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TICKETS ON SALE FOR GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS GIGS
More than 2,500 artists and 300-plus live music venues across NSW are primed for the Australian-first music event, Great Southern Nights, with tickets for over 900 gigs now on sale.
Great Southern Nights has been created to kick-start the recovery of the live music, hospitality and tourism industries in a COVID-safe environment.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Great Southern Nights would provide music lovers from across the country many reasons to get out in NSW this November.
“With 2,500 artists performing in 300-plus venues across Sydney and more than 130 NSW towns, there is a gig spanning every genre and destination – check out the gig guide for details, book your tickets and start planning your Great Southern Nights adventure now,” Mr Ayres said.
“Shows range from Jimmy Barnes playing The Sydney Coliseum in Western Sydney, Tones And I performing at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle, Ian Moss at Lizotte’s Restaurant, Matt Corby embracing the North Coast vibe at Brunswick Heads and Shannon Noll rocking out in Deniliquin.”
Great Southern Nights is delivered by the NSW Government, via Destination NSW, in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
ARIA CEO Dan Rosen said the Great Southern Nights program was coming at a critical time for the industry.
“Great Southern Nights is an innovative and effective way of getting artists back on stages safely and ensuring money starts flowing back through the live music ecosystem - to artists, venues, agents, tour managers and sound and lighting crew,” Mr Rosen said.
To book tickets and see the gig guide, go to www.greatsouthernnights.com.au.
To get involved in the Great Southern Nights campaign by using imagery, videos and key messaging on your own channels, view the toolkit which is available here.
EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR NRL GRAND FINAL
The 22nd NRL Premiership Grand Final at ANZ Stadium this Sunday will be a fierce battle between the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm.
To commemorate the much anticipated event, the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge were illuminated on Wednesday night with a special projection featuring images of all the Grand Final teams and iconic moments of the 2020 season.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres acknowledged the significance of this year’s Grand Final, encouraging fans to celebrate the most extraordinary season in the code’s history.
“For players, fans and officials, this year’s NRL Grand Final is the culmination of a season like never before,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sunday night will be more than a celebration of world-class sportsmanship. To be able to have up to 40,000 fans in ANZ Stadium watching the action on the field in a COVID-safe way is a credit to the people of NSW who have worked with the NSW Government to effectively manage the pandemic and facilitate public participation in major events.
“I wish our players the best of luck in the battle for the Provan-Summons trophy and, as Minister for Tourism, welcome players, officials, support staff and importantly, their fans to Sydney, the sporting capital of Australia.”
NRL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Abdo encouraged the public to capture their own NRL Grand Final memories this week with the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
“The success of this season has been because of the players. They have raised the bar when it comes to sacrifices – the stories of the Warriors and the Storm this season will go into rugby league folklore. Their athletic talents have been nothing short of phenomenal and they, along with the Storm and Panthers, deserve to be lit up for all to see on our iconic Harbour Bridge,” Mr Abdo said.
For more information on the NRL Grand Final, go to NRL.com.
FURTHER COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASED
Gatherings in outdoor public spaces and group bookings at restaurants will be increased to 30 people under a relaxation of COVID-19 rules.
From today:
- 30 people can gather outdoors in public spaces (previously this was 20);
- 30 customers per booking, and 30 customers per table at hospitality venues (previously the rule was a maximum of 10).
As of 16 October, corporate functions of up to 300 people can be held at appropriate premises, including restaurants, subject to a COVID-safe plan (previously just function centres).
Additionally, from 1 December, the number of people who can attend weddings will be lifted to 300 people subject to the four square metre rule indoors and two square metre rule outdoors.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government remains focused on managing COVID-19 and opening up the economy in a COVID-safe way.
“These changes will provide a big boost to our hospitality venues,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“As we ease restrictions and find new ways to get businesses moving it is vital that customers and venues continue to be COVID-safe.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this was another important step in driving our economic recovery while returning to life in a COVID-safe way.
“We continue to remain focused on stimulating the economy, keeping businesses in business and people in jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
People still need to continue to follow the personal hygiene recommendations, maintain physical distancing and wear masks in indoor settings where you cannot physically distance. Businesses wishing to take advantage of the relaxed restrictions must use electronic methods, like QR codes, to record and keep contact details.
NSW SECURES SUPERCARS EVENTS ACROSS THE STATE
The NSW Government, via Destination NSW, will support a number of key motorsport events as part of a new long-term agreement with Supercars Australia.
The high-octane action – including the opening round of the 2021 Supercars Series, the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2022-2025, and the Sydney SuperNight 2021-2025 – will bring thousands of fans to NSW from around the country and showcase the state to millions of national and international viewers through broadcast media.
