administered in partnership with Create NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
- $5.5 million for a Business Events Industry Support package to assist businesses in Greater Sydney and across NSW administered by Destination NSW in partnership with BESydney
- $2 million for a Tourism Industry Marketing Support package through Destination NSW’s Love NSW campaign.
The $100 accommodation vouchers will be allocated on a first-in, first-served basis, and is expected to commence in June during the quieter winter period.
Industry has welcomed the announcement, commending the NSW Government for the targeted and timely measures that will help businesses hardest hit by the pandemic.
Business Sydney Executive Director Katherine O’Reagan said: “Sydney is the jewel in the nation’s tourism crown and with nearly a quarter of businesses in the city impacted by COVID, the accommodation sector is amongst the worst hit due to the loss of domestic and international visitors, so this stimulus package will save jobs and boost the whole CBD economy.”
Australian Hotels Association Director of Liquor and Policing John Green said: “The end of JobKeeper will be another blow, so today’s State Government announcement is perfectly timed - it allows hotels to retain more staff knowing bookings are on the horizon once again.”
APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said: “The risk for NSW without this package was not only the loss of valuable cultural infrastructure but also thousands of jobs that are supported by live music across the hospitality and tourism industries.”
More information about the package will be made available at NSW.gov.au soon.
RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FOR NSW COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY FLOODS
A multi-agency Strike Force has mobilised with equipment and crews heading out to commence the clean-up following extreme floods across the State.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the scale of rainfall over the past week and subsequent flooding requires dedicated recovery efforts.
“Our emergency services personnel and volunteers have been outstanding in dealing with the wild weather and the floods, but the scale of rainfall has been enormous and the recovery process will be challenging,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Recovery Strike Force comprised personnel from the Australian Defence Force, NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire & Rescue NSW, with clean-up efforts beginning yesterday on the Mid North Coast following the all clear from the SES.
“Our priority right now is to ensure roads are accessible, places are safe for people to return, and to assist with washout and clean-up by removing bulk waste,” Mr Barilaro said.
Service NSW is working in partnership with Resilience NSW and other state agencies, local government and the Australian Government to provide impacted people with information on and access to accommodation advice, relevant charitable services, mental health and wellbeing services, support for businesses, clean-up services, financial assistance and insurance and legal support.
The one-stop shop, administered by Service NSW, is now live and residents and businesses can connect with a Customer Care specialist by calling 13 77 88 (7am to 7pm including weekends).
Further, a specialist support group to co-ordinate council-to-council assistance has been reactivated to help communities impacted by the floods.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the Local Government Emergency Recovery Support Group was instrumental in ensuring offers of help from non-bushfire affected councils reached communities devastated by the bushfires in 2019-20.
“As the devastation of the weekend’s deluge becomes clear, this support group will help co-ordinate council-to-council assistance to communities devastated by flooding.
“I am calling on councils in a position to help communities in need to come forward. Likewise, I am also calling on those flood-affected councils who need help to come forward and register their needs,” Mrs Hancock said.
The NSW Government is urging people who would like to donate to take advantage of the official partnership with the national not-for-profit charity platform GIVIT to coordinate donations and support local charities.
Mental health support is also available at all times – the NSW Government recommends Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and Lifeline Australia (13 11 14). For support specific to small business owners, visit the Small Business Commissioner’s mental health support page.
NEW EVENT SYDNEY SOLSTICE TO SPARK CITY CELEBRATION THIS WINTER
The NSW Government is offering Sydney’s restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, promoters and cultural institutions a package of financial and promotional support to create unique experiences for residents and visitors as part of a new winter event called Sydney Solstice.
A compelling new initiative, developed by Destination NSW, Sydney Solstice will present 10 days of food, beverages, music and arts events in four Sydney precincts from 8 to 20 June.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres invited venues, chefs, artists, musicians, event producers and curators to come up with creative ways to showcase Sydney’s innovation, diversity and vibrant culture.
