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SYDNEY SCORES WITH FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023™ FINAL
Football fans around the globe will have all eyes on Sydney with Stadium Australia set to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Final.
NSW will host matches at Stadium Australia and the new Sydney Football Stadium bringing the atmosphere and adrenaline of the world game to hundreds of thousands of visitors and locals.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW’s event-hosting credentials made Sydney a natural choice for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ fixture.
“Sydney has a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional international events and is a destination of choice for visitors from around the world and the country thanks to our outstanding hospitality, unique Harbour setting and the experiences visitors enjoy when they’re here.
"Sydney is Australia's truly global city so it's fantastic that so many football fans near and far will see it shine during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™,” Mr Ayres said.
Football Federation Australia Chairman Chris Nikou said it was a hugely exciting moment in preparing for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ will be the biggest sporting event on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, showcasing Australia and New Zealand to a global audience of over one billion people.
“Today’s announcement of the Host Cities and match venues, including Sydney Football Stadium and Stadium Australia, for the tournament is a major milestone in the build-up to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup™ - a tournament that will unite nations, inspire generations, and provide our diverse and multicultural game with the perfect platform to grow over the coming years,” Mr Nikou said.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ took an important and exciting step today with the announcement of the 9 Host Cities and 10 stadiums in Australia and New Zealand that will host matches during the tournament. For the latest updates visit the FIFA website.
SYDNEY READY TO SCALE NEW HEIGHTS IN 2021
The NSW Government will convene a meeting of key stakeholders to devise ways to boost business and encourage more people back into the Sydney CBD as the State’s recovery from COVID-19 gathers steam.
Up to 100 people will be involved in the project, which will gather key stakeholders from the business community, entertainment and accommodation industries, travel, major corporations and Government.
The Treasurer said the key aim would be to boost economic activity in the Sydney CBD that remained below pre-COVID levels.
“While many other regions and locations across the city have actually seen business return or even rise, the CBD has been hit in a pincer movement,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The number of CBD workers has been down for a year and is still below normal levels and this has hurt all the businesses that rely on their patronage such as shops, cafes, restaurants and retail.
“At the same time we have seen international visitors, and much interstate travel, essentially shut down, that means millions of visitors not spending.”
It follows an earlier event held in September last year which resulted in a range of successful initiatives which encouraged people back to the city across summer, including: a $20m partnership with the City of Sydney; more flexible outdoor dining; extra transport services; activation grants for musicians and artists; Culture Up Late at cultural institutions and the Sunset Piazza program at Cathedral Square.
Business Sydney Executive Director Katherine O’Regan endorsed the CBD Summit announcement, saying the conversation needed to continue to ensure the revival of this critical driver of the State’s economy.
“To maintain its mantle as a global city we must work to ensure the development of a 24-hour economy in the heart of Sydney, attracting people to return to the city, both for work and play – day and night – to experience all the great things it has to offer.”
The CBD Summit will take place on April 22 at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
NSW OPEN FOR BUSINESS WITH NEW AGENCY
INVESTMENT NSW LEADING THE WAY
Investment NSW, a new NSW Government agency, is now open for business, reinforcing the State’s position as the economic engine room of the country.
Premier Berejiklian said the new agency will drive local and global investment and create the jobs of the future for NSW, showing the world that the State is open for business.
“Investment NSW is a one-stop-shop for the private sector – attracting and growing Australian and global companies, overseas capital, talent, tourists and students.
“Investment NSW is up and running, with a mission to enhance NSW’s global position as a safe place to do business, attracting investment capital and creating jobs for our State.
“It will act as a concierge for businesses and investors to help them navigate the many options available for partnering with the NSW Government, whether that’s payroll exemptions, co-funding great ideas, providing connections to global export markets and more,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan is the blueprint that will reinforce NSW’s position as the economic engine room of the country.
“Now is the time to be confident and on the front foot in attracting investment, talent and visitors who will drive us to new heights as we look beyond economic recovery to growth,” Mr Ayres said.
