No Images? Click here
ANOTHER WORLD CUP SECURED FOR REGIONAL NSW
The world’s best cross country runners are set to race to Bathurst to fight it out for podium title with the NSW Government securing the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Cross Country Championships in 2021.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro joined Member for Bathurst Paul Toole today to announce the successful bid as part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years strategy.
Mr Toole said Bathurst is home to some of the best trail running terrain and scenery in the country making it the perfect place to stage the oldest competition on the IAAF calendar.
“This is another coup for Bathurst and the wider Central West community with the Australian-first event expected to inject an estimated $2.6 million into the local economy,” Mr Toole said.
“The Central West offers first class hospitality and has a proud track record of hosting major sporting events and I am delighted the NSW Government has partnered with Athletics Australia to secure this major event for our community.”
Mr Barilaro said the win is the sixth World Championship to be secured since the ambitious plan was launched six months ago and is the second event to be held in regional NSW.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring every corner of NSW gets its fair share of the record tourist dollars and investment coming into our State and major sporting events are an excellent way to drive more visitors to regional NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
The 2021 event will be held in Bathurst in March, and will bring together more than 700 competitors from 60 countries around the world.
RÜFÜS DU SOL CONFIRMED FOR VIVID SYDNEY 2019
LA-based Aussie trio Rüfüs Du Sol will return to Sydney for two special headline shows at Carriageworks in June, as part of Vivid Sydney 2019.
The trio’s only live performance in Australia this visit, it follows a sold-out national tour in front of 70,000 fans and much anticipated festival appearances at Coachella and Lollapalooza South America.
Vivid Music curator Stephen Ferris said Rüfüs Du Sol was an exciting addition to the festival line-up and for the iconic Carriageworks.
“There’s no doubt that Rüfüs Du Sol is one of the world’s most exciting and innovative acts of today. Their bold approach to electronic music and broad, cross-generational appeal will make their shows among the most popular of the 2019 program,” he said.
The ARIA winning Australian three-piece won the world over with two platinum-certified albums, ATLAS and Bloom, and their third album, Solace, cementing them as a one of the world’s leading electronic acts.
Rüfüs Du Sol, now based in Los Angeles, has a distinctive sound that blends infectious songwriting with delectable deep house grooves.
Vivid Sydney is the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere and is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
KANGAROOS TO FACE KIWIS IN WOLLONGONG
The Kangaroos will face New Zealand in a Trans-Tasman rugby league double-header in Wollongong in late October, the NRL and NSW Government has announced.
The Jillaroos and the Kiwi Ferns will also meet at WIN Stadium on 25 October as part of a newly-constructed international rugby league window.
The Australian men's team, currently world number one, suffered a shock loss to New Zealand in their most recent match in Auckland last October.
They will likely get their first chance at revenge
during the Downer World Cup 9s in early October, before they resume hostilities in Wollongong.
"Rugby league has a home in the Illawarra, so we're delighted to bring the pinnacle of rugby league back to Wollongong for the first time in five years," NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said on Monday.
"We recorded one of the best-ever attendances for WIN Stadium the last time Test match rugby league was played in Wollongong.
"So, I've got no doubt the local support will be strong and compliment those travelling fans who can't wait to be at the stadium come October 25th."
The event was secured by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
THREE-YEAR DEAL KEEPS BODYBOARD PRO IN KIAMA
Almost $1 million in visitor spend is expected for the South Coast after the NSW Government secured a three-year deal to host the Kiama Bodyboard King Pro, up to 2021.
Parliamentary Secretary for Illawarra and South Coast and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the NSW Government was proud to support the 10-day event, which attracts visitors from across the globe and raises awareness of the region.
“Kiama will strengthen its position as Australia’s home of bodyboarding when the sport’s best athletes visit in August to take part in the 2019 Kiama Bodyboard King Pro,” Mr Ward said.
“We estimate the Kiama Bodyboard King Pro will deliver nearly $1 million to the local visitor economy over three years as well as generating extensive media coverage of our beautiful coastline.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the Kiama Bodyboard King Pro was part of a calendar of the country’s best and brightest events, all of which call NSW home.
“Ensuring we identify, attract and nurture events in regional NSW is a key priority for the NSW Government as we continue to be Australia’s number one tourism State."
The Kiama Bodyboard King Pro is a collaboration between Surfing NSW, APB, Destination NSW and Destination Kiama and runs 30 August – 8 September at Surf Beach, surfingaustralia.com/states/nsw
NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS ALBURY GOLD CUP
The Albury Gold Cup Carnival – one of Australia’s premier regional racing events – is set for another great meet as the NSW Government commits funding for 2019.