“We want businesses and creatives to collaborate with industry partners to realise bold, unexpected, high-profile featured events and benefit from direct NSW Government support, and smaller events will be promoted through the Sydney Solstice event campaign.
“We have all worked hard to keep Sydney safe and open for business, so let’s enjoy our city and invite others to share in our world-class live music and performance, culinary experiences, local art, comedy and immersive workshops,” Mr Ayres said.
The four Sydney precincts to be activated by Sydney Solstice are the Central Business District, Darling Harbour and surrounds, Oxford Street and surrounds, and Newtown and surrounds.
Expressions of interest are now open for industry to get involved in the event across two tiers:
- Featured events: Original concept, collaborative events that bring together the best in hospitality, music, arts and culture. Events can be held in a fixed venue and should have a total capacity of 2000+ patrons (can be held across multiple sessions). Successful applicants will receive funding to support event delivery
- Umbrella events: Special offers, unique in-venue programming or one-off local events that encourage guests to enjoy food and culture together. Successful applicants will benefit from Destination NSW’s integrated domestic promotional program for Sydney Solstice and leveraging the Sydney Love It Like You Mean It platform. Sydney Solstice will be promoted holistically in NSW, Victoria, ACT, and Queensland, linking to the event website where all participating venues will be featured. An industry toolkit with logos, creative assets and messaging will be available to support venues in promoting their involvement.
All events must comply with the NSW Government’s COVID-safety guidelines and requirements.
Venues, artists, creatives and brands are encouraged to review the Expression of Interest guidelines and submit a proposal by Friday 9 April 2021.
To submit an expression of interest or to sign up for more information about the program as it is announced, visit www.sydneysolstice.com.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS TO EASE BUT COMPLIANCE MUST INCREASE
Several COVID-19 restrictions across NSW will be eased next week as the State continues to move forward in a COVID-safe way.
From 12.01am Monday, 29 March, the following will apply:
- No restriction on dancing including at weddings and in pubs and nightclubs;
- All venues to move to the one person per 2sqm rule (venues will be allowed at least 25 people before the 2sqm rule applies)
- 100 per cent seated capacity at entertainment venues including stadiums and theatres
- No caps on weddings and funerals
- No restrictions on singing including in places of worship
- No cap on visitors in the home (if there are more than 100 people there must be a COVID-19 Safety plan and electronic recording of visitor details)
- 200 people allowed for personal outdoor public gatherings
- Mask use including on public transport will move from ‘mandatory’ to ‘strongly recommended’.
Businesses and other organisations must continue to ensure they keep accurate records of all attendances, including through QR Codes, to enable fast contact tracing in the event of any community transmission.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the easing of restrictions is a significant step forward as NSW continues its COVID-19 recovery.
“With no community transmission and our quarantine and frontline workers now receiving their second vaccinations, the timing is right to further ease restrictions across the State.
“As we do this, it is important we don’t let our guard down and continue to check in at venues, keep our social distance and get tested if we have even the mildest of symptoms,” Ms Berejiklian said.
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
WORLD TIME ATTACK CHALLENGE IS BACK, UNDER LIGHTS
Sydney Motorsport Park will host the acclaimed World Time Attack Challenge for a further five years - and for the first time under lights - building on a decade of success and smashed records for the event at the Eastern Creek venue.
The NSW Government through Destination NSW has announced its support for World Time Attack Challenge from 2021-2025, ensuring the highly engaging, high-speed event will continue to deliver benefits for Western Sydney’s visitor economy.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event was a firm fan-favourite and staple on the Sydney Motorsport Park calendar, returning 15 and 16 October 2021.
“World Time Attack Challenge is the largest event of its kind anywhere in the world and the last iteration attracted 3.1 million live streams globally.
“Competitors and teams race furiously for the fastest lap, which is sure to be even more dynamic at night under lights for the first time in the event’s history.
“The NSW Government has invested $33 million in the world-class facility so we’re excited World Time Attack Challenge has made Sydney Motorsport Park its home, in turn creating opportunities for the local visitor economy through visitation and media exposure.