Investment NSW will be led by Chief Executive Amy Brown, who was previously Deputy Secretary at the Department of Premier and Cabinet, heading the economic and commercial leadership team.
“From day one we will be reaching out to key industry partners and investors – both domestic and international – to start work on their top priorities for government to partner through the COVID recovery,” Ms Brown said.
As a central NSW Government agency, Investment NSW will drive all trade and investment attraction activities within the NSW Government, which will maximise economic benefits and jobs growth.
Investment NSW will:
- Target local and global businesses to drive investment
- Provide rapid responses to business needs
- Be a single point of accountability and one-stop-shop for the private sector
- Help Australian businesses to scale up and ‘go global’ for maximum jobs growth
- Market Sydney and NSW on the world stage as a destination for tourism, major events, business investment, international study and global talent.
The establishment of Investment NSW brings together a number of groups from across government into the Premier and Cabinet cluster including the Jobs, Investment and Tourism group from NSW Treasury (includes Jobs Plus and the 24 Economy Commissioner), Destination NSW, Study NSW, R&D NSW and Global NSW.
Investment NSW will be jointly responsible to the Premier, the Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade, and the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney.
Visit the website for more information.
HAMILTON OPENING A DEFINING MOMENT FOR SYDNEY
The highly anticipated Sydney season of Hamilton launched with a star-studded red carpet event last weekend and rave reviews from media.
The high-profile launch of Hamilton has been celebrated as a turning point for Sydney on the road to recovery from the global pandemic.
Sydney is currently the only place the award-winning musical can be seen worldwide, and while theatres remain dark elsewhere creative industries globally are looking to the Harbour City to understand how live-entertainment can return in a COVID-safe environment.
Destination NSW’s publicity team has amplified Hamilton’s Sydney opening by attracting key international and domestic media coverage for the production, Sydney and NSW. This includes articles in the United States, Singapore and China and primetime broadcast pieces across Channels 7, 9 and 10 nationally.
During curtain call on opening night, US producer of Hamilton Jeffrey Seller congratulated Sydney and the NSW Government for supporting the arts and a successful COVID-19 response that has allowed theatres to reopen.
“Sydney is the new frontier. This will be the place where theatre started again. It is unique and special and well earned.
“Hamilton is reborn (in Sydney), the greatest city in the world,” Mr Seller said.
Purchase for Hamilton tickets online.
NAROOMA OYSTER FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2021
The Narooma Oyster Festival will return from 30 April to 1 May 2021 with a top line-up of chefs, oyster farmers and producers.
The festival has attracted thousands of people each year and will be held in the Wagonga Inlet, Narooma. At the heart of Australia's Oyster Coast, the festival celebrates the region's oysters and their growers, their natural clean quality produce, chefs and rich artistic and cultural talents.
A highlight this year is the cooking program which celebrates the relationship between producer and chef, matching local producers with some of the country’s most respected chefs including Sean Connolly from The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room in Sydney.
Narooma Rocks Chairperson Cath Peachey said the festival is going from strength to strength.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be able to attract chefs with an international profile like Sean (Connolly) and confirms that the festival has come a long way from the small community-run oyster festival it was a decade ago,” she said.
Festival-goers can sample oysters from six local estuaries and try regional wines, craft beer and produce from a large variety of food stalls while enjoying live music. Festival favourites such as the shucking competition, oyster masterclasses and fireworks show will return.
To meet COVID-19 requirements and streamline entry, tickets must be pre-purchased online and the event will be cashless. Find out more about the festival here.
TOURISM PLAN TO RESHAPE NEWCASTLE’S VISITOR ECONOMY
City of Newcastle has approved a new plan to reposition Newcastle as a premier tourism destination through a focus on events, natural assets and cultural heritage.
The Newcastle Destination Management Plan (DMP), developed in partnership with tourism industry partners, will reset Newcastle’s identity and brand by celebrating Newcastle’s unique indigenous, natural and built heritage assets.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said there was significant opportunity for a tourism-led economic recovery.
