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REGIONAL NSW SECURES BIGGEST MUSIC EVENT FOR OUTBACK NSW
Some of Australia’s biggest rock legends will take to the regional stage this August, when they perform at the inaugural Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash – the biggest music and camping festival to be hosted in Outback NSW.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres was at Mundi Mundi Plains yesterday to make the announcement, alongside Outback Music Festival Group Director and Founder Greg Donovan and multi-ARIA-award winning performer Kate Ceberano, who will headline at this year’s event.
Minister Ayres said the three-day event had been secured from 2021 until 2023 by Destination NSW.
“When it comes to Australian music royalty, it doesn’t get much bigger than this – from Kate Ceberano, Paul Kelly and John Williamson to Ian Moss, Shannon Noll and Wendy Mathews, this inaugural event will be one not to miss in 2021.
“In addition to the stellar line-up of live performances, the event will also inject more than $5.4 million into the local community over the next three years, which is a huge coup for businesses in and around Broken Hill.
“We’ve already proven that we can host events in a COVID-safe way here in NSW, and we want to continue restoring people’s confidence - the more visitors we can get flowing through to our regions and staying overnight, the more jobs and more tourism dollars injected into local economies,” Mr Ayres said.
Greg Donovan said the idea for the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash originated a few years ago, so to watch it come to life was a big achievement.
“While the Mundi Mundi Plains is rugged and remote, it’s also incredibly accessible. Those looking for a unique outback camping or caravanning experience will have the opportunity to camp on-site without the need of an off-road vehicle. I encourage everyone to book tickets when they go on sale later this month so they don’t miss out on this fantastic event experience,” Mr Donovan said.
The Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash is presented by the Outback Music Festival Group and will be held from 19 – 21 August 2021. Tickets go on sale from 23 March 2021.
For more information on the event, go to www.mundimundibash.com.au.
Image: The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, Destination Country and Outback Chair Clyde Thomson, Australian artist Kate Ceberano and Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox.
NEW DESTINATION NSW CHAIR APPOINTED TO LEAD VISITOR ECONOMY RECOVERY AND GROWTH
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres this week announced Ms Christine McLoughlin as the new Chair of Destination NSW and thanked outgoing Chair John Warn for his service.
Ms McLoughlin, is one of Australia’s most highly regarded company directors and an accomplished business leader, having held various domestic and international executive positions in a range of industries spanning the corporate, government and not for profit spheres.
Minister Ayres said Ms McLoughlin’s extensive professional and governance experience made her the ideal candidate to lead the recovery and growth of the NSW visitor economy.
“NSW is well positioned to not only recover from the combined impacts of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 in the short term, but also for our visitor economy to thrive over the next 10 years.
“Strong leadership will be needed to implement our blueprint, the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, and align the efforts of government and industry to achieve our vision for NSW to be the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.
“Christine has proven strategic skills and expertise in governance, complex stakeholder engagement and innovation, which will be invaluable to support Destination NSW during this first phase of recovery and beyond.
Ms McLoughlin’s other directorship experience includes current Chairman of Suncorp Group, Director of Venues NSW, Director of Cochlear Limited, Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, Director of the McGrath Foundation and Chairman and co-founder of the Minerva Network.
Mr Ayres also thanked Mr Warn, who has decided to step down from the Board after two-and-a-half years as Chair to take up a senior executive role at Accor.
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I would like to thank him for his tireless commitment to growing the visitor economy, to the development of the Visitor Economy Strategy and his stewardship of Destination NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
Read the full media release.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $1.2 BILLION TOURISM SUPPORT PACKAGE
Australia’s airlines, hotels and caravan parks, restaurants and bars, travel agents and tourism operators are set for a rush of hundreds of thousands of tourists as part of a new $1.2 billion support package from the Federal Government.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said while Australia’s economy had recovered 85 per cent of its fall from COVID-19, the next step in the Government’s National Economic Recovery Plan would target the businesses, workers and regions still doing it tough. He said the package’s mix of half-price airline tickets, cheap loans for businesses and direct support to keep planes in the air, and airline workers in their jobs, would be a bridge to a more normal way of life for Australians.