“It is expected that the event will generate more than $14.5 million in visitor expenditure for NSW over the next five years, creating confidence on our road to recovery and reinforcing the critical role of major events as outlined in the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030,” Mr Ayres said.
The 2021 event will be the debut of night racing, with the schedule to include time trials for the domestic competitors under lights on Friday and Saturday.
For more information, visit www.worldtimeattack.com.
CALLING ALL NSW WINE STARS
Entries are now open for the 2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards. The awards are open to sommeliers, beverage and bar managers and venues that offer customers a great wine experience and a range of NSW wines that highlight the quality and diversity of locally-produced wines.
The awards will recognise individuals and venues that source wines from local winemakers and support the State’s producers, reinforcing the contribution of hospitality professionals to the broader industry alongside the excellence of those who offer customers a great dining experience.
The awards will be judged by a panel of three experienced, independent judges: Dane Richards, GM and Head of Reviewing Australia for Gault&Millau, has judged food and wine at all levels for many organisations; Ned Goodwin, Master of Wine, is a former Sommelier, a dux of the Len Evans Tutorial, Japan’s first Master of Wine and a highly regarded wine educator, judge and critic; and Mark Baulderstone, MD of Riedel Spiegelau Nachtmann Australia, who has worked with a diverse range of restaurants giving him insight to the broader wine experience.
The judges will assess the wine lists against criteria including wine list content, presentation, educational content, selection, food and wine matching, service and NSW wine representation.
Winners will be announced at Government House Sydney at an event hosted by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, on 24 May.
The 2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards are run by the NSW Wine Industry Association - entries are now open until 11 April 2021 and are free to enter. Enter online at NSWWIA.
BROKEN HILL MUNDI MUNDI BASH HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN
Tickets to the inaugural Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash – the biggest event ever staged in Outback NSW - are selling fast, with 70 per cent sold in the first three days.
The event will run from 19 – 21 August, 2021, bringing a stellar line-up of Australian rock legends to the historic region. Performing artists include Paul Kelly, Ian Moss, John Williamson, Tim Finn, Kate Ceberano, Glenn Shorrock, Ross Wilson, Vika & Linda, Wendy Matthews, Shane Howard, Shannon Noll, Dragon, The Radiators, Chocolate Starfish, Mi-Sex, The Chantoozies, Bjorn Again, Mark Gable, Steve Balbi and Furnace and the Fundamentals.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash had been secured for the region from 2021 until 2023 by Destination NSW.
“We anticipate that this event will inject more than $5.4 million into the local community when it’s held across the next three years, which is a huge coup for local businesses in and around Broken Hill.
“The Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash will be an event not to miss in 2021, and I encourage music-lovers and those looking for an unforgettable outback adventure, to grab their tickets soon so they don’t miss out on this new NSW event,” he said.
The event is an all-ages and dog-friendly festival offering up a uniquely Australian destination adventure for families, grey nomads, camping and caravanning enthusiasts and intrepid travellers.
In addition to the music line-up, the event will also feature a jam-packed program of outback activities – from a Nutbush City Limits World Record dance off attempt to comedy and outdoor film screenings, scenic helicopter flights, camel rides and the ‘Mundi Mundi Undie Run’ raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
For more information and to buy tickets to the event, visit www.mundimundibash.com.au
NEW REBATE SCHEME TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES
A new $1500 rebate scheme designed to help tens of thousands of small businesses pay for NSW and local government fees and charges, such as licences, council rates, and registration fees will open in early April.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate, which was announced in November’s Budget, would provide support for eligible small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations.
“It’s important that we support businesses to recover from the impact of the COVID pandemic and encourage business growth by reducing the cost of running a business.
“The NSW Government has committed close to $500 million for the new scheme, which shows our commitment to small businesses which are the life-blood of the NSW economy, supporting more than 1 million jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said businesses would be able to access the scheme through Service NSW.
