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NSW BEST TOURISM STUDENTS HONOURED
Thirteen of the State’s best and brightest tourism and hospitality students have been recognised in a special ceremony at NSW Parliament House to mark the 2019 Minister’s Student Achiever Awards.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres congratulated the award recipients and commended them for their commitment to excellence in an industry that is critical to the State’s economy.
“Tourism is one of the State’s biggest economic drivers and today we are rewarding the future generation of stars in the industry to commend them for their efforts and encourage them to continue on this promising path.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the NSW visitor economy continues to thrive and remains the number one State for tourism and major events across Australia,” Minister Ayres said.
“NSW is home to some of the best tertiary institutions in the industry. The combination of quality facilities and world-class teachers makes for excellent learning environments to foster our future industry leader who are dedicated passionate about playing a leading role in NSW’s tourism powerhouse.”
Since 1990, the NSW Government has acknowledged academically high achieving tourism and hospitality students at an annual Minister’s Student Achiever Awards ceremony. Students from NSW education institutions offering degrees, diplomas and certificate courses in tourism and hospitality studies can be nominated for the Awards. To be eligible, students must have completed one year of their studies and be a resident of NSW.
The 2019 Award recipients are:
- Cassandra Farquharson, Western Sydney University, Bachelor of Tourism Management
- Emily Walsh, International College of Management Sydney (ICMS), Bachelor of Hospitality Management
- Gabreille Bombara, TAFE NSW Northern Beaches Campus, Commercial Cookery Certificate III
- Kumi Taylor, Southern Cross University, Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Laura Watt, University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Tourism)
- Patrick Bolland, Barrington Training Services, Diploma of Hospitality Management
- Sarah Rodriguez, University of Technology Sydney, Bachelor of Management (Tourism)
- Sophie Hoschke, William Blue at Torrens University, Bachelor of Business (Hospitality Management)
- Sophie Scriven, TAFE Digital Strathfield, Certificate III in Tourism
- Steven Green, TAFE NSW, Grafton, Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
- Tara Martin, TAFE NSW Region South, Wagga Wagga, Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
- Victoria Smyth, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University Australia, Bachelor of Business (International Hotel & Resort Management)
- Kaiah Barry, The Hotel School, Sydney, Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management
Photo: Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres with the winners of the 2019 Student Achiever Awards.
DIPLO DOWN UNDER
Award-winning international DJ Diplo has performed a set on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrate BridgeClimb's 21st birthday.
This unique opportunity, supported by Destination NSW, was the first time a high-profile international artist has ever performed on top of the globally recognised landmark.
Diplo is one of the most dynamic forces in music today under his own name, as well as a member of the now legendary Major Lazer, LSD with Sia and Labyrinth, and Silk City with Mark Ronson—whose ‘Electricity’ with Dua Lipa topped charts worldwide and won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
View the footage of Diplo's set on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
GIANT SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR GWS IN AFL GRAND FINAL
Sydney CBD and Western Sydney are shining bright with an orange glow this week in support of the Greater Western Sydney Giants’ bid for their first AFL Premiership trophy.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the WestConnex, Parramatta Town Hall and Sydney Olympic Park will be lit in the Giants' signature orange ahead of tomorrow night’s Toyota AFL Grand Final, bringing the spirit of GWS to the city and beyond.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the wash of orange across Sydney and Parramatta will bring energy, determination and success to the team.
“It’s fantastic to see the Harbour City get behind the Giants by wearing its heart – and the GWS colours – on its sleeve, and we hope this extra boost will get the team over the line on Saturday,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said it was a hallmark moment for the newest club in the league and the community that has backed them.
“It’s incredible that the mighty Greater Western Sydney Giants have secured their debut grand final berth in just eight years in the league. But the foundation and history of this club runs deep throughout the community of Western Sydney, from junior players and officials, to volunteers and die-hard supporters,” Mr Ayres said.
