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SYDNEY ATTRACTIONS SHOW THANKS TO
FRONTLINE WORKERS
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo are showing gratitude to the ongoing commitment of frontline workers with free entry to the popular attractions during August.
The Sydney experiences are offering free admission to emergency services, healthcare and teaching professionals, showing leadership and support from the tourism sector in response to the bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are forever grateful to selfless frontline workers who keep us every day Australians safe throughout these unprecedented times,” Merlin Entertainments Group Divisional Director - Midway Asia Pacific Rob Smith said.
“Whether they’re battling fires, caring for our sick or educating young minds, we want to say thank you by inviting them to enjoy a day out in beautiful Sydney on us.”
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s free entry offer follows a similar initiative launched by Madame Tussauds Sydney in July which was hugely popular with the frontline community. It is also part of the ‘Big Thank You’, a global effort by parent company, Merlin Entertainments to donate 30,000 tickets to emergency and essential workers across the UK, Asia, North America, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
To redeem the offer, eligible candidates use the codeword ‘THANK YOU’ when booking online and present a valid Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) card, Staff ID or proof of work. Free entry extends to teachers, doctors, nurses, paramedics, police, fire officers, ambulance officers, aged care workers, pre-school workers and correctional services officers.
The offer is available until Monday 31 August 2020. For more information visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo or Sydney Tower Eye online.
DESTINATION NSW SUPPORTING TOURISM BUSINESSES THROUGH NSW FIRST PROGRAM
Destination NSW’s industry development program NSW First continues to deliver online events and new resources to help tourism businesses grow, promote and sell their products.
Sell Your Bookable Products Online is a new NSW First guide to assist businesses to successfully sell their tourism products online, either directly to customers via their website or via third party distributors such as online travel agents to reach new customers.
Download the new guide, and view the recent NSW First Sell Bookable Products Online webinar on demand for more information about this aspect of the industry.
Registrations are now open for the next NSW First “Discuss and Develop” free online event, which will address commissions and the travel distribution system.
Participants will find out how customers can find and book products, learn about the key players in the travel distribution system, discover the benefits of paying commission and get answers on common questions about paying commission including outlining industry standards.
Register now for Discuss and Develop Your Business: Commissions and the Travel Distribution System on Tuesday 4 August at 11am, or find out more about upcoming NSW First online events and other available resources.
COVID SAFETY CRACKDOWN - REGISTER YOUR
COVID-SAFE BUSINESS NOW
Inspector numbers have been boosted and their powers increased under the NSW Public Health Act 2010 in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Pubs, clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants and venues found to be flouting the NSW COVID-safety measures face fines, and could even be shut down, as part of a joint operation between Liquor & Gaming NSW, SafeWork and Fair Trading.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said stricter conditions and increased supervision are crucial to keep the economy in business.
“Businesses must be part of the solution if they want to stay open and look after their communities,” Mr Dominello said.
“Right now if they haven’t downloaded a COVID-19 Safety plan and registered as a COVID Safe Business they are contravening the Public Health Orders and could face a $5000 fine and then closure.”
Liquor & Gaming, SafeWork and Fair Trading inspectors are working in coordination with local council environmental inspectors, Food Authority inspectors, NSW Health and NSW Police.
COVID safety breaches can be reported to NSW Police or complaints made online at nsw.gov.au.
$10M IN MULTI-YEAR ARTS FUNDING TO FOSTER THE SECTOR
The NSW Government has announced the recipients of a $10 million multi-year arts funding boost to support 58 small to medium independent arts organisations for up to four years.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the industry has struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020/2021 Independent Arts and Cultural Organisations (Multi-Year Funding) provides a future-proof plan for the revival of the arts sector.
“I’m delighted this year’s funding has increased to support a greater number of organisations across NSW with almost half of the multi-year funding to be delivered to first-time recipients,” Mr Harwin said.
“We are committed to supporting the NSW arts and culture sector and by ensuring extended financial stability for organisations.”
All successful recipients were assessed by the 10 Artform Boards – comprised of the State’s key leaders in the arts sector.