“This package will take more tourists to our hotels and cafes, taking tours and exploring our backyard. That means more jobs and investment for the tourism and aviation sectors as Australia heads towards winning our fight against COVID-19 and the restrictions that have hurt so many businesses," Mr Morrison said.
The half-price ticket program will initially operate to 13 key regions including Merimbula (pictured). Flights, routes and the total number of tickets will be driven by demand and are subject to final discussions with the airlines. The discounts will be off the average fare and will be available on airline websites from 1 April.
The Federal Government will also expand and extend its ‘SME Loan Guarantee Scheme’ as part of its commitment to support up to $40 billion in lending to small and medium enterprises.
The SME Recovery Loan Scheme will benefit from an increased Government guarantee, increasing from the current 50/50 split between the Government and the banks to an 80/20 split. This will encourage more banks to support small businesses and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to back those businesses that are prepared to back themselves.
The expanded Scheme will also increase the size of eligible loans, increasing from $1 million under the current Scheme to $5 million. Businesses with a higher turnover will also benefit under the expanded Scheme, with the maximum eligible turnover increased from $50 million to $250 million.
Read the full media release for details and visit Austrade for tactical industry advice.
DESTINATION NSW’S NEW MEDIA CENTRE DELIVERS ON ALL CONTENT AND PUBLISHING NEEDS
Destination NSW has launched a new Media Centre to support every professional publishing and content creation need, providing access to the latest travel and tourism news and the largest collection of content assets of any tourism body in the world. Media and content creators can discover more than 30,000 images, videos, B-roll, press releases and editorial-ready content about Sydney and New South Wales.
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said the media play an important role in influencing travellers to visit NSW and the new website was key to fueling story placements to motivate prospective holidaymakers.
“We want to inspire the world to visit NSW, and providing media with access to the latest information and a huge selection of easy-to-download editorial photos, videos and story ideas will create opportunities to keep our beautiful destinations and world-class visitor experiences in the spotlight,” Minister Ayres said.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “The Destination NSW Media Centre is the ultimate digital resource for content creators. Its functionality and content have been shaped by media and content professionals and importantly, to support Destination NSW initiatives to grow the NSW visitor economy for the benefit of our industry and operators.”
Key features of the Destination NSW Media Centre include:
- Access and instant download capability from 30,000 high quality images, video and inspirational editorial content features, as well as breaking news on Sydney and NSW’s visitor economy, product and experiences
- Progressive Web App technology providing a seamless and immersive user experience including elegant mobile and desktop interface, opt-in notifications and amazingly fast load times
- Instant sign-up approval, allowing instant access to automatic channel-optimised content
- Secure, cloud-based system with assets available from any device 24/7
- Intuitive, easy to use search and filters allowing users to find based on interest area, experience, region, by duration or date
Read the full media release and explore the new Destination NSW Media Centre now.
NSW GOVERNMENT TAKES EXCITING STEP FORWARD IN AGRITOURISM
More farms across regional NSW will be able to open their gates to visitors and diversify their businesses under proposed changes to the planning system as part of COVID-19 recovery measures.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the proposed changes would make it easier for farmers across NSW to start, run and grow an agritourism business, such as farm stays, cafes, restaurants, retreats, roadside stalls and small wedding reception venues.
“These changes reflect our commitment to supporting regional communities to rebuild and recover from the devastating impacts of drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re simplifying the planning rules to help our farmers adapt to change, create new jobs, and drive their productivity and profit,” Mr Stokes said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government was committed to reform that would grow the visitor economy.
“Agritourism has been hidden under red tape for too long. This initiative will make it easier to do business, create great agricultural experiences and attract more visitors to regional NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
So far 16 of the Agritourism pilot participants have started farm tourism businesses, including Clare Lee who is hosting events and farm stays on Windy Station near Quirindi in north-west NSW.
“These changes could make a huge impact on those wanting to start small in the Agritourism space without having to outlay huge costs on farm infrastructure and resources,” she said.
