DESTINATION NSW CEO LEADS CALL FOR SYDNEYSIDERS TO LOVE IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT Sydneysiders are being urged to give local businesses a much-needed boost by playing tourist in the city they live in and love. Destination NSW has rolled out a new marketing campaign inviting Sydneysiders to Love It Like You Mean It by dining out, visiting an attraction, museum, gallery or national park, or having a staycation in the city. Sydney. Love It Like You Mean It features
experiences and attractions from all corners of Sydney through print, radio, social media, digital and YouTube advertising supported by extensive industry partnership activity. Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox profiled the new marketing campaign – a rally cry to Sydneysiders - in his remarks at The Bradfield 2020 today, the hallmark event of The Daily Telegraph’s Bradfield campaign that drives conversation, ideas, debate and action on the future of Sydney. Mr Cox joined Michael Cassel (CEO and Producer, Michael Cassel Group) and Ann Sherry AO (Executive Chairman, Carnival Australia) on the industry expert panel to discuss the vision for Sydney
post pandemic. As a pointer to The Bradfield 2020 at Sydney’s Luna Park today, Mr Cox was interviewed by The Daily Telegraph (view the article here) discussing the impact of international travel bans on Sydney’s visitor economy and encouraging Sydneysiders to get out and explore their own backyard. “We’ve got over 100 beaches in Sydney, we’ve got the third busiest opera company in the world with Opera Australia, we have the deepest natural harbour in the world,” Mr Cox
told The Daily Telegraph. “There are just so many things for people to see and do. We encourage everyone to take their family and book a playcation in their own city.” Visit Sydney.com for travel inspiration and to see the Sydney. Love It Like You Mean It campaign. Tourism businesses can get involved in the campaign by using images, logos, stickers and the hashtag #ilovesydney on their social media posts and other owned assets - click here for the toolkit.
NSW INVITES INTERSTATE HOLIDAYMAKERS TO
TAKE A GREAT ESCAPE Destination NSW has launched an extension of its Love NSW tourism recovery campaign, encouraging interstate residents to cross the border and enjoy a ‘Great Escape’. The Great Escape campaign is running in South Australia and Queensland, with advertising to commence in Melbourne and greater Victoria when border restrictions are lifted after 23 November. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the new marketing campaign and TV commercial were part of the NSW Government’s COVID recovery plan. "With just one border restriction, which
is soon to be lifted, our State is wide open and ready for visitors to enjoy in a COVID-safe way,” Mr Ayres said. "Now that restrictions are being eased, we’re all hungry for freedom, to escape what’s been a challenging year. There’s no better time to explore the incredible coast, countryside and outback of NSW.” The television, print and digital ads will be customised for each State, promoting regional towns and experiences within close proximity to state borders or an easy road trip from Sydney for visitors arriving by air. Check out the campaign video here.
MORE THAN 12,000 FANS INVITED TO ATTEND
GREATEST SOUTHERN NIGHTS The NSW Government is amplifying its support for the return of live music, backing two major concerts to be staged at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena for more than 12,000 fans in total as part of its Great Southern Nights initiative. The new events - Greatest Southern Nights - will be headlined by Ocean Alley on 28 November and Bernard Fanning and Matt Corby on 5 December, with each concert hosting more than 6,000 music-lovers in a fully seated, COVID-safe setting. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Greatest Southern Nights aligned with the NSW Government’s ambition to
kick start the state’s economic recovery, create jobs and drive visitation and spend through major events. “NSW has led Australia in reigniting the live music industry through Great Southern Nights, and now we are excited to announce these landmark concerts that will be the hottest tickets in the country,” Mr Ayres said. Joining Ocean Alley on 28 November are Jack River, Ruby Fields and Jack Botts, while Bernard Fanning and Matt Corby will be joined by special guest Merci, Mercy for the 5 December concert. Geoff Jones, Chief Executive of Promoter TEG, said: “These shows are vital for our industry because they will show that we can stage large-scale live concerts
safely and that Australians cannot wait to get out and share great live entertainment experiences with their friends and family.” Roger Field, President of co-promoter Live Nation, said: “After eight long months of zero arena shows, these concerts will see great musicians bring thousands of fans back together. Not only will these two wonderful nights of entertainment deliver significant employment, but they are sure to inject a vital economic boost to our industry and the NSW economy.” The Greatest Southern Nights concerts are supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and form part of the Great Southern Nights program delivered by the NSW Government in partnership with
the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). For more information and a gig guide visit www.greatsouthernnights.com.au.
