No Images? Click here NEW CAMPAIGN TO BRING FAMILIES TO DUBBOThe NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, has partnered with Dubbo Regional Council to deliver a $250,000 marketing campaign, The Great Big Adventures, focused on bringing families to the region during the upcoming school holidays. Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said, “Dubbo has been on the world-stage following the visit by Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, therefore this campaign comes at a perfect time to continue marketing our great region. “From places such as Sydney, Newcastle, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst and Armidale, the drive to Dubbo is easy and awaiting you is a vibrant regional city with a rich pastoral history, delicious food and wine, fascinating museums and galleries, and the award-winning Taronga Western Plains Zoo.” The Dubbo region has enjoyed steady growth with 1.3 million domestic overnight and day trip visitors (up 21 per cent) who stayed 1.6 million nights (up 24 per cent) and spent $390 million (up 22 per cent) in the year ending March 2018. The campaign, which was launched this week, targets visitors living within a five-hour drive of Dubbo and features advertising on catch-up TV and social media, and extensive public relations activity. For more information on Dubbo and Great Western Plains, click here. 2019 NRL PREMIERSHIP SCHEDULE RELEASEDThe 2019 NRL Premiership schedule has been released, with five regional NSW matches featured and the Parramatta Eels set to open the new Western Sydney Stadium on Easter Monday. Sydney will also host the third game in the State of Origin Series, giving the NSW Blues the opportunity to defend the shield on home soil at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday, 10 July. Parramatta will play nine home games at the new Western Sydney Stadium, which will also play host to four Wests Tigers home matches and the Canterbury Bulldog's round-20 clash with Penrith. NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said, "The new Western Sydney Stadium is a game changer and the opening match between the Eels and Wests Tigers should be a wonderful occasion." Regional matches will be played in Bathurst, Tamworth, Mudgee, Wagga Wagga and Gosford. The NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series will begin on 13 September and culminate in the Grand Final in Sydney on 6 October. The full schedule is available here. Image: 2018 NRL Grand Final. Credit: NRL. FULL PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR 2019 SYDNEY FESTIVALSydney Festival will return to transform the Harbour City from 9–27 January 2019, delivering the highest quality art and big ideas. January’s blockbuster program features 18 world premieres, five Australian premieres and eight Australian exclusives alongside a variety of new Australian co-commissions. Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said, “Every January for the past four decades, Sydney has welcomed in the new year by donning its technicolour coat and transforming into a world stage. From the CBD to Parramatta and beyond, Sydney Festival offers up a panoramic view of our community’s glowing and dynamic cultural landscape and 2019 will be no exception. “Next year’s line-up will see an absolutely striking array of local companies premiering new works – highlighting the vital role this event plays in championing new and innovative ideas and fostering emerging talent – all helping to bring to life the stories of our city, our State and our country. The NSW Government is proud to support such a diverse celebration of this fabulous city.” To view the full program, click here. BOTANIC GARDEN DELIVERS $140M TO NSW ECONOMYA Deloitte report has this week found Sydney’s 'green lungs' – the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the Domain – contributed around $140 million to the NSW economy in the 2016-2017 financial year. Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton said, “The report also finds that the three gardens support more than 1,100 jobs and contribute more than $180 million in social and cultural contributions annually.” “This shows that as well as being a wonderful place to relax and a major scientific institution, the Gardens are pulling their weight for the economy. “It is not by accident that it’s one of the top ten places for international tourists, this is the result of a lot of hard work to make sure it is well known and well run.” The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is Australia’s oldest living scientific institution and is one of the top ten most visited destinations in Australia for international visitors. HUNTER VALLEY WINE TAKES OUT TOP AWARDThe State’s best wines and winemakers were recognised this month, when the 2018 NSW Wine Awards were announced at an elegant ceremony at Government House Sydney. Winemakers, VIP guests and valued supporters of the NSW Government Department of Primary Industries were welcomed by the Governor of New South Wales, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d). Printhie Wines NV Swift Cuvee Chardonnay Pinot Noir from Orange claimed the Best Sparkling title and De Bortoli Noble One 2016 Semillon from the Riverina was named Best Sweet Wine. The Nick O’Leary 2018 White Rocks Riesling from the Canberra District won overall Best Dry White and the Mount Pleasant Wines 2017 Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz from the Hunter Valley won Best Dry Red and was awarded the ultimate title, claiming the ‘NSW Governor’s Trophy for Best in Show’. For a full list of trophy winners, go to: www.nswwine.com.au. SAVE THE DATE FOR REAL FESTIVALReal Festival is back and with its best program yet, is set to once again transform the Nepean River with world-class entertainment, activities and experiences on 2-3 November, 2018. This year’s event brings together Australia’s best creative minds with plenty of stage performances, captivating artworks and delicious cuisines from around the world, including some of Sydney’s best food trucks. Produced by Penrith City Council, click here for more information. CABIN DEVELOPMENT IN BYRON BAYReflections Holiday Parks Clarkes Beach will complete more than $2 million in upgrades next month with bespoke architect-designed cabins taking advantage of the outstanding views. The new accommodation is environmentally sensitive and includes the installation of eight cabins, including four which sleep up to five. The majority of the park will remain free for caravanning and camping. To book a stay at Clarkes Beach, click here. WESTERN SYDNEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE TAKES SHAPEWestern Sydney’s arts and cultural hub development is taking shape with the $100 million venue well under construction. Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre Executive Director Craig McMaster said, “Our goal is for this truly beautiful new venue to become the new centre for arts and entertainment in Greater Western Sydney and an iconic tourism destination for people throughout NSW and beyond.” For an in-depth look at the new venue, click here. |