STATE'S ROAD TRIPPERS ENCOURAGED TO GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACKA new $2 million NSW road trips marketing program is now underway, designed to entice more travellers off the major highways and experience some of the State’s inviting rural and regional towns. Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall joined Member
for Tamworth Kevin Anderson in Tamworth today to announce the new program. “While the State continues to attract visitors in record numbers, we’ve upped the ante with the new marketing program which will provide an even bigger boost to rural and regional NSW economies,” Mr Marshall said. The marketing program will include an online interactive trip planner with curated itineraries and maps to allow more people to select a journey based on the kind of NSW experience they’re looking for. “Whether it’s food and wine trails, coastal scenic routes or outback adventures, the road trip itineraries and maps can be accessed from any mobile device and shared amongst family and
friends." For more information on how to plan your NSW road trip, visit www.visitnsw.com/roadtrips. The marketing program has been developed by the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW in consultation with the six Destination Networks.
UNLOCKING NSW'S
MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR BACKYARDA major new strategy to boost rural and regional economies and capitalise on the fast growing popularity of nature-based tourism will be developed by the NSW Government. The NSW Government has reserved $28 million of the Regional Growth Environment Tourism Fund for nature-based environment and tourism infrastructure projects. Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said, “We know that an increasing number of international tourists from places like China, India and Germany are looking for a unique and scenic experience away from the crowded skylines of Shanghai, Mumbai and Berlin. What better place to find that than our State’s world class natural icons—from the Back O’
Bourke to the beaches of Byron Bay. “To kick start our commitment, we’ve reserved $28 million for new or improved nature-based environment and tourism infrastructure projects to make sure tourists have a world-class visitor experience here in NSW. “This Strategy will identify NSW’s competitive advantage, so that when International tourists visit down under, they’re flying into Sydney and out into our rural and regional areas.”
DENI UTE MUSTER TURNS TWENTY Australia’s iconic Deni Ute Muster is set to hold its biggest party on the plains yet when it celebrates 20 years this year. The event, held on 28 and 29 September, announced its entertainment line-up this week with international country music superstar, Carrie Underwood, as well as legendary Australian artists Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Thirsty Merc and Amber Lawrence set to perform. Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said, “As one of the country’s premier regional events, the Deni Ute Muster encapsulates the uniqueness
and vibrancy of Australia’s rural heritage and culture and we’re delighted to be celebrating the event’s 20th birthday this year. “Since its inception the event has grown steadily, generating considerable economic benefit for the region. With a sensational program scheduled across two days, I encourage visitors to start planning their trip to Deniliquin for the chance to experience this standout regional event,” he said. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks. To purchase tickets, go to www.deniutemuster.com.au. The Deni Ute Muster is supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
REGIONAL NSW ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND AIME 2019Expressions of interest to co-exhibit with Destination NSW at the leading exhibition for the meetings, incentives and events industry are now open. Destination NSW are offering operators and destinations across rural and regional NSW the chance to co-exhibit at the 2019 Asia Pacific Incentives Meetings Event (AIME) which will be at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre in February. AIME is the largest international event of its kind in Australia, inviting more than 4,000 suppliers and meeting and event planners and offering more than 11,000
face-to-face-meetings across a two-day schedule. AIME also provides a valuable platform to encourage event planners to visit the ‘Meet in Regional NSW’ website, a one-stop shop that promotes more than 400 venues for those looking to host their next event. If you are interested in co-exhibiting with Destination NSW or would like further information about this opportunity, go to www.meetinnsw.com.au/aime-2019.
TARONGA GIRAFFES MOVE FOR $50M MAKEOVERTaronga Zoo’s giraffes are temporarily moving from the iconic Harbour-view spot they’ve occupied since 1926, while their area gets a $50 million makeover. Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton said the Zoo will be creating two new precincts: the African Savannah and the Congo Forest, opening in 2019. The African Savannah precinct will be a multi-species habitat, bringing together a Lion breeding facility; expanded Savannah for Giraffes, Zebras and Fennec Foxes, as well as a specialised Meerkat encounter space. The Congo Forest will
be a lush exhibit for the Taronga’s Gorilla family, complete with streams and waterfalls. “The new exhibits will be exciting new additions to our world renowned Taronga Zoo, and I know it will entice even more local residents and tourists from around the world,” Ms Upton said. Tourism industries contribute $37.1 billion to the NSW Economy, and Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo attract more than 1.9 million guests annually. The NSW Government is providing half the $49.9 million project cost, with Taronga Zoo Sydney providing the balance.
HELPMANN AWARDS HOSTED OVER TWO NIGHTS The winners of the 2018 Helpmann Awards will be announced over two big nights this year, at Sydney Town Hall on 15 July and the Capitol Theatre Sydney on 16 July. Tickets for both nights are now available via Ticketmaster. The 2018 Helpmann Awards are supported by the NSW Government, via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
SOUTH KOREA WORKSHOP APPLICATIONS OPENDestination NSW is pleased to offer NSW tourism suppliers and destinations the opportunity to attend the 2018 South Korea Workshop in Seoul taking place from 30 October to 1 November 2018.The Workshop is designed to showcase Sydney and NSW products and destinations to key tourism partners. For more information and to register, click here.
NAIDOC ART FAIR THIS WEEKEND IN SYDNEYThe National Indigenous NAIDOC Art Fair, presented by Blak Markets, returns to Sydney this weekend at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. The event will kick off celebrations ahead of this year’s NAIDOC Week and will be a vibrant festival of Australia’s rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. The event is free and will run from 10am – 5pm both Saturday and Sunday.
NSW PREMIER'S
PRIZES FOR SCIENCE
AND ENGINEERINGThe NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering recognise excellence and reward the State’s best and brightest for cutting-edge work that has generated economic, environmental, health, social and technological benefits for NSW. Prizes of $5,000 will be awarded in nine categories. To apply, click here. Nominations close Monday 2 July, 2018.
FIRST ACCESSIBLE CANOE/KAYAK LAUNCH IN MURRAY A wheelchair accessible canoe/kayak launch has been installed at the Edward River Bridge Picnic Area in the Murray Valley Regional Park. It allows wheelchair users to enter and exit their canoe/kayak via a manual transfer bench, before pushing off into the river. The facility will open in Spring, and was installed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in partnership with Transport NSW.
AUSTRALIA'S TOP
RIDERS GET READY TO BATTLEThe Battle Recharge marks its tenth anniversary this July, once again offering cycling enthusiasts a challenging weekend of racing throughout the picturesque Tweed Valley. The event will be highlighted by the National Road Series and will also feature a brand-new time trial course and a new criterium course. The event will be held from 27-29 July 2018. Click here to register.
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