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NSW GOVERNMENT ADVISES: DO NOT TRAVEL THIS EASTER
The NSW Government is calling on all residents to stay at home this Easter and to cancel any holidays or day trips to regional NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres, NSW Health and NSW Police have advised that leisure travel, including to visit family, is not permitted at this time and could increase the risk for regional communities in terms of coronavirus.
People are being asked to remain within their own communities, and to only leave the house to shop for essentials, for medical reasons, for work or education where this is not possible at home, and for exercise.
Tourism businesses are asked to be sensitive and sensible in supporting the community to follow this direction by working with customers to postpone or cancel their trip.
Accommodation providers, including short-term rental accommodation, are advised there is no ban restricting them from operating at this time to support essential workers including medical staff or to facilitate self-isolation requirements.
For full details and latest Government Orders, go to nsw.gov.au
NEW GOVERNMENT AGENCY - RESILIENCE NSW - ESTABLISHED
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced the creation of a new Government agency, Resilience NSW, which will drive a world-leading disaster preparedness and recovery approach for the local community.
Resilience NSW will be led by outgoing RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons who announced his retirement from the RFS after decades of service including 12 years as its leader.
“The NSW community has shown extraordinary resilience in the face of many disasters – bushfires, drought, flood and now the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know the next six months will be very difficult but we must already turn our mind to recovery.
“Through Resilience NSW we will re-double our efforts to prevent, prepare and recover from crisis which impact NSW.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said he was honoured to have the opportunity to continue to serve the people of NSW in this vital new role, and to work alongside the leadership of the state’s combat agencies.
“Resilience NSW will lead the whole-of-government prevention, preparedness and recovery effort. It will oversee and coordinate emergency management policy, service delivery and all aspects of disaster recovery at a state, national and international level,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“There was never a more important time to make sure that communities devastated by drought, bushfires and now COVID-19 are getting the help they need to rebuild and recover.”
Photo: The Rock Nature Reserve, Kengal Aboriginal Place near Wagga Wagga
WITH LOVE FROM AUS - TOURISM AUSTRALIA
LAUNCHES NEW VIDEO
Tourism Australia has released a new video via social media and the web reminding visitors of the beauty of the Australian landscape that awaits future holiday makers.
The video is a digital postcard from some of Australia's iconic natural attractions and stars many of the cute and cuddly animals for which the country is famous.
“In these times of uncertainty, the world needs a little positivity and something to look forward to,” Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said.
“Inspired by Matesong, Tourism Australia is sending an uplifting message to Australians and the world – keep dreaming about the beautiful places, people and experiences waiting for you on the other side of this.”
Watch the video at Australia.com
Tourism Australia is also hosting a weekly webinar for industry about coronavirus - check online to view past editions or register for upcoming events.
FREE TAFE COURSES TO SUPPORT NSW RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO UPSKILL
Twenty-one fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are now available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the pandemic response has had a dramatic effect on communities and working life, but these select courses would assist job seekers, workers and business owners looking to diversify their skills during these times.
“The NSW Government understands that circumstances have changed for a lot of people and business owners, which means the way they work and how they conduct their business has also changed,” Mr Lee said.
“The TAFE NSW fee-free accredited courses will contribute to helping businesses stay in business and people stay in jobs. It’s vital we keep people employed and ensure we have the ability to rebound when things do improve.
“We also understand that many industries are in hibernation, so using this period to upskill for the future is time well spent.”
The 21 short courses include:
- eMarketing for Small Business
- Engaging Customers Using Social Media
- Writing and Presentation Skills
- Computing Skills
- Team Leader Skill Set
- Administration Skills for Team Leaders
More information, including a full list of courses, is available at TAFE NSW or by calling 131 601.
BRING SYDNEY FESTIVAL TO YOUR HOME OFFICE
Sydney Festival is bringing the best of its alumni direct to your home with a new festival-themed Spotify playlist.
From legendary songwriter Archie Roach to the beautiful harmonies of Marliya choir, fans are invited to celebrate the beloved music of Sydney Festival artists and support Australian music simultaneously.
Best of all, artists are paid whenever someone listens to their work on Spotify - so every play adds up.
Listen to the Sydney Festival playlist here.
Sydney Festival is also offering several other program elements to arts supporters at home. Sydney Festival 2019 artist Jonny Hawkins, aka ‘Aunty Jonny’ of the Dollar Bin Darlings, is bringing his parties online. He will be live streaming ‘Doomsday Disco’ parties from his living room each Thursday at 7.30pm.
And if you’re still setting up your home office or study, Sydney Festival partner Stagekings has turned its production crews to making desks, monitor and laptop stands and other handy home office furniture. See the Stagekings range online. Purchases include free delivery and $10 from each sale goes to Support Act, an Australian charity supporting the music and events industry.
NEW LEGISLATION ALLOWS GREATER FLEXIBILITY FOR FOOD TRUCKS, CONSTRUCTION WORK
The NSW Government has introduced new measures allowing some industries increased flexibility to continue operating in this challenging period.