The funding support for these events also includes a strategic sponsorship of the Bathurst 1000 for the next five years.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the announcement reinforced the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuilding the NSW visitor economy by investing in events across the state.
“We’re so proud to have secured this highly anticipated suite of events. Motorsport events across Australia and around the world drive huge attendances and broadcast viewers, so it’s a big win for NSW to continue hosting some of the country’s most exciting, high-profile Supercars events for the next five years,” Mr Ayres said.
“It’s also fantastic to see night racing return to Sydney Motorsport Park on the back of the NSW Government’s $33 million investment to refresh the venue. We’re excited to welcome drivers, officials, support staff and importantly, their fans to NSW for what is set to be a thrilling number of years in NSW motorsports.”
For more information on Supercars Australia, go to Supercars.com.
NEW LUXURY ACCOMMODATION IN CENTRAL NSW
Wilga Station will open on 1 November 2020, offering visitors a new level of relaxed luxury just 3 hours from Sydney.
Close to Orange wine country, this 260-acre working sheep farm has been home to the Keith family for three generations. The property invites visitors to explore the tranquil, winding, walking tracks and willow-lined creek, before settling into toast marshmallows and enjoy a glass of local wine and watch the sunset at one of two beautiful accommodation options.
The jewel in the crown is the unique Farmers Hut. Perched on the highest vantage point of the property, the Farmers Hut has spectacular views across the valley and is surrounded by wildflower meadows throughout the warmer months.
Discreetly tucked away under its unique grass roof, the hut is 100 per cent off-grid. It is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature of between 16 - 24 degrees all year round. It features a wood fireplace, king size bed, kitchenette, designer bathroom and a sheltered BBQ area.
The other accommodation offering is the Shearers Hall, which will open in Autumn 2021. Formerly a working shearing shed, it is currently being transformed into a luxurious, five bedroom country retreat for up to 10 guests.
For more information and to book your stay, click here.
DIGITAL SYSTEM TO REPLACE INCOMING PASSENGER CARD
The Australian Government is taking further steps to prepare for the safe opening of global travel, announcing that a new digital system will replace the Incoming Passenger Card, supporting the quick and secure collection of incoming passenger information.
The new Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) will be completed by Australia-bound travellers on their mobile device or computer. The DPD will facilitate information being collected and shared more efficiently while still using the same authority for collection.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the permissions capability would help Australia reopen to the world.
“This capability will put us in a prime position to successfully reopen our borders in a COVID-safe way to help with the rebuilding of Australia’s economy,” Minister Tudge said.
“On top of that, it will significantly streamline our national response to COVID-19 and our contact tracing capabilities by speeding up information collection and processing.”
An information paper has been released on the role the capability will play in the delivery of government services. For more information, click here.
AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE ONLINE - NORTH AMERICA KICKS OFF
Australia Marketplace Online – North America kicked off this week, delivering a virtual, interactive exhibition and networking experience to delegates.
As the virtual solution for Tourism Australia’s physical Australia Marketplace North America event, the exhibition provides an opportunity for representatives from the Australian tourism industry to establish and maintain business relationships with key qualified travel agencies and tour operators from across North America.
The program will run from 21 – 23 October and 29 – 30 October, with 37 NSW suppliers in attendance along with representatives from Destination NSW.
For further information on the event, click here.
CARAVAN PARK OCCUPANCY IN AUSTRALIA REACHES 72 PER CENT
Caravan parks across Australia reached average occupancy levels as high as 72 per cent in cabins and 64 per cent in powered sites for the week commencing 28 September 2020.
This resulted in an estimated $170 million worth of economic benefit generated over the school holidays in regional communities across the country.
Consumer research conducted by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia indicated that there is pent up demand, with 79 per cent of caravan and camping consumers feeling 'fairly confident' to travel in the coming months.
Cabin occupancy increased on the same period last year (2019) with early indications suggesting that a raft of first timers are now seeing the many benefits of a camping holiday.
Click here to read more.
$250 MILLION TO BOOST RECOVERY IN NSW BUSHFIRE AFFECTED AREAS
Businesses and communities in bushfire impacted regions can access a new fund for local infrastructure and initiatives through the $250 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
Co-funded by the NSW and Australian governments, the Fund will help drive economic and social recovery, strengthen morale and help communities get back on their feet.
Australian Minister for Emergency Management, David Littleproud said: "I encourage fire affected communities in NSW to get together and consider what their community needs to boost their economy, their wellbeing and their recovery, and I look forward to seeing what people come up with and the benefits that will flow long-term.”
Grant applications open on 27 October 2020. For more information, click here.