The proposed changes are open for public feedback from 9 March 2021 until 19 April 2021. To view exhibited materials, visit the NSW Government planning portal.
2021 SYDNEY AUTUMN RACING CARNIVAL LAUNCHED IN WORLD-CLASS STYLE
The Australian Turf Club’s prestigious six-week Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival – from tomorrow Saturday 13 March to Saturday 17 April – was launched this week at one of Sydney’s most historic sites, The Mint.
Boasting 18 Group 1 races and $37 million in prizemoney and trophies, the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival will present a kaleidoscope of world-class racing, fashion, entertainment and award-winning hospitality across the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival at Rosehill Gardens and The Star Championships at Royal Randwick.
The six-week carnival includes a stellar line-up of live performances to bolster the world-class racing, with performances by legendary Australian rocker Jon Stevens headlining Longines Golden Slipper Day and Hot Dub Time Machine at The Star Championships Day 1.
A new and exciting addition to Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick this Autumn is the ticketed The Playground. A vibrant garden party showcasing the Canadian Club Bar, lawn games and tantalising street food menus.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival showcased many of Sydney’s strengths, from world-class hospitality and entertainment to the city’s capacity to host COVID-safe major events.
“There’s nothing like a day at the races and the Australian Turf Club Autumn Carnival is sure to deliver the fashion, fun and energetic entertainment event-goers look for when visiting Rosehill Gardens or Royal Randwick. The NSW Government is proud to partner with the Australian Turf Club for the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival to keep Sydney’s events calendar shining, to support the racing community and suppliers involved in the program, and to show our confidence in COVID-safe events leading the recovery of the state’s visitor economy.”
For more Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival information, events and bookings please visit www.theraces.com.au.
LGBTQI+ COMMUNITIES RISE FOR HISTORIC MARDI GRAS PARADE
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade took over the Sydney Cricket Ground last Saturday in a dazzling display of self-expression, proving that LGBTQI+ communities would continue to rise together in pride and passion.
A stadium crowd of 36,000 spectators cheered on as 5,000 marchers, from over 120 parade entries, marched onto the field in a vibrant display of diversity and unity. The Parade was supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
From Broken Hill to Cairns, 30 venues across Australia were awarded grants to hold official parade viewing parties. Established by Mardi Gras and Facebook Australia, the initiative was designed to extend the reach of Mardi Gras across the country and support the hospitality and arts sector hit hard by the impact of COVID-19.
The theme for the 2021 Parade was RISE, a call to action that now is the time to rise again through love, compassion, respect and understanding. A poignant message following the challenge and hardship of 2020, Parade entries incorporated the theme into their final concepts.
Catch up with Parade coverage via SBS On Demand or see the gallery of photos online.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, SBS and Destination NSW produced a video series for integration in the national broadcast that showcased Sydney’s food, wine, culture and attractions alongside stories of diversity and inclusivity among the LGBTIQ+ community. Mardi Gras host Courtney Act interviewed several high profile Sydneysiders – singer Montaigne, broadcaster Benjamin Law, journalist Hamish MacDonald, actor & playwright Nakkiah Lui and Olympian bobsledder Simon Dunn – as they enjoyed Bridge Climb, Spice Alley, Bondi Icebergs, Oxford Street and the Yandhai Napean Crossing.
See the full Celebrating Diversity video series on the Sydney YouTube channel.
NEW INVESTMENT ARM TO ACCELERATE NSW ECONOMY AND JOBS
The NSW Government will aggressively target international and local businesses through a new body – Investment NSW – designed to attract billions of dollars into the state and drive the economy to recovery.
Investment NSW will take advantage of NSW’s successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and our position as a safe place to do business.
The new body reflects the Government’s central focus on jobs, skills and investment, which forms part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said as NSW moves toward the next stage of the COVID-19 recovery, Investment NSW presents a timely opportunity for businesses both internationally and domestically.