“Prior to COVID-19, Newcastle’s tourism industry contributed $1 billion to the local economy each year, with more than five million international and domestic travellers visiting in 2019. This plan builds on the success of our events strategy that has seen Newcastle continue to grow jobs and expand our visitor economy over the past six years.
“Showcasing our strengths as a city, including making the most of our rich aboriginal and post-colonial heritage, world class coastline and building on our reputation as a world-class events city with an updated Events Strategy and expanded conferencing facilities,” Lord Mayor Nelmes said.
To support this vision City of Newcastle has also launched a new business events website, facilitating event organisers and venues to connect to create corporate event opportunities in the city.
Find out more about the Newcastle Destination Management Plan.
QANTAS MYSTERY FLIGHT PASSENGERS ENJOY INDULGENT ORANGE TOUR
Last Saturday Qantas hosted its first Mystery Flight for 2021, bringing passengers from Brisbane to Orange, NSW.
Known for gourmet wineries, award-winning restaurants, rolling countryside and heritage towns and villages, Orange and surrounds were an ideal destination for the 152 excited passengers who were primed to expect country hospitality and the great outdoors, but did not know their destination.
After landing, passengers were transferred to the Sisters Rock restaurant at Borrodell Vinyard for a multicourse sit-down lunch, which showcased wines and produce from the Orange region.
After lunch guests spent the afternoon exploring the heritage-listed village of Millthorpe and enjoyed a visit to Angullong, Slow Wine Co and Tamburlaine Cellar Doors to sample cool-climate wines.
An impromptu performance by a tenor from Opera Australia added to the experience. A visit to the Heifer Station Vinyard included wine tasting matched to local specialties.
Nine hours after the adventure began, passengers were delivered back to Brisbane. The event was a success with the flight – and two others in the Mystery Flight program - selling out in under 15 minutes.
Find out more about the Qantas Mystery Flight program.
FIRST NATIONS FASHION AND DESIGN JOINS AFTERPAY AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK 2021
IMG has announced a partnership with First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD) to support Indigenous Australian designers and talent as part of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW).
FNFD is a national voice representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members which creates ongoing access to opportunities, skill development and industry engagement.
The partnership will support FNFD in various capacities including:
- Welcome to Country: On Monday, 31 May at Carriageworks, AAFW will open with a Welcome to Country curated and presented by FNFD. As the opening event on the official AAFW schedule, the Welcome to Country will highlight the significance of the site of Carriageworks to the history and future of Aboriginal creativity, solidarity and sovereignty
- The Suites: FNFD will hold a dedicated space in The Suites, AAFW’s onsite showrooms, from Monday, 31 May – Wednesday, 2 June. The space will act as a backdrop for featured Indigenous Australian designers to meet with media and buyers
- First Nations Fashion and Design Runway: On Wednesday, 2 June at 9am, FNFD will present a showcase featuring the collections of eight Indigenous Australian fashion designers including Amber Days by Corina Muir, Aarli by Teagan Cowlishaw, Clair Helen, Grace Lillian Lee, Ngarru Miimi by Lillardia Allirra Briggs-Houston, Keema Co. by Nickeema Williams, Nungala Creative by Jessica Johnson and Sown in Time by Lynelle Flinders
- First Nations Fashion and Design Talk: On Thursday, 3 June at 3pm, FNFD founder Grace Lillian Lee will host a panel discussion exploring the continued growth and industry support of Indigenous Australian models and designers, as part of AAFW’s ongoing series of culturally enriching conversations, AAFW: The Talks.
AAFW will take place 31 May – 4 June 2021, live at Carriageworks, Sydney, and virtually online.
SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW 2021 NOW UNDERWAY
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is back from today, building on more than 190 years’ history of celebrating Australian culture, from rural traditions to contemporary lifestyles.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia's largest annual ticketed event, attracting more than 828,000 attendees on average.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the Sydney Royal Easter Show was hugely popular among locals and visitors.
“It’s fantastic to have the Show back in 2021 and is a testament to the hard work of the Royal Agricultural Society for their COVID-safe planning and preparation, and the support of the NSW community in managing the pandemic to allow this important, much-loved event to proceed this year.