Member for Albury Greg Aplin said the Albury Gold Cup Carnival was a flagship event for the region that generates more than 5,000 visitor nights for the local tourism industry.
“I am proud to announce that the NSW Government has committed to support the Albury Gold Cup Carnival again in 2019,” Mr Aplin said.
“This event is expected to generate $1.2 million in visitor spend and attract more than 1,600 interstate and overseas overnight visitors to attend Albury’s iconic race meet."
The carnival was established in 1883 and has a pool of more than $650,000 in prize money. Run over two days, the event offers a full program of on and off-track entertainment including the new Courtyard hospitality precinct and traditional favourite Fashions on the Field.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the event was an important part of the state’s regional tourism industry.
“The Albury Gold Cup Carnival is recognised as the most significant tourism event for the region, which is why the NSW Government is proud to have supported the carnival since 2010,” Mr Marshall said.
The Albury Gold Cup Carnival will be held from 21-22 March, visit alburyracing.com.au
NSW GOVERNMENT SECURES 2020 ROWING REGATTA FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
Western Sydney’s visitor economy is set for another boost, with the nation’s best rowers returning to Penrith in 2020 for the Sydney International Rowing Regatta as part of the NSW Government’s continued investment in Western Sydney.
Minister for Western Sydney, Minister for Sport and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said securing the Regatta once again demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring a stellar line-up of sporting events in Western Sydney.
“This is a win for the people of Western Sydney and I am thrilled Australia’s premier rowing event will remain at the home of adrenaline and outdoor adventure in Penrith next year,” Mr Ayres said.
“Over the last six events the event has attracted more than 100,000 attendees from around Australia and across the globe and generated tens of millions of dollars in overnight visitor expenditure for the State.
The Sydney International Rowing Regatta features a week long regatta with the nation’s best rowers competing in over 100 events. This includes the Australian Open Rowing Championships, Australian Open Schools Rowing Championships and the King’s and Queen’s Cups Interstate Regatta where athletes from across the country compete to be crowned the best in the country in their respective boat classes.
The Sydney International Rowing Regatta is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Visit sirr.rowingaustralia.com.au
WALLAROOS TO PLAY HISTORIC TEST SERIES AGAINST JAPAN
The Buildcorp Wallaroos will meet Japan for the first time on Australian soil in a two-Test series this July, expanding the Wallaroos’ calendar to four Test matches in 2019.
The matches will be played at Newcastle No.2 Sports Ground on Saturday 13 July, and at North Sydney Oval on Friday 19 July.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the two Wallaroos Test Matches are expected to generate significant economic benefits for NSW.
“World-class matches like these are crucial for attracting overnight visitors; ultimately putting more heads on beds and spurring greater spending in local shops. Securing these two Wallaroos Test Matches aligns perfectly with the NSW Government’s commitment to tripling overnight visitor expenditure in the State by 2030,” Mr Marshall said.
“On top of that, securing these two Wallaroos Test Matches reinforces the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting Australian rugby and helping to provide a pathway for women who want to play rugby.”
The series will mark the first time Australia has played Japan outside of a World Cup, after the Wallaroos emerged victorious when the two nations squared off in the final Pool match in Dublin in 2017.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said “We look forward to welcoming Japan for an historic Test series against our Buildcorp Wallaroos in July, an occasion made possible thanks to the support of the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW."
NEW SIGNAGE TO DRAW ATTENTION TO 'BYPASSED' COUNTRY TOWNS
It’s no longer out of sight out of mind for country towns bypassed by major highways, thanks to the roll out of iconic image signs reminding motorists of the gem they’re passing.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said ‘Bypassed Town’ signs, the first image-based signs will help promote treasured towns.
“Local communities are calling for help to drive more tourists to their neck of the woods. This initiative aims to drive economic activity once a highway bypass opens to traffic, by using images of that town to attract visitors,” Mrs Pavey said.
The idea to roll out the signs came from a successful trial held in late 2017 and early last year, in which Roads and Maritime, in consultation with Destination NSW, created and installed bypassed town signs to promote three communities:
Berry: off Princes Highway, South Coast NSW
Holbrook: off Hume Highway, South West NSW
Macksville: off Pacific Highway, North Coast NSW
“I know from the locals of Macksville, the moment that bypass town sign was erected, more people stopped by for a sticky beak. It’s good for local cafes, restaurants and community as a whole,” Mrs Pavey said.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said “We’re absolutely committed to making it easier for rural and regional towns to attract more tourists and these signs will make a real difference by capturing people’s attention.”