“NSW has done a fantastic job keeping the economy alive while also focusing on the health and safety of our citizens, which means our economy now presents a great opportunity for investors as we continue to rebound from this pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Investment NSW will be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the private sector, allowing NSW to target new jobs and lure Australian and global investment, as well as tourists, to our State.”
It will also incorporate a new section, R&D NSW, following the launch of the NSW Research & Development Action Plan in January to boost the future pipeline of ideas and companies.
This will allow the Government to work strategically and in a coordinated way on attracting investment to the State and in creating new jobs.
THE MORNING SHOW TAKES IN MIGHTY MURRAY DRIVE
The Mighty Murray River Drive worked its magic on The Morning Show hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gilles recently, and the presenters shared their multi-day motorhome adventure on the top-rating national program this week.
Viewers were able to follow Larry and Kylie’s journey through local towns as they sampled local produce and indulged in the unique experiences the region provides. The series of bespoke content aired across four episodes this week.
The broadcast was secured by Destination NSW in partnership with Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) NSW to promote the #LoveNSW and road trip message.
As part of the itinerary, Larry and Kylie embarked on a motorhome holiday along Mighty Murray River Drive to experience water activities including tubing on Lake Hume, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing on the Murray, tastings of Corowa Whisky and Chocolate and some of the region’s local produce offering, stepping aboard a classic paddle steamer and staying at Rivergum Holiday Park (Corowa), DC on the Lake (Mulwala) and Moama Riverside Holiday Park .
Last month BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park and BIG4 Ingenia Holiday Park Broulee featured on Network Seven’s Sydney Weekender, showing off some of the best the South Coast and Murray River regions have to offer. This coverage was also secured as part of the Destination NSW and CCIA NSW partnership.
VIVID SYDNEY FESTIVAL DIRECTOR APPOINTED
Destination NSW has appointed Gill Minervini to the position of Vivid Sydney Festival Director.
Ms Minervini has directed and curated some of Australia’s most engaging, innovative and successful international events and festivals, creating unforgettable experiences for diverse audiences.
Recent highlights include: Creative Director of the 2017-2019 Firelight Festivals at Docklands for City of Melbourne; Public Art Consultant for Parramatta Square for City of Parramatta 2020; Curator, Strategist and Producer of the 2019 B-Line Public Art Project for Transport for NSW and Creative Producer of the Riverbank Palais for the Adelaide Festival 2017-2019.
Ms Minervini’s professional experience also spans Dark MOFO’s Winter Feast Creative Producer for MONA from inception to 2015, Director and Producer of the Barangaroo Welcome Celebrations 2015, Creative Director of the opening ceremony of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup at AAMI Stadium, Melbourne, and Creative Director of ArtMoves, a public art project for Transport for NSW. Ms Minervini was an Artistic Associate of the Barangaroo Delivery Authority in 2018 and the Adelaide Festival from 2017-2019.
From 1999 –2015 Ms Minervini was the Creative Director/ Producer for City of Sydney Events and was responsible for their major event program including Lunar New Year Festival, the largest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside of mainland China, and Art & About Sydney –a major international public art festival and Sydney Christmas Celebrations. Her early experience was as Festival Director of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and she has also worked as a Program Manager for the Australia Council.
Ms Minervini starts with Destination NSW later this month.
KATOOMBA FALLS RESERVE OPENS NIGHT WALK
A bushwalk in the Blue Mountains just got a whole lot more spectacular, with Blue Mountains City Council this week launching the Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk.
Illuminated by almost 400 twinkling LED lights, the 1.3 kilometre walk provides visitors with access to a night-time viewing experience of natural features such as Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, Katoomba Falls and Katoomba Cascades. The lit-up trail also showcases the Three Sisters in full glow.
Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “This project provides a wonderful new experience for locals and visitors to experience our World Heritage Area at night. I strongly encourage you to take your family and friends to see it.”
The experience connects other previously lit areas and has new lighting from the top of the Katoomba Falls Kiosk car park, around Reid’s Plateau and down to the Duke and Duchess Lookout.
The walk, which took close to six years to complete, is suitable for all ages and abilities. Lights turn on at dusk, with flood lights turning off at 10.30pm and path lights out at 11pm.
