RIVERINA ACCOMMODATION RECEIVES A BOOST FROM NSW GOVERNMENT

The Riverina is set to welcome more overnight visitors following a NSW Government grant to assist with the construction of an additional accommodation wing for the Brolga Hotel Motel.

The accommodation provider will almost double its capacity, thanks to the $145,738 contribution from the Regional Tourism Fund, managed by Destination NSW.

Nationals MLC Wes Fang launched construction this week, and said the funding would go a long way in providing much needed accommodation for the town.

“The Riverina is the perfect place to relax, reconnect and enjoy at your own pace and is home to natural waterways, an amazing array of food trails and charming towns just waiting to be explored,” Mr Fang said.

“Initiatives such as the redevelopment of the Brolga Hotel Motel are crucial to driving visitation to this beautiful region.”

The new wing will incorporate two rooms that interconnect, which will be suitable for family accommodation, plus a room with fully accessible facilities, a first for Coleambally.

“Tourism is vital to rural and regional communities, contributing $19.5 billion to the NSW economy and directly employing 90,400 people,” Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said.

SYDNEY NAMED CRUISE CRITIC'S BEST HOMEPORT IN 2019

Sydney has been named Best Homeport by editors of the world’s largest cruise reviews site, Cruise Critic.

The online cruise community announced its 4th annual AU Editors’ Picks Awards this month, and Sydney was recognised for its iconic surrounds, lifestyle offerings and nearby coastal attractions.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the accolade was well deserved and reaffirmed Sydney’s position as the country’s leading cruise destination.

“Sydney continues to be Australia’s cruise gateway and one of the world’s most beautiful destinations with its iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and pristine beaches,” Minister Ayres said.

“Latest industry data shows that NSW’s nine ports received 371 cruise ships of more than 100 passengers in the 2017-18 financial year.”

The Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards are selected by a global panel of impartial cruise experts from the website to highlight the best ports and luxury cruise lines for Australian travellers across dozens of categories.

 “As all cruise ships dock within this convenient waterway, cruise passengers can easily enjoy the city’s iconic beaches, waterfront bars and restaurants, wildlife attractions and museums,” Cruise Critic editors said.

NEW SYDNEY ZOO OPEN FOR VISITORS

Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian opened the NEW Sydney Zoo for business at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, ahead of Sydney’s newest attraction opening to the public earlier this month.

Boosting Western Sydney’s lifestyle and tourism offerings, Sydney Zoo is a one-of-a-kind destination, with the latest and most technologically advanced habitat design and a medley of new experiences integrating nature, play and education.

The new Sydney Zoo is made up of four iconic precincts - Australia including an aquarium, Primates, South East Asia and Africa. Visitors of all ages will be able to roam around the completely flat site with no hills or steps with 30 habitats, and more than 2000 animals, specially created to provide a sense of openness and space for the animals, improving their welfare and the guest’s experience.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Sydney Zoo provides an opportunity to showcase not only Western Sydney, but the entire State.

“Sydney Zoo has a unique mix of precincts and curated offerings that are a first in the region. The Zoo is forecasted to generate an estimated $45 million per annum to the NSW economy and attract one million visitors each year. For the first time in 100 years, Sydney has opened a major new Zoo and it is set to become one of Western Sydney’s main attractions,” she said.

To visit, purchase your tickets and membership online at www.sydneyzoo.com

BUY REGIONAL DELIVERS $120,000 TO NEW ENGLAND BUSINESSES

Christmas has come early for the tiny town of Uralla in the state’s Northern Tablelands after Buy Regional businesses delivered $120,000 worth of Christmas hampers full of regional NSW food, drink and tasty treats to Sydney Christmas gift givers.

Uralla locals gathered together at the St Johns Church Hall on Monday to pack 1,500 Christmas hampers, rallying to finalise orders lodged with businesses across the New England region via the NSW Government’s Buy Regional webpage.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the packed hampers were loaded onto a truck and driven 450km to Sydney and delivered to clients based in the CBD and the suburbs on Tuesday, including Norths Leagues Club, the Australian Stock Exchange, Bird & Bird and Henry & Hymas.

“Uralla has a population of about 2,700 people and like many towns in the bush the drought and bush fires are making life very tough for them, but it’s absolutely amazing to hear how the community has come together to help one another,” Mr Barilaro said.

More than 250 regional businesses are featured on Buy Regional, the NSW Government webpage with more than 330,000 page views that showcases regional sellers, making it easy to find the perfect Christmas gift and support regional NSW.