NAIDOC WEEK EVENTS SUPPORTED TO SHINE
THROUGH NOVEMBER The NSW Government has supported a total of 95 community-led and COVID-safe NAIDOC Week events to take place during November, as the nation celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements under the 2020 theme of Always Was, Always Will Be. Postponed from its original July dates due to COVID-19 concerns, this year’s NAIDOC Week runs until 15 November. As part of the celebration, funding from Aboriginal Affairs NSW of nearly $160,000 is supporting Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs), local councils, schools, sports and dance groups and other Aboriginal
organisations to host a range of community events across the state. The funding has supported 28 events in the Binaal Billa region, 12 in Greater Sydney, 13 in the Hunter Central Coast region, 10 in the Illawarra Southern, 7 in the Murdi Paaki region, 11 in the New England and North West, and 14 on the North East Coast. To find a NAIDOC Week event in your local area, visit https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events. Image:
Aunty Margret Campbell from Dreamtime SouthernX tours in Sydney
NSW GOVERNMENT BACKS NEW AUSTRALIAN
OPEN OF SURFING The rising stars of Australian surfing will compete up and down the NSW coast as part of the new 2020 Australian Open of Surfing series being held in November and December. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government was proud to support the series giving a much-needed boost to local hotels, restaurants and attractions, notably in areas affected by the summer bushfires. “Our support for the Australian Open of Surfing has helped Surfing NSW expand the 2020 Series to secure two additional events for regional NSW – the Port Macquarie Open this weekend and the Far South Coast Open in December,” Mr Ayres said. “The NSW Government has a strong track record of securing surfing events at all levels for our state, and grassroots events such as the Australian Open of Surfing not only inspire our next generation of surfers but also put local towns and businesses on the map. “More importantly, these events will help us reboot the NSW economy in a COVID-safe way as we recover from the global health pandemic. “NSW is home to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches and I’m thrilled that we can show them off to more visitors through Australia’s newest surfing event series.” The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing will see Australian surfers take to the water,
gaining valuable competition experience in preparation for the 2021 season. Each event will include up to 64 surfers in the men’s competition and 32 surfers in the women’s competition. The Australian Open of Surfing – NSW Series is supported by the NSW Government via Destination NSW. Events in the series include: Cronulla Open – held from 8 - 9 November Port Macquarie Open – 14 - 15 November Kiama Open – 22 - 23 November Coffs Harbour Open – 29 - 30 November Far South Coast Open – 5 - 6 December Northern Beaches Open – 13 - 14 December.
24-HOUR ECONOMY REFORMS APPROVED BY
NSW UPPER HOUSE Sydney’s night time economy will be kick started and re-energised post COVID-19 and beyond, thanks to new 24-hour economy laws passing NSW Parliament’s Legislative Council last night. Key changes in the Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Bill 2020 include: A new incentives and sanctions system with ongoing fee discounts for licensed venues that maintain a clear record; Removal of outdated live
music restrictions; Allow small bars to offer more family friendly services to customers, by permitting minors in certain circumstances; Reducing red tape by aligning liquor licensing and planning processes; and Enhancing same day alcohol delivery regulations.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the laws would breathe new life into the economy. “This is great news and a
double win for the community. The changes will empower businesses to thrive and grow, and provide customers with more choice,” Mr Ayres said. The new laws are expected to take effect from 1 December 2020 and complement recent changes to outdoor dining regulations, which make it easier for businesses to offer alfresco dining.
