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REFRESHED 20 YEAR ECONOMIC VISION FOR REGIONAL NSW RELEASED
The NSW Government has delivered its 20 Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW – Refresh this week, identifying ecotourism and domestic tourism as key drivers for regional NSW economies in coming years.
Launched by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, the vision was first released in 2017 but has been updated in response to the changed economic landscape and opportunities that have emerged in regional NSW following the drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the 2017 launch, the vision has guided $124 million of state government investment in tourism and culture projects that are complete, underway or committed.
One of the opportunities outlined in the refreshed vision is to invest in new infrastructure to create major ecotourism destinations and capitalise on the rich natural and cultural resources available in regional NSW through ecologically sustainable tourism.
“We are looking to a future that is increasingly uncertain. To deliver on our vision in the face of uncertainty, we must develop diversified regional economies able to support people and businesses through future challenges.
“The Vision Refresh looks to accelerate economic growth in key sectors such as tourism. We will investigate visionary projects that could maximise our unique environmental endowments to take full advantage of tourism opportunities,” Mr Barilaro said.
The vision identifies that within five years the NSW Government will investigate driving the growth of ecotourism and domestic tourism through:
- supporting local, regional and state organisations to establish distinctive value propositions in tourist destinations based on regional endowments
- opportunities to improve access to, and management of, areas of significant natural amenity and ecotourism potential
- innovative models to promote the preservation and enhancement of natural endowments.
In launching the plan, Mr Barilaro also announced more senior NSW Government roles would be based in regional communities, increasing the number of skilled job opportunities in the bush.
The ‘Regional Workforce Principles’, which are endorsed by Cabinet, will see NSW Government public sector roles advertised from any location with ‘regional location encouraged’ and a commitment to increase the proportion of senior government roles in the regions by 2023.
Explore the full 20 Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW – Refresh online: www.nsw.gov.au/a-20-year-economic-vision-for-regional-nsw-refresh.
SYDNEY SECURES BLOCKBUSTER ART EXHIBITION
Visitors and Sydneysiders will soon have the opportunity to marvel at more than 100 artworks created by one of the world’s leading visionary artists.
The NSW Government announced yesterday it had secured Hilma af Klint: The Secret Paintings, which will be presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 12 June until 19 September 2021 with the support of Destination NSW.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Australian exclusive was an exciting addition to the state’s cultural calendar.
“As identified in our recently launched Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, investing in world-class events is a key pillar in achieving our goal to be the premier visitor economy in the Asia Pacific.
“When New York City’s prestigious Guggenheim Museum presented a Hilma af Klint exhibition in 2018-19, it broke attendance records,” Mr Ayres said.
Art Gallery of NSW Director Dr Michael Brand said the exhibition is the first major survey in the Asia Pacific region of this trailblazing artist who stood for too long outside the accepted story of European modernism.
“We are privileged to present this exhibition of af Klint’s ground-breaking paintings, along with more than 30 watercolours from the last decades of the artist’s life, several of which have never before been exhibited, and a selection of notebooks, which give fascinating insights into her influences and processes,” Dr Brand said.
Tickets to Hilma af Klint: The Secret Paintings will go on sale soon. For more information, visit www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/hilma-af-klint.
Image caption: 'Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future' October 12, 2018-April 23, 2019, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Photo: David Heald
$800,000 FUNDING PROGRAM OPENS TO SUPPORT ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES IN NSW
Applications are now open for Aboriginal communities across NSW, thanks to a NSW Government funding program that is designed to support projects that reawaken, grow, nurture, promote and raise awareness of Aboriginal languages.
The Aboriginal Languages Community Investments Program 2021 is an open round grants program offering a total of $800,000 across three categories to support different project aims:
- Reawaken (supports projects that encourage the development of new or emerging language activities) – up to $20,000
- Grow (supports existing projects to expand and develop the capacity of groups or organisations) – up to $50,000
- Nurture (provides support to build the strategic capacity of more established groups or organisations) – up to $90,000
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin urged not-for-profit incorporated Aboriginal community controlled organisations to apply, as part of state-based efforts to support languages revitalisation.
“Speaking and learning traditional languages improves the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, by providing a sense of belonging and empowerment.
“As the only State Government to enact legislation to acknowledge the significance of Aboriginal languages, I encourage all interested groups to come forward to help us widen the knowledge sharing and learning across NSW and beyond," Mr Harwin said.
Applications for the Aboriginal Languages Community Investments Program 2021 funding round close Friday 12 March 2021. More information can be found on the NSW Government Aboriginal Affairs website.
Meanwhile, the NSW Government has signed a new agreement with Supply Nation, which will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses a boost by connecting them more closely with government departments for good and services supply opportunities. Read the media release to learn more.
WOLLONGONG BECOMES ONLY UCI BIKE CITY IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
Wollongong has become the only city in the Southern Hemisphere to receive the coveted UCI Bike City label, recognising the investment and commitment to make Wollongong ‘cycle friendly’ to all.