“I encourage everyone to book a ticket and plan their experience,” Mr Ayres said.
Highlights of the 2021 program include:
- The Little Hands on the Land exhibit, which will transform The Paddock into a kid-sized working farm to teach children where their food comes from
- Exhibitor competitions where rural producers shine, including the Backyard Pumpkin Challenge, Woodchopping and Sawing, the Honey Competition, Rural themed cake decorating and Perishable Cooking competition
- Rural and regional students from across NSW will be cooking and serving treats at the Fashion and Lifestyle Pavilion with all proceeds going to their schools
- Seniors Day on April 7, offering a day of fun and value including a free cup of tea at the Ampitheatre Lawns, and free carnival rides with a paying child
- Twilight tickets provide entry from 4pm, with evening entertainment at Giants Stadium
- 375 different Showbags on offer organizers anticipating there will be 1.5 million sold.
COVID-safe restrictions are in place with online bookings required via Ticketmaster. The 12-day event will host up to 60,000 visitors daily following NSW Health’s approval of the Show’s COVID Safe Plan.
Find out more about the Easter Show and purchase tickets online.
NEWCASTLE SET FOR BLOCKBUSTER WEEK OF WORLD-CLASS SURFING
The world’s best surfers will take to the waves at Merewether Beach over the next 11 days, as they compete in the prestigious Rip Curl Newcastle Cup from today for the first event of the Australian leg of World Surf League’s 2021 Championship Tour.
The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour will include 54 of the best international surfers including the likes of John John Florence, Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina, along with Aussies Stephanie Gilmore, Tyler Wright, Sally Fitzgibbons, Julian Wilson, Owen Wright and Ryan Callinan.
The atmosphere will be spread right across the city, with an opportunity for visitors and locals to enjoy an activation site in town featuring a large projection screen of Mereweather Beach, food trucks as well as live entertainment.
For those who missed out on free tickets through the ballot, WSL will release unused or unclaimed tickers via Ticketek each day of the event.
The Rip Curl Newcastle Cup will be broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox Sports and is supported by the NSW Government, via Destination NSW, and City of Newcastle.
The Championship Tour will continue in NSW with the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic held from 16 – 26 April 2021. Visit the website for more information.
AUSTRALIAN ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS SET TO RETURN TO SYDNEY IN 2022 AND 2024
Western Sydney’s visitor economy is set for another boost, with the NSW Government securing the Australian Rowing Championships for 2022 and 2024 at Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government is committed to building a world-class calendar of events as part of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030.
“This is a win for the people of Western Sydney and I am thrilled Australia’s premier rowing regatta will remain at the home of adrenaline and outdoor adventure in Penrith by hosting the Australian Rowing Championships in 2022 and 2024,” Mr Ayres said.
Rowing Australia Chairman, Rob Scott, said the organisation was pleased to have secured the world-class facility that is the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC), for two events, especially with 2024 being an Olympic and Paralympic year.
“Off the back of the highly successful Aon Australian Rowing Championships, held in Tasmania last week, we’re delighted to announce that Nationals will return to Penrith for 2022 and 2024. This announcement represents the continued support from the NSW Government for Rowing Australia and Australian rowing in general.
“We’re extremely grateful to the NSW Government and Destination NSW for their ongoing commitment to our sport. It is fantastic that our community have confirmation now on event locations through to 2024 for Nationals, and it will be especially wonderful to host a Nationals in 2024, at an Olympic-legacy venue such as SIRC, with the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in Paris later that year,” Mr Scott said.
The Australian Rowing Championships comprises the Australian Open Rowing Championships, Australian Open Schools Rowing Championships and the King’s and Queen’s Cups Interstate Regatta.
The 2022 Australian Rowing Championships will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre from 28 March - 3 April 2022. Visit the website for more information.