AUSTRALIAN HAMILTON CAST ANNOUNCED HAMILTON’s original Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize winning creative team has confirmed the full company for the new Australian production opening at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on 17 March 2021. The Australian company is led by Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton, Chloé Zuel as Eliza Hamilton, Lyndon Watts as Aaron Burr, Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, Matu Ngaropo as George Washington, Victory Ndukwe as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shaka Cook as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Marty Alix as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha as Peggy
Schuyler/Maria Reynolds and Brent Hill as King George III. HAMILTON’s writer and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda said: “I am incredibly excited by the cast we have assembled for the premiere of HAMILTON in Australia. While theatres around the world have been forced to temporarily shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken this time to bring together a truly incredible ensemble to tell this story.” Due to unprecedented demand, additional performances are on sale, with the production booking through to 5 September 2021. Tickets are only available at Ticketmaster. The Sydney exclusive season of HAMILTON is proudly supported by Destination NSW. Image credit: Joan Marcus
TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2021 SYDNEY MARDI GRAS Tickets are on sale for the 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, passion and pride, which will take place at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday 6 March. Holding the event at the SCG instead of the usual Parade route along Oxford Street – with up to 23,000 audience members seated in a COVID-safe way – will ensure the safety of Parade participants, spectators and the community at large. Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said the 2021 Mardi Gras theme, ‘RISE’, was a poignant message during the challenge and hardship that 2020 has presented. “Mardi Gras has always been the epitome of creative expression through art and culture; two things severely impacted by COVID-19 this year, so it was important to Mardi Gras that we rise to the occasion and give the community the creative platform to express their pride to the world.” The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in 2021 will again be proudly supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW. Applications are open for parade floats and volunteer opportunities. Tickets to the Parade are $20 for adults, $15 for concession and children under 15 years, or $50 to take advantage of the Four Person ticket. To purchase, click here or to find out more about the event, head to https://www.mardigras.org.au/.
CELEBRITY WAX FIGURES TAKEOVER SYDNEY Some of Australia’s favourite celebrity wax figures last week made rare public appearances at some of Sydney’s trendiest bars, cafes and beaches. Kylie Minogue, Ian Thorpe and Curtis Stone ventured out of Madame Tussauds Sydney last week to meet fans, showcase the city and support Destination NSW’s Sydney. Love It Like You Mean It campaign, which encourages Sydneysiders to get out and enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. The big day out began at Pyrmont Bay Park where early risers enjoyed a barbeque and freshly baked bread with Curtis Stone. Then it was off to Bondi
Beach for a dip in the crystal blue ocean and photos with five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe. From the famous beach it was a short drive to Social Hideout cafe in Waterloo, where two lucky birthday girls along with dozens of other brunchers received a surprise visit from the glamorous Nicole Kidman. Selfies were snapped by the venue’s Instagrammable flower wall before it was off to Oxford Street’s iconic Stonewall Hotel to wrap up the day with a Kylie Minogue party. The Pop Princess made a special appearance at the COVID-safe gathering, in wax form of course, and even stopped foot traffic as fans raced to meet the Aphrodite-themed look alike.
NEW GRANTS TO PRESERVE OUR NATION’S HERITAGERegional communities will be among the key beneficiaries of a new $5.3 million Morrison Government funding round to protect and preserve Australia’s national heritage sites, promote tourism and deliver much needed economic stimulus for COVID impacted economies. Round 3 of the Australian Heritage Funding Grants Program will focus on conserving privately-owned national heritage places, many of which have faced significant visitor downturn and temporary closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heritage site owners, managers and support organisations are
invited to apply for grants of between $25,000 and $400,000 as Australians focus increasingly on domestic tourism opportunities. Funding can be used for a range of activities to protect and strengthen the natural, historic and cultural values of a site, or to enhance visitor experiences that encourage people to share our national heritage treasures. Applications for the 2020-21 grant round are open until 7 January 2021. To find out more and apply, visit: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/australian-heritage-grants.
