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PUBLIC AND BUSINESSES URGED TO REDOUBLE
COVID SAFETY EFFORTS
The NSW Government has called on individuals and businesses to redouble efforts to stop COVID-19 from spreading.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the next few weeks are “absolutely critical” for NSW to control the spread of the virus.
From today, COVID-safe compliance measures already enforced for pubs will also apply to restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs, breweries and cellar doors including limiting group bookings to 10, mandatory COVID-safe plans and registration as a COVID-safe business, and recording contact details of all patrons.
Ms Berejiklian reinforced the need for all businesses to implement COVID-safety plans or risk being penalised.
NSW Health has also updated its advice, encouraging people to avoid non-essential travel and gatherings. Although this is not enforced by a Public Health Order at this time, NSW Health are asking all people to reconsider and limit non-essential activities where possible.
Tourism operators must implement their COVID-safety plan to ensure the health and safety of their customers and employees, and may continue to accept customers at this time.
NSW Health’s resources to support tourism businesses are still available - download the social media assets, posters, email banners and door hangers to advise guests about what to do if they become unwell.
Weddings and corporate events are now limited to 150 people - subject to being able to accommodate one person per four square metres - and venues must be registered as a COVID-Safe business.
This week the NSW Government also introduced further restrictions on entering NSW from Victoria with the establishment of a strict new border zone, tightened permit conditions and stronger enforcement powers.
The key health advice remains:
- Maintain physical distance (minimum 1.5 metres)
- Practice good hygiene ie. frequent hand washing
- Anyone with symptoms should get tested and stay home
For the latest health advice and information about NSW restrictions, refer to NSW.gov.au
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR BEST COVIDSAFE BUSINESSES
Nominations are now open for the 2020 SafeWork NSW Awards, with this year’s awards recognising businesses that have best responded to the significant challenges posed to workplaces by the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are three sub-categories:
- Small business – non-government (two regional and two metropolitan)
- Large business – non-government (two regional and two metropolitan)
- Government
Non-government businesses across NSW that are selected for recognition are eligible for a $3,000 safety rebate. Nominations for the 2020 SafeWork Awards are open until 9 August, with winners announced in October.
JOBKEEPER PAYMENT AND INCOME SUPPORT EXTENDED
The JobKeeper Payment will be extended by six months to 28 March 2021 and the temporary Coronavirus Supplement for those on income support will be extended until 31 December 2020.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the extension this week to continue supporting hundreds of thousands of Australians who are without work, and offer businesses and workers a lifeline to get through the crisis and recover on the other side.
Businesses and individuals may need to update registration details to receive additional support. Follow the links for additional information about:
NSW TO SHINE ON LEADING NETWORK 10 LIFESTYLE SHOWS, INSPIRING FUTURE TRAVEL
NSW will star exclusively in all 10 episodes of Taste of Australia season 2, and feature in segments across seven episodes of The Living Room, showcasing some of the state’s top tourism destinations and experiences to Network 10 viewers from July to November.
Destination NSW has secured more than 10 hours of exclusive NSW content on the national primetime lifestyle programs reaching more than 5.2 million viewers weekly to inspire potential travellers to plan a future NSW adventure.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the coverage was incredibly important for NSW communities.
“From Port Macquarie to Murrumbateman and Sydney to Stanwell Tops, Taste of Australia and The Living Room will showcase the spirit of our charming communities by highlighting the local legends and one-of-a-kind experiences that make NSW a must-visit destination,” Minister Ayres said.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said the segments were secured as part of the Love NSW tourism recovery program.
“Our operators reported an increase in bookings, enquiries and social followers after recent coverage on primetime television, which is why Destination NSW is committed to securing these opportunities to drive return for our regions and industry,” Mr Cox said.
The content will commence tonight on The Living Room and continues tomorrow with Taste of Australia’s episode from Armidale and Tenterfield.