NEW KOALA SPECIES DISCOVERED IN BUNDANOON
In a find that has stunned scientists, a new species of koala has been discovered in the Southern Highlands village of Bundanoon and the surrounding Morton National Park. Described as a “Black Swan moment” by local ecologist Dr Steve Douglas, the Burrowing Koala has for hundreds of years been mistaken for the common wombat. Phascolarctos Cunicularis, or the burrowing pouched bear joins Phascolarctos Cinereus the grey pouched bear as Australia’s second member of the Phascolarctidae family. Dr Douglas said: “We always thought koalas were arboreal and this new species shows us they are also terrestrial and sub-terrestrial.” Stakeholders involved in the local visitor economy are exploring the opportunities this will present the Southern Highlands, supporting the popular Winterfest and Brigadoon events in the region.
COMMUNITY RECOVERY CENTRES OPEN ON THE NSW MID NORTH COAST
Dedicated community Recovery Centres are now open, providing support for NSW residents affected by recent rainfall and subsequent extreme flooding. The first Recovery Centres are in Port Macquarie, Taree and Laurieton. The news of the openings is accompanied by an update from the Macquarie-Hastings region that the flood waters in the area are receding, and the region is open and ready to welcome visitors. Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said: “The recovery process is well underway, with equipment and crews mobilised for the clean-up, and these recovery centres will further help flood-affected communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.” For remote assistance or more information, contact the Disaster Customer Care Service on 13 77 88 or online.
NEW INNER WEST ALE TRAIL LAUNCHES
The new Inner West Ale Trail project celebrates the independent craft breweries who made the Inner West of Sydney the Craft Beer Capital of Australia. The project - a large public mural - was produced by local map illustrator, Peita Blythe, in collaboration with the Inner West Brewery Association, the Inner West Council and with support from the NSW Government. The focus of the project was to celebrate local success stories and provide multiple resources to support local breweries and showcase the Inner West. The large public map mural is located at the intersection of Edgeware Road and Enmore Road.
More information about the new Inner West Ale Trail is available at www.innerwestaletrail.com.au
YCK LANEWAYS BLOCK PARTY TO LAUNCH
A consortium of small bars in the CBD have banded together to create an innovative precinct to revitalise the small bar scene in Sydney with support from the NSW Government and City of Sydney’s CBD Activation grants program. Launching April 7, YCK Laneways Block Party will host a 6-week arts and culture festival to revitalise Sydney’s night-time economy. Spanning York, Clarence and Kent streets (YCK), the block party will take place between 7 April – 22 May, featuring collaborations between the city’s small bars, many of whom have been adversely impacted by Covid-19. The activation grant, designed to boost Sydney’s night-time economy by supporting the arts, entertainment and events industries, will allow YCK to deliver a diverse program of 75 cultural events, involving 100 artists across 10 bars. Read about the bars involved and find out more about YCK Laneways Block Party online.
NEW SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE REACHED
Work on the state-of-the-art Sydney Football Stadium continues to progress with the completion of the concourse. Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said: “This is a major construction milestone, allowing us to see and feel what the fans will experience when the Stadium hosts major events next year. The concourse will offer 35 food and beverage outlets, merchandise stands, and accessible amenities for the 42,500 fans who will fill the Stadium. This project is boosting the local economy, supporting 800 jobs during construction, with more jobs on offer once the Stadium is complete.” Almost $300 million worth of contracts have been awarded to NSW-based suppliers and contractors to support the construction so far. The next step is to build the roof, which will involve 4,000 individual pieces of steel, most of which is manufactured in Western Sydney. For more information visit the website.
STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR NORTH COAST KOALAS
Stronger protections are now in place for the North Coast koala population after the Tweed and Byron comprehensive Koala Plans of Management (KPoMs) became the first to be approved under Koala SEPP 2021. The KPoMs identify koala management areas, precincts and core koala habitat within the coastal area of the Tweed and Byron Shire local government areas. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said: “The majority of Tweed and Byron’s koala habitat is on private land and these KPoMs mean farmers and landowners will no longer have to do individual assessments when proposing new development. It means koala habitat is protected and gives landowners greater certainty.” Since 2018, the NSW Government has invested more than $44.7 million to secure koalas in the wild as part of the NSW Koala Strategy.