Securing the UCI Bike City label is a legacy of hosting the 2022 Wollongong UCI Road World Championships and reinforces the region’s capacity to develop cycling among the community and get more locals and visitors on bikes.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the 2022 event and Bike City label combined would put Wollongong on the map among cycling fans globally.
“It’s fantastic to see Wollongong receive the UCI Bike City label, which will give us a new avenue to promote Wollongong, Sydney and surrounds to cycling enthusiasts and amateur riders looking for their next ‘must-visit’ destination.
“This acknowledgement demonstrates the long-term benefits an event such as the UCI Road World Championships can have for a region, which is why the NSW Government is ambitious in securing world-class events for our state,” Mr Ayres said.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the global recognition reinforced the extensive variety of cycling opportunities available throughout Wollongong.
“Whether you’re a road cyclist, BMX or mountain biking enthusiast, or just looking for a safe and fun ride with the family, there is something for everyone in Wollongong,” Mr Lee said.
Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said: “This is great news for Wollongong and the South Coast and great promotion of our region that is rich in landscapes that are perfect to explore by bike.”
For more information about the 2022 Wollongong UCI Road World Championships (18-25 September 2022) and supporting activities visit www.wollongong2022.com.au.
LORD HOWE ISLAND'S BIODIVERSITY BOOM
The World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island is experiencing a biodiversity boom following the successful completion of one of the world’s largest rodent eradication programs.
Within the space of just 18 months, the $15.5 million program has all but wiped out an estimated 300,000 plus rodents and other feral pests.
Biologists have described the change in the island as “spectacular”, with a rebound in native plants and animals including the doubling in population of the island’s iconic flightless Lord Howe woodhen.
Minister for the Environment Matt Kean said: “Feral pests and weeds have wreaked havoc here in the past. This program is reversing that and changing the destiny of the plants and animals that call this precious and unique part of Australia home.
“This is such a unique, precious and rare environment, there are flora and fauna here that are found nowhere else on earth, it is vitally important we protect it or risk losing it forever,” Mr Kean said.
There have been no confirmed sightings of rodents since the baiting was completed in November 2019. It’s expected the island will be officially declared rodent free in the second half of this year (two years after baiting began).
HOLIDAY HERE IN SYDNEY THIS YEAR – TOURISM AUSTRALIA AND DNSW TEAM UP
Destination NSW is working side by side with Tourism Australia to leverage the agency’s $5 million Holiday Here This Year domestic advertising campaign blitz.
Tourism Australia launched the week-long push last weekend, encouraging Australians to book domestic holidays and give the country’s tourism industry a much-needed boost.
Destination NSW has supported Tourism Australia to secure primetime breakfast television coverage for Sydney on Seven’s Sunrise throughout the week. Weather presenter, Sam Mac, profiled the experiences on offer at Sydney Motorsport Park, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and at the Cathedral Square pop-up live entertainment venue Sunset Piazza.
The coverage aligns with Destination NSW’s ongoing Sydney Love It Like You Mean It campaign, which encourages Sydneysiders to stay and play in the Harbour City to support businesses engaged in the visitor economy across Sydney. Visit the campaign landing page for more Sydney staycation inspiration - www.sydney.com/love-sydney.
The Tourism Australia marketing push has been delivered to inspire Australians to holiday in Australia by highlighting destinations, tourism products and experiences, including areas impacted by last summer’s bushfires. The national advertising schedule includes TV program and event sponsorships, publisher created content and in-program editorial integration. For more information about the campaign, visit www.australia.com.
FROM PORT MACQUARIE TO NEWCASTLE WITH FLYPELICAN
Port Macquarie and Newcastle are now even more closely connected via a 30-minute flight operated by FlyPelican.
The new service, launched yesterday, will operate weekly on Thursdays with fares starting at $85 one way.
The flights connecting Port Macquarie and Newcastle come after FlyPelican launched its Port Macquarie direct to Canberra service on 1 November 2020.
Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the continued support of the Newcastle Airport catchment was behind the recent addition of several new services operating to and from Newcastle Airport.
"What we've seen over the last 12 months is strong, ongoing demand for air travel to and from our [Newcastle Airport] catchment which has consistently been higher than the rest of the nation.
“This supports our region by enhancing connectivity, allowing customers from regional NSW easier access to the services available in Newcastle and the ability to use Newcastle Airport as a hub to get to where they need to go,” Dr Cock said.
Fly Pelican CEO Marty Hawley said the new service will suit people looking to spend an afternoon to attend to business or spend time visiting family and friends.
“Local getaways are becoming increasingly popular, and we look forward to connecting the two regions,” Mr Hawley said.
SUPPORT FOR NORTHERN BEACHES BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Small businesses that experienced hardship as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions on the Northern Beaches will soon have access to a grants to help them cover unavoidable expenses.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was committed to supporting businesses while keeping people and communities safe.
“After almost 12 months we continue to battle the impacts of COVID, both in a health sense but also from an economic perspective and that is why we are providing targeted and temporary financial assistance to those impacted by the recent lockdown,” Mr Perrottet said.
A new funding program will provide for the roll out of $3,000 and $5,000 hardship grants to eligible Northern Beaches businesses.