Key Snapshot of 2020/2021 Multi-Year Funding:
- $9,999,110 in funding for 2020/2021 (up 8.38% on 2019/2020) will support 58 recipients (up from 55 on 2019/2020) across 33 metro Sydney, 14 regional NSW and 11 western Sydney based organisations
- 23 new multi-year recipients
- 5 Youth Theatre companies will receive funding
- 2 Aboriginal led organisations will receive multi-year funding for the first time
Funding over a four year period will cover creation of new works, exhibitions, publishing and recording, promotion and marketing, conservation or development of collections and archives, and equipment purchases.
See the full list of the multi-year funding recipients. Find out more about Create NSW funding programs online.
NEW LANDMARK IN DEVELOPMENT AS CONTRACT AWARDED ON SYDNEY FISH MARKET
The NSW Government has awarded the first major contract for what will be one of Sydney’s greatest tourism assets, the new Sydney Fish Market.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said work will be underway in a matter of weeks on the $750 million project following the appointment of the Stage One contractor.
“We’ll soon see the old wharfs and structures removed following the appointment of Hansen Yuncken who will quickly set this highly valuable project in motion,” Mr Ayres said.
“Redeveloping the Sydney Fish Market is a key project to help reboot our economy following the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This project will create 700 construction jobs over four years and support more than 700 ongoing jobs once the new precinct opens in 2024.
“The new precinct will co-locate fishers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurateurs, a market hall, new public promenades and a ferry wharf, providing an exciting and engaging aquatic based premium tourism experience for visitors.
“And importantly, the new Sydney Fish Market will be an iconic Sydney landmark that preserves a vital part of Sydney’s maritime heritage, whilst contributing to Sydney’s urban future with access to the waterfront and the creation of new public spaces.”
The current fish market site will remain fully operational for four years while the new site is being built.
$50,000 GRANTS TO CREATE MENTALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACES
Projects and initiatives that help support mental health recovery in the workplace could be eligible for a NSW Government grant worth up to $50,000. Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Recovery Boost program, administered by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), would fund projects that promote seeking assistance early, supporting an individual's recovery and reducing stigma around mental health: “Almost half of Australians will experience some form of mental health issue over their lifetime and workplaces can and should provide help and support,” Mr Dominello said. Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor urged more businesses to take up the annual program to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: “Challenges associated with working from home, reduced hours, or even teleconferencing can place added stress on staff.” Expressions of interest for the Recovery Boost Grant program are open until 6 August.
COUNTRY ROAD RELEASES NEW REGENERATION CAMPAIGN SHOT IN NSW
Australian lifestyle brand Country Road has released its spring campaign, Regeneration, championing the local heroes and against the backdrop of NSW bushfire-affected community Glen Alice. The launch film reflects the regeneration of the land and of the people who lived in Glen Alice, at the base of the Blue Mountains in Capertree Valley. Country Road states the campaign was a moment to reconnect with the inspiring people and resilient landscapes of the place Australia calls home. The spring collection features natural fibres, which creative director Kai Tunley said perfectly aligned with the stories Country Road wanted to tell: “It’s important to use our brand to tell real stories with real people.” Those featured in the campaign are captain of the Capertree Fire Brigade Steve Dalli, traditional land owner and artist Peter Swain, and Terrie Wallace, who led a group of volunteers in cooking meals for RFS firefighters.
50,000 NEW JOBS FOR PARRAMATTA’S FUTURE CBD
Thousands of new jobs, great design and high-quality public places are on the horizon for Parramatta as plans for the CBD’s revitalisation reach a major milestone. The NSW Government and City of Parramatta Council have progressed the plan that will guide a vibrant and strong future for Greater Sydney’s second CBD, as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan. The proposal will lay the foundation for planning changes to unlock 50,000 new jobs, 14,000 new homes, well-designed buildings and great public spaces for locals, workers and visitors to enjoy. Minister for Planning Rob Stokes said: “From increased building heights for a dynamic city skyline, to almost two million sqm of new commercial floorspace, new cultural spaces and fantastic public spaces, this proposal will shape the Parramatta CBD for generations to come.”