“In the same vein as other support programs delivered by Service NSW during the pandemic, we want to ensure the application and redemption process is as seamless and intuitive as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
Under the scheme, small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations can apply to be reimbursed up to $1500 for NSW and local government fees and charges that are related to the cost of doing business.
For more information and program guidelines go to Service NSW.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE OF CINDERELLA A REAL-LIFE FAIRYTALE FOR SYDNEY
Sydney has secured the Australian premiere of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Capitol Theatre from November 2021, continuing the Harbour City’s run of internationally acclaimed theatre productions.
The 11-week season will bring the magic of musical – which originally starred Julie Andrews in the title role of the television production – to life in Sydney, providing visitors and locals with a fairytale ending to an evening in the city. It will be presented by Opera Australia and The Gordon Frost Organisation.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, was proud to support the show to benefit the state’s visitor economy.
“Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a spectacular contemporary adaptation of much-loved favourite and will appeal to many audiences, from young fans and seasoned theatre-goers to families that enjoy the magic of fairytales.
“We anticipate this production will attract more than 20,000 visitors to Sydney, delivering $13.3 million in visitor expenditure for NSW.
“We know major productions like Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Disney’s Frozen, Chicago, Muriel’s Wedding and the multi award-winning Hamilton drive economic benefit for the state through job creation and visitor expenditure and create social benefit for our community through provision of the arts and shared experiences.
“Sydney is a city of the stage and we’ve been leading the world in getting COVID-safe productions up and running – now we’re building on the calendar to keep audiences engaged and visitors planning their next city escape to see a show,” Mr Ayres said.
Tickets go on sale on 30 April, with pre-sales from 26 April – waitlist now open at www.cinderellamusical.com.au.
MORE SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL AGENTS ANNOUNCED
Australian travel agents will receive an additional $130 million from a second round of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the funding boost is on top of an initial $128 million to support our travel agents.
“The extension of the program will provide an additional $130 million to support eligible travel agents for the next three months who continue to provide refunds and hold credits for Australians who are unable to travel due to COVID-19.
“The extra assistance is part of our Government’s $1.2 billion tourism and aviation package to support our 660,000 tourism industry workers when JobKeeper ends on 28 March.
“The funding is in addition to around $700 million in support already provided to the sector through measures like JobKeeper, PAYG cashflow boosts, and loss carry back provisions,” Mr Tehan said.
The COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program provides eligible travel agents and tour arranging service operators with a one-off payment up to $100,000. Key changes under round two of the program include: simplifying the assessment and payment process for businesses eligible for a second payment under the program extension; increasing the minimum grant amount from $1,500 to $5,000; and reducing the number of turnover tiers used to calculate payments from 41 to seven.
Applications for round two will open in April. For more information, visit the Austrade website.
A FUTURE VISION FOR BAYS WEST
A plan to reinvent a section of Sydney’s unused harbour foreshore – with the historic White Bay Power Station as a centrepiece – has been launched by the NSW Government.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the draft Bays West Place Strategy aims to harness Sydney’s stunning “blue infrastructure” in the creation of a mixed-use precinct in the heart of the Eastern Harbour City.
“Bays West is so central and historically significant to Sydney that it is time to revitalise the area and make it a desirable place for people to live, work and visit,” Mr Stokes said.
The first, tangible action for the Bays West rejuvenation will be urgent restorative works at the heritage-listed White Bay Power Station.
The NSW Government is providing $14 million for the first phase of works on the site, which includes the investigation of structural integrity and safety as well as a program of critical repair and remediation works to begin later this year.
Community consultation will include online seminars, face-to-face information sessions in the area and communication through advertising and letter-box drops. The draft Bays West Place Strategy is on exhibition from 22 March to 29 April, 2021.
View and comment on the strategy via the NSW Government Planning Portal.
NIGHT WORKS – JOBS FOR THE 24-HR ECONOMY
Night Works – Jobs for the 24-hour economy’is a new research paper produced by Business Sydney exploring Sydney’s night-time workforce, opportunities to engage businesses and workers in the 24-hour economy and policies that will position Sydney to foster a strong, vibrant and diverse 24-hour economy.