The Government will be implementing several other support measures in addition to the $3,000 and $5,000 grants including promotion for the Northern Beaches to profile local attractions and welcome visitors to the community via Destination NSW, improved access to existing support including mental health resources for small business owners on the SafeWork website and a pilot of the Dine & Discover program in coming months.
More information on the grants and how to apply will be made available on the Service NSW website in the coming weeks.
AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION WELCOMES NEW CHAIR
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has welcomed the appointment of Josephine Sukkar AM as ASC Chair. As Principal of Buildcorp, Ms Sukkar brings extensive corporate and commercial experience to her new role as ASC Chair and is a passionate advocate for Australian sport. In 2019, she was appointed Chair of the Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council to spearhead the Government’s Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy. Ms Sukkar has also been a driving force behind the unprecedented growth in women’s Rugby across the country in her role as President of Australian Women’s Rugby. Sport Australia Acting CEO Rob Dalton said Ms Sukkar joins the ASC Board at a pivotal time for sport in Australia. “Josephine’s career in sport extends from the community level right through to the Boardroom and when coupled with her outstanding record in business she is well positioned to lead the rebuild of sport as we look to emerge from the pandemic in a position of strength,” Mr Dalton said. Ms Sukkar will begin her new role on 8 February 2021 for a three-year term.
APPLICATIONS FOR HERITAGE GRANTS CLOSE MONDAY
Eligible applicants have until 5pm Monday 8 February to apply for the 2021-23 NSW Government Heritage Grants. The program aims to improve the identification and protection of the State’s heritage, assist owners and custodians in conservation, encourage cultural participation, increase resilience and stimulate the economy. In this round, there are three broad categories of grants: Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, Caring for State Heritage and Community Heritage. Projects in the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Grants category can include works to Aboriginal cultural heritage sites, as well as projects that celebrate and promote greater understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage. For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit Heritage NSW's website.
CENTRAL NSW NEWCOMER RECEIVES CHEF AWARD
The Australian Good Food Guide has awarded Central NSW newcomer restaurant Antica Australis its first AGFG Chef Hat in its first year of business. The slow food rural Italian-style restaurant, located in the historic village of Carcoar, has become quickly renowned for its hand-sourced local artisan produce, seasonal four course menus and strong sustainability ethos. While COVID-19 meant the business had to close just three weeks after opening in March 2020, it has become a favourite among locals and visitors since re-opening for sit down dining at the end of June. Antica Australis joins four other restaurants in the Central NSW region that were awarded a 2021 AGFG Chef Hat, with the list also including The Zin House and Pipeclay Pumphouse in Mudgee, as well as Charred Kitchen & Bar and The Schoolhouse at Union Bank in Orange. There are several special upcoming events planned at Antica Australis. Find out more and reserve your place at anticacarcoar.com/our-events.
GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT TO SUPPORT COASTAL COUNCILS
The NSW Government awarded close to $150,000 to Kempsey and Nambucca Valley Shire Councils this week to undertake works to manage the region’s coastline and estuaries. Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said this funding is part of the Government’s commitment to supporting councils and communities to manage and protect our State’s coastal environments. “Empowering councils to manage our coastline is of the upmost importance given the integral part it plays for communities, whether it be for economic, recreational or cultural reasons. This funding will help the two councils plan for the future and protect our unique coastal assets,” Ms Hancock said. Find out more about the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants program at environment.nsw.gov.au.
$500,000 FUNDING BOOST FOR BALLINA
The NSW Government will deliver over half a million dollars for the Ballina region and officially certify Ballina Shire Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP) for Lake Ainsworth. The $273,333 funding boost will assist Council and other land managers undertake important coastal works to protect the region’s waterways and coastline. The certification of Council’s CMP for Lake Ainsworth marks a significant milestone in the coastal management process and provides a clear strategy for the long-term management of the lake. The Lake Ainsworth foreshore will also receive $250,000 in funding through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. Ballina Shire Council Mayor David Wright said Council is very pleased to have the Lake Ainsworth CMP officially certified and to be the first in Northern NSW. “We are grateful to the NSW Government for their funding assistance to implement the actions outlined in the CMP,” Mayor Wright said.
ARTS AND CULTURAL FUNDING APPLICATIONS OPEN
Individual artists, arts and cultural workers, practitioners and organisations across NSW are invited to apply for Round 2 of Create NSW’s 2020/2021 Arts and Cultural Funding Program. The program shows continued support for NSW’s arts and culture sector and Create NSW - administrator of the program - is calling for applications across a wide range of artforms and disciplines, from Museums and History to Contemporary Music, to Aboriginal Arts and Culture and Classical Music. Round 2 of Create NSW’s 2020/2021 Arts and Cultural Funding Program is now open for Annual Organisation, Project and Creative Koori Project categories. Applications close Monday, 1 March 2021. Create NSW will deliver webinars and opportunities to have one-on-one sessions with Create NSW staff in February on how to apply for interested individuals and organisations. Visit the Create NSW website for more information, guidelines and to apply at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