For more information on the Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk, go to www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/katoomba-falls-reserve-night-lit-walk.
Image credit: Blue Mountains City Council
2021 AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON
The 2021 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE21) delivered by Tourism Australia will involve a hybrid format including in-person and virtual components to ensure the tourism industry can meet, exchange knowledge, and establish important business connections.
ATE21 Live will be held from 6 to 9 June 2021 at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), with the in-person event providing an opportunity for sellers to meet with international buyers who are based in Australia (or located in countries permitted to travel to Australia), domestic buyers and frontline travel sellers.
ATE21 Online will be held from 10 to 17 June, for all other international buyers who are unable to attend due to travel restrictions.
ATE is regarded as Australia’s largest tourism tradeshow. NSW tourism businesses are encouraged to register before applications close on 19 March 2021. To register and for more information, visit the Tourism Australia ATE website.
HEATED SPLASH PARK OPENS AT CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has expanded its family-friendly resort facilities, opening a new heated water park in a bid to attract more of the domestic family holiday market.
The new splash park was designed and built by White Water Australia and features a variety of slides, flutes and water cannons, including the ‘Happy Berry Bucket’ which releases 1,200 litres of water every eight minutes.
The two-storey water park features a striking pink and purple colour scheme and joins the resort’s existing range of family activities, including a mini-train, carousel, tug boat, pony rides and the Water Dragons Kids Club – part of the new Hunter Valley Kids Cottage.
The property is managed by IHG and owned by prominent Aussie property tycoon Jerry Schwartz who said: “The Hunter Valley has perhaps been seen more as a destination for adults wanting to go to wineries, play golf or attend conferences and events, but we’ve transformed the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley into a resort for both discerning adults and children.”
SOUTH JERRABOMBERRA HOME TO NEW JOBS PRECINCT
South Jerrabomberra’s Innovation Precinct has been announced as the state’s third Regional Job Precinct, set to drive local planning reform and boost jobs. Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said South Jerrabomberra was the perfect choice for a Regional Job Precinct due to its access to skilled workers and industry alignment with the recently refreshed 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW. “The NSW Government is rolling out Regional Job Precincts to drive investment, improve planning outcomes and create new job opportunities, to promote a safer and stronger regional NSW. “It will help to deliver strong economic benefits and build on the $23 million already invested by the NSW Government to improve infrastructure in the business park,” Mr Barilaro said. Regional Job Precincts are part of the Special Activation Precincts program, which are driven by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund. Visit NSW.gov.au for more information.
DINE & DISCOVER WEBINAR FOR BUSINESSES
Business NSW is offering members the opportunity to join a Q&A session with Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello regarding the Dine & Discover program next Monday. The Minister will be joined by Business NSW President Lyall Gorman for the session to help business owners understand the process to be involved in the COVID stimulus scheme and the benefits for their operation. Business NSW is encouraging businesses to register for the program as the NSW Government prepares for statewide roll out of the initiative, following successful pilot trials in The Rocks, Broken Hill, the Northern Beaches and Bega. The webinar will take place from 11.30am-12.30pm on Monday 15 March – registrations close 30 minutes prior to commencement of the session. Register online now.
NSW GOVERNMENT DELIVERS KOALA SEPP 2021
Koala SEPP 2019 will be remade across NSW as Koala SEPP 2021. Core rural zones in rural areas will be decoupled from the SEPP as new codes that protect koala habitat under the Local Land Services Act are developed over the next month. This will vastly reduce red tape by removing the dual consent requirements facing farmers and foresters while immediately introducing enhanced protection for koala habitat in areas where more than 95 per cent of development activity occurs. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said: “This is a win for regional NSW and balances the interests of farmers and the protection of koalas and their habitat. The intention has always been to find a solution to protect both farmers and koalas and we have successfully arrived at the Koala SEPP 2021.” The NSW Koala Strategy commits Government to stabilise and then increase koala numbers in the wild by identifying and protecting koala habitat on public and private land. Read the full media release online.