The research puts a jobs-focused microscope over the Sydney CBD, with attention paid to two key regions – the Northern Gateway and the Camperdown Health and Education Precinct.
The paper considers adopting a precinct-based approach, reform around trading hours for businesses, venues, and services, ensuring transport enhances connectivity and mobility, and instilling a coordinated approach across State and local government.
The research outlines five key recommendations to develop a vibrant, diverse, and safe night-time economy that are:
- Embracing the hybrid working day to encourage employees to stagger time in the office with some starting earlier and others working late creating a better distribution of activity throughout the day and night and maximising asset and infrastructure use
- Providing extended transport services earlier and later in the day to reduce peak hour loading, enhance health and safety and better support those who work the night shift
- Collaboration among developers, property owners and Governments to support clustering of activities and enterprises which make places more resilient, interesting, and vibrant.
- Supporting planning that encourages more diverse activities and uses in new developments to ensure an active street frontage and diversity of day and night time activities and services
- Active engagement in recruiting the best and brightest to work, and remain, in Sydney CBD.
Read the full report or view a video summary.
NSW ON SHOW AT GET LOCAL EXPO
NSW will be on show at the inaugural 2021 Get Local Expo, encouraging business event planners to look no further than NSW for their next meeting and event activity.
The Expo will be held at ICC Sydney on 29 and 30 July 2021. Destination NSW will partner with the exhibition to showcase 20 industry partners who will provide potential event organisers with their latest offerings and news.
Participating NSW destinations include the Hunter Valley, Central Coast and the stunning Orange region, to name just a few.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said it was great to have the opportunity to showcase NSW at ICC Sydney this July, as the return of more face-to-face business events ramps up.
“We know that the recommencement of business events will be crucial in rebuilding and supporting the industry, and the NSW Government is focused on making sure event planners know about the many great locations and venues that regional NSW has to offer.
“It’s been fantastic to see the boost in confidence in NSW in getting back to business and attending events in-person, and we look forward to shining a bright light on our fantastic state at the inaugural Get Local Expo,” Minister Ayres said.
Get Local will provide event managers, PCOs, meeting planners and incentive organisers the opportunity to learn more about the domestic offerings across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Get Local will showcase venues, hotels, bureaux, AV, technology and all other suppliers to the business events sector across Australasia.
TRADIES WITHOUT BORDERS
The NSW Government is slashing red tape and removing barriers for tradies to work across state and territory borders, delivering a major boost for jobs and the economy. The Government has introduced legislation to enable a new national Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme to take effect from 1 July 2021, as agreed by National Cabinet, making it simpler and easier for tradies and other licensed professionals to carry out their work in multiple states and territories. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the changes had the potential to inject more than $2.4 billion into the national economy over 10 years and are a huge step forward in slashing burdensome registration rules and licensing fees. The AMR scheme will come into effect 1 July 2021.
A NEW ZEBRA FOAL FOR MOGO WILDLIFE PARK
Mogo Wildlife Park celebrated the arrival of a new zebra foal last Sunday. The new arrival brings the South Coast Wildlife Park's zebra population to eight. First-time mother Katali and the yet-unnamed foal are both doing well, and have brought bright smiles to park staff and visitors in an otherwise grey week. See Katali and her new foal at Mogo Wildlife Park's Instagram and Facebook pages, or plan a visit to the South Coast attraction.
57 BEST BARS IN SYDNEY RIGHT NOW
Popular news and culture website Time Out has published a list of Sydney’s 57 best bars, encouraging locals and visitors to get out and explore the city’s new, exciting or sometimes undiscovered hospitality venues. The Time Out DRINK list includes a car space in a CBD laneway packed with mezcal, a Euro-style deli serving cocktails in cans, distilleries, a brewery and everything in between. “Your locals, your favourites and the places you haven't quite gotten around to ticking off your list just yet need your support more than ever,” the article says. Explore the full list online for a taste of fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and value for money at every price point.