New planning rules mean that ‘dark kitchens’ – those that cook meals solely for delivery, rather than eat-in orders – and food trucks are now easier to set up and operate. The rules support the food and beverage industry, which has been significantly impacted by recent social distancing measures.
“Right now, we can’t go out for dinner at our favourite restaurant, or grab a drink with friends at the local pub – and this has been devastating not only for customers, but more importantly, for the businesses themselves and their staff,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said.
“That’s one of the reasons we’ve made it easier for people to set up and operate a dark kitchen in any existing commercial kitchen. These businesses could offer additional food delivery options for the increasing number of people working from home, or they could be used to produce greater quantities of meals for people in quarantine, or in medical, health or aged care facilities.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the order also included positive changes for food truck owners.
“During the COVID-19 crisis, food trucks will now be able to operate on any land, at any time, providing they have the landowner’s consent,” Mr Tudehope said.
Further, the Government has now allowed construction sites to operate on weekends and public holidays to help the industry facilitate social distancing on construction sites and to keep projects progressing by spreading work across more days.
“The construction and development sectors, which make up almost 10 per cent of NSW’s economy, will be vital in keeping people in jobs and keeping investment flowing over the coming weeks and months,” Minister Stokes said.
SUPPORTING NSW THROUGH SCREENS
A growing number of NSW businesses are finding new ways to adapt to the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions by offering their experiences and products online. From sporting clubs to arts organisations to food and wine attractions, there are plenty of operators across the state continuing to captivate audiences across Australia and around the globe.
- Hockey At Home: Hockey Australia, a long-term strategic partner of Destination NSW, is producing a daily series of unique hockey video content, aimed at helping families keep healthy, active, engaged and entertained at home. Grab your hockey sticks as Kookaburras and Hockeyroos athletes and coaches demonstrate drills, teach specific skills and share the exercises they do to keep fit. Visit Hockey Australia’s ‘Latest News’ for weekly wrap-ups, or follow its Facebook page for daily updates.
- Together In Art: The Art Gallery of NSW has launched #TogetherInArt – an initiative that draws on the experience of artists, performers, educators and community partners to create meaningful art encounters, such as new commissions, pocket exhibitions, behind-the-scenes tours and art classes. In the first of an ongoing series of video workshops, renowned Australian painter Ben Quilty and his daughter Liv demonstrate ‘how to draw a face’.
- Junee Licorice Factory: A signature attraction of The Riverina, Junee Licorice Factory is selling its delectable products online – providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy some sweet treats this Easter and throughout the #StayAtHome period. The factory’s owners, Neil and Coral Druce, have also branched out to producing hand sanitiser at their distillery, Corowa Whisky and Chocolate.
Destination NSW will continue to feature innovative businesses and attractions in each edition of Insights to inspire other tourism operators to consider how they might engage with the community online.
If your business has a virtual tour or online experience you’d like to share with the thousands of readers of Insights, please email product@dnsw.com.au.
If you know of other experiences we’ve not promoted here, please join the movement and share them on social media using the hashtag #LoveNSW. Follow VisitNSW (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) and Sydney (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for future holiday inspiration and a showcase of NSW’s best attractions and experiences.
ORDERS AMENDED FAVOURABLY FOR CARAVAN PARKS
The NSW Government has updated the Public Health Orders regarding restrictions on caravan and camping parks.
In the amended Order, published on 4 April, caravan parks must remain closed to the public, except for:
- people who are permanent residents or overnight travellers
- persons working in the local area
- persons who have no other place of permanent residence or whose primary place of residence is temporarily unavailable.
Anyone with a booking who was staying at a caravan park or camping ground before 26 March 2020 can continue to stay until the end of that booking.
For the latest advice regarding Orders restricting gatherings or movement, refer to NSW Health
SMALL BUSINESS BUSHFIRE RELIEF WEBINAR
The NSW Small Business Commission is continuing to support bushfire-affected businesses in regional NSW through a series of information webinars.
Tonight (Tuesday 7 April), the Commission will host its first digital information session designed to help businesses access the different programs and funding that is available, understand the Government’s approach to recovery and answer questions from the community.
The session will include representatives from Regional NSW, Small Business Commission, Service NSW, Business Connect and Training Services NSW.
To register for the free information session, go to Service NSW’s business support events page.
A TASTE OF THE ROYAL EASTER SHOW HOME DELIVERED
Those who love attending the Royal Easter Show know that no show-going experience is complete without a take-home showbag.
This year, you may not be able to go to the Show but thanks to Chicane Showbags you can still get a taste of the fun and frivolity at home.
Chicane Showbags has launched its online store, Showbag Shop, where you can buy some of the Show classics – from the ever-popular Bertie Beetle to The Simpsons and everything in between. There are the confectionery favourites, sport, entertainment and pop culture, the emporium collection and even TV and radio themed treats.
To browse the full collection, visit Showbag Shop.