Other towns and regions profiled on the programs include:
- Taste of Australia (25 July to 24 October) featuring Port Macquarie, Taree, Myall Lake, Blue Mountains, the Hawkesbury, Sea Cliff Bridge, Illawarra, Berry, Gerringong, Young, Murrumbateman, Boorowa, the Murrumbidgee River, Wagga, Junee, Gundagai and Sydney
- The Living Room (24 July to 13 November) featuring Lismore and surrounds, Sea Cliff Bridge, Stanwell Tops, Ulladulla, Nowra, Kangaroo Valley, Broken Hill, Lake Macquarie and surrounds, Narrandera and surrounds, and Sofala and surrounds
Read the full media release.
SECURE AN EVENT MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP NOW
Scholarship applications for students across regional NSW to undertake a Diploma of Event Management via Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) have been extended until Tuesday 28 July.
Twelve scholarships, two per Destination Network, are available for people based in regional NSW to complete the Diploma (valued at $7,500). As part of the NSW Government’s $6 million Regional Conferencing Strategy & Action Plan, Destination NSW has collaborated with Meetings and Events Australia (MEA), the peak body representing the events industry in Australia, to develop the Regional Scholarship Program for the Diploma.
The Diploma is designed to support anyone currently involved in, or thinking about moving into, the events industry. It is delivered by industry professionals and is delivered via online learning so students can undertake the course from anywhere in NSW outside of the Greater Sydney LGAs.
Anyone looking to upskill or add a formal qualification to their resume as they begin or further their career in events is encouraged to apply. Applicants of all ages and experience levels are welcome.
Find out more about Destination NSW’s Regional Scholarship Program.
MORE REGIONAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS TO POWER TOURISM
Drivers of electric vehicles will soon be able to plug in and recharge at more locations across regional NSW, extending their range of travel in the future.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole said the NSW Government has partnered with the NRMA to deliver at least 20 additional electric vehicle fast chargers to the existing regional network along the State’s major highways.
“These additional charging stations are part of a $3 million co-funded investment to deliver greener and cleaner travel. This will help create the most comprehensive regional charging network in the country, opening regional NSW up to electric vehicle owners,” Mr Toole said.
“The extended network will help further support the regional tourism economy and promote local investment in regional centres along the Newell, Barrier, New England, and Kamilaroi highways.
“In most cases, EV drivers will be no more than 150 kilometres from an EV charging station once the network is completed by 2022. This will allow people to travel to Broken Hill, Moree and Bourke, and to link up with major routes in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia."
The first two charging stations will be installed in Wagga Wagga and Yass in September.
Find out more about electric vehicle services in NSW.
NEW TRADE TOOLKIT TO PROMOTE NSW WINE EXPERIENCES
Destination NSW has released a new toolkit for travel trade to arm agents and partners with information and assets to promote NSW’s world-class wine tourism experiences.
Wine Regions of NSW - A Toolkit for the Travel Trade is a practical resource guide that includes six destination fact sheets and destination videos highlighting the key wine regions in NSW. NSW is home to 14 incredible wine regions, each with their own distinct personality, varying topography, grape varieties and signature experiences.
The toolkit aims to inspire, provide information about these regions and give travel agents and trade operators access to commissionable products to create unforgettable client itineraries.
The destination videos feature interviews with local heroes, winemakers and winery owners providing the remarkable and noteworthy insights about NSW wine regions.
The content has been produced in partnership with the NSW Wine Industry Association and celebrates the diverse, engaging and immersive experiences offered by the state’s wine tourism operators beyond traditional cellar door tastings.
SELL BOOKABLE PRODUCTS ONLINE - FREE INDUSTRY WEBINAR
Tourism businesses can learn about the benefits of selling bookable products online during Destination NSW’s upcoming free industry webinar.
The online event, part of the NSW First industry development program, will outline how businesses can create more opportunities for visitors to find and book products, and give visitors the instant confirmation many have come to expect.
The webinar, followed by a Q & A session, will allow businesses to:
Find out about selling products directly to customers on the business’s website
Discover how to sell products online with third party distribution partners, including online travel agents
Learn about commissions and online distribution costs
Get tips on which online distribution partners sell tourism products in Australia
Register now for the Sell Bookable Products Online webinar, to be held next Tuesday 28 July at 10.30am.
Destination NSW is currently hosting two series of online NSW First events - Restart Series and Discuss and Develop Your Business - to give tourism operators tips on managing tourism in the current climate. Find out more about the NSW First program.