MANLY AWARDED TRIP ADVISOR'S NUMBER ONE BEACH
Sydney’s Manly Beach is officially Australia’s number one beach, according to TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. “Australians love the sun and the surf, and every beach on this year’s list has something for everyone — from sunbathing to sunset walks, swimming, surfing, and even camel trains,” said TripAdvisor spokeswoman Janice Lee Fang. This is the second consecutive year Manly Beach has taken top honours. Award winners were determined based on the quantity and quality of traveller reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor, gathered over a 12-month period.
$10.4 MILLION FOR JENOLAN CAVES
Jenolan Caves' historic Caves House hotel will be transformed into a five-star destination under a $10.4 million funding commitment from the NSW Government. Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole were onsite on Wednesday afternoon to make the announcement.
It follows an $8.5 million grant announced by the NSW Government in April last year to upgrade Jenolan Caves, including improvements to the entrance, gift shop and guides office; the introduction of a theatrette; and additions to the existing walking tracks and boardwalks around Blue Lake.
NEW ART, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FESTIVAL FOR
WOLLONGONG
More than $1.8 million is expected to be injected into the local visitor economy of Wollongong with the NSW Government securing a new event for the region.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward said overnight visitors were expected to gather across multiple locations in Wollongong from 27 February to 1 March 2020 to attend the inaugural 3 Festival, which features a four-day program based on the highly successful annual Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Austria.
Visit 3festival.com
MUDGEE REGION WINS SWAG OF AWARDS
Earlier this month, Mudgee Region Tourism conducted a review of the 2018 achievements across Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone and Kandos and discovered the region impressively collectively welcomed over 30 awards in 2018. Popular glamping experience in Mudgee, Sierra Escape, was crowned the coveted Unique Accommodation award at the NSW Tourism Awards; Mudgee was ranked Number 10 for top trending destinations in 2018 by Airbnb; and there were 20 awards across wine, distillery, restaurant and produce.
AUTUMN FESTIVAL 'A DAY IN THE ORCHARD'
Piccolo Family Farm will be opening its gates to their working farm in Lake Wyangan near Griffith for the ‘A Day in the Orchard’ this May. The Autumn festival will showcase the abundance of local food, wine and beer with an incredible lineup of musicians and makers confirmed for the day.
Headlining ‘A Day in the Orchard’ is 80’s greats Mental As Anything, set to bang out some of their most beloved chart-topping hits. With VIP tickets already sold out, there is still a range of great general admission and accommodation packages available.
WINE AUSTRALIA RELEASES 2019 WORKSHOPS
To help new and established wine businesses grow, Wine Australia has released its schedule of export and tourism workshops for 2019. The 'Growing Wine Exports' and 'Growing Wine Tourism' programs aim to equip wine businesses with the tools, case studies and market insights to capture export and tourism opportunities. The workshops are packed with practical information and useful tools to help drive success in wine exporting and tourism. They begin in March 2019 and will be delivered face-to-face and online.
A PIECE OF SYDNEY'S HISTORY SECURED FOR THE PEOPLE
The NSW Government's acquisition of the State Heritage-listed Hadley Park Estate from Penrith Lakes Development has ensured an important part of Western Sydney history will be protected, preserved and eventually opened up to the public.
Hadley Park was one of the oldest farming estates in Australia, comprising a farm house and collection of rural buildings, garden and a part man-made lake on the Nepean River floodplain. The acquisition will allow future generations to learn about an important part of Australian history.
DENI UTE MUSTER'S 21st BIRTHDAY PARTY ON THE PLAINS
Deni Ute Muster’s 21st birthday is set to be huge with international music superstar, Tim McGraw, announced to play with some of Australia’s most loved and respected country/pop artists including Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson and Beccy Cole.
Australia’s iconic Deni Ute Muster — a rural-themed festival showcasing ute culture — will be held on 4-5 October in Deniliquin, New South Wales. The festival will be full of music, mateship and all things Australian, and general admission tickets are on sale now.
HISTORIC MOMENT FOR NATIONAL ARTS SCHOOL
The National Art School, Australia's oldest of its kind, has just secured a long-term lease over the historic Darlinghurst Gaol, guaranteeing its future and ending years of uncertainty around its tenure.
The signing of the 45-year lease took place on site on Monday in the presence of the school's chair, four board members and Minister for Arts Don Harwin. The institution is now recognised as an organisation of State significance, alongside Carriageworks and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