Eighty-six organisations from across the country have been awarded funding under Tourism Australia’s Business Events Boost Program, which received 189 applications from July to September. The Program supports industry-led marketing and distribution initiatives aimed at helping to restart business events in Australia. Successful recipients can use the funding to assist with the implementation of innovative activities including the development of digital assets, virtual site inspections, digital marketing and social media campaigns that target
corporate decision makers, event planners and media.
SEACLIFF HOUSE OPENS NEW OFFERINGSeacliff House in Gerringong on the NSW South Coast has completed the fit-out of its second accommodation offering, ‘The Farmhouse’, which received $150,000 in funding support through Destination NSW’s Regional Tourism Fund 2018-19. ‘The Farmhouse’ joins the original Seacliff House property on five acres of land, located three minutes from the centre of Gerringong. Surrounded by dairy country and stunning ocean views, the two houses sleep up to 24 people, making it a popular choice for weddings, family holidays and corporate getaways. Seacliff House is just two hours’ drive south of Sydney. For
more information visit https://seacliffhouse.com.au/.
THREE SYDNEY BARS AMONG WORLD’S BEST 50 Three Sydney venues have won over global industry experts, named among this year’s list for the World’s 50 Best Bars. Maybe Sammy, a 1950s Vegas-inspired cocktail bar located in The Rocks, was the only Australian bar to make the list last year and has made the cut once again, jumping 32 places to come in at number 11 in 2020. Cantina OK! has made number 28 on the list, while the multi-award winning Bulletin Place Bar has made number 39. Significantly, the three Sydney bars are the only Australian venues to be named among the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2020, which are voted on by over 540 bar
industry experts from around the world. To see the full list, click here.
BESYDNEY RETAINS 70 PER CENT OF COVID-19 IMPACTED MEETINGS Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has released its Annual Financial Report, noting that in financial year 2019-20, it secured 49 new global meetings worth an estimated A$167 million in direct expenditure for NSW, and retained and rescheduled 70 per cent of the meetings impacted by COVID-19 into future years. Speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting, BESydney Board Chair The Hon. Bruce Baird AM, said: “Despite the immediate and significant impacts of COVID-19
to BESydney’s operations, working with partners, the team has rescheduled 70 per cent of meetings from this year into future years, and there are 85 meetings and incentives confirmed for Sydney from CY 2021 to 2026 as at 30 June 2020. Retaining the majority of meetings is a great recognition of BESydney’s strong client and stakeholder relationships and our partners’ flexibility.” Read the full media release here.
$77 MILLION IN INFRASTRUCTURE UNLOCKED FOR TARONGA ZOOS A brand new state-of-the-art Wildlife Hospital and upgraded Reptile House are on the way for Taronga Zoo Sydney. The new Wildlife Hospital – to be called the Centre for Wildlife Rescue, Conservation Medicine and Species Recovery – will operate at both Taronga Sydney and Western Plains Zoos in Dubbo, and will receive $37.5 million from the NSW Government as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget. This is in addition to $3.2 million previously committed by the NSW Government, with the remaining $35.9 million to be sought from philanthropic and private
donors. The Wildlife Hospital will be completed by 2024.
MORE CLARITY FOR BUSINESSES TO STAY OPEN AFTER COVID CASE Business owners in NSW will have better clarity about the requirements to clean their premises following a positive case of COVID-19 with new guidelines available online. Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said: “We’ve launched an updated set of guidelines to guide businesses through the requirements of cleaning their premises following a positive COVID-19 case, enabling them to stay open. These new guidelines are great news for businesses, as they don’t need to bring in a specialist deep cleaning team which could cost tens of thousands of
dollars.” SafeWork NSW has also developed a range of practical advice tailored to each industry to help them operate their day-to-day business safely. More information on the updated guidelines can be found here.
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