Sydney Olympic Park will become the Giants’ official live site as the battle against Richmond unfolds. From 12-6pm on Saturday the family-friendly, no alcohol live site in Cathy Freeman Park will include inflatable activities for kids, picnic space, beanbags, a live broadcast and nearby food offerings. Surrounding pubs and licensed cafes will also support the Giants.
Photo: Members of NSW Parliament show their support for the GWS Giants ahead of the AFL Grand Final!
SYDNEY AND COFFS TAKE OUT MAJOR EVENT AWARDS
New South Wales has once again been recognised as Australia’s home of major events, with Sydney and Coffs Harbour taking out titles for the International Festivals & Events Association’s (IFEA) 2019 World Festival and Event City Awards.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the awards were given to cities around the world that embrace and understand the importance of festivals and events in driving tremendous economic and social growth.
“This award speaks to strength of the NSW Government’s major events strategy and acclaimed reputation for delivering world-class event experiences. It reinforces that our work throughout regional and metropolitan areas is second to none and we remain committed to ensuring every corner of the State continues to thrive.
“This is the ninth time Sydney has won this accolade as a World Festival and Event City and is the only global destination to have received this award annually since its inception,” Mr Ayres said.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh reiterated the significance of the win for the regional city against some of the world’s most iconic tourism destinations.
“Coffs Harbour continues to go from strength to strength and to be recognised for the fifth year in a row, amongst the likes of Sydney, Dubai and Moscow, demonstrates that our events and festival offering is nothing short of world-class!” Mr Singh said.
In addition to claiming two major IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards Sydney and Coffs Harbour, Destination NSW has also received 10 Pinnacle Awards in multiple categories for its creativity and excellence surrounding Vivid Sydney.
For more information on the IFEA World Festival and Event City Awards, see here.
Photo: DNSW's Irene Morgan (centre) accepts one of the IFEA Awards.
FAMILY SPRING DAY OUT IN WAGGA
Wagga Wagga is hosting one of the region’s biggest children’s event with the second ever Spring Jam taking place tomorrow. It’s the perfect opportunity to entertain the kids, with a jam-packed day of wild and wonderful outdoor adventure, music, entertainment, play and imagination in store for festival-goers. The line-up includes Bunny Racket, School of Rock and The Cope Street Band. There is also the Flying Fruit Fly Circus workshop, an Animal Party Disco, rock climbing and an obstacle course. This year’s event will also see the inclusion of PLATFORM, an exciting new accessible chill out space for children with sensory needs. Entry to Spring Jam in the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens precinct is free – view the full program here. Spring Jam is proudly supported by Destination NSW.
NRL GRAND FINAL DECIDERS
The Canberra Raiders will be out to make their first NRL grand final in 25 years when they face the mighty South Sydney Rabbitohs at their sell-out preliminary final tonight at GIO Stadium. The winner will advance to the grand final on 6 October at ANZ Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park against the winner of the other preliminary final between the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm when they do battle at the Sydney Cricket Ground tomorrow night. Tickets to the NRL Finals Series 2019 can be purchased at NRL.com. Destination NSW is a proud supporter of rugby league, with a stellar line up of matches and tournaments still to come in 2019 including the inaugural Rugby League World Cup 9s and the Trans-Tasman Test, both in October.
MUDGEE'S SNAGS SET TO SIZZLE
Mudgee’s Festival of Snags is one of four finalists in Wotif’s ‘Festival of Wot?’ campaign. The nationwide competition is designed to showcase what makes Australia unique and to encourage more Australians to venture beyond their own backyard and explore new towns. The winning proposal will win a festival in honour of their said ‘thing’. Mudgee Region Tourism CEO Cara George said: “Mudgee is known for its local fare, from farm to fork. Our farmers produce some of the best ingredients in Australia, with Mudgee recently named the number one Foodie Destination in the country. It makes sense to celebrate a foodie favourite, derived from humble beginnings and make Mudgee the home of the Festival of Snags!” To get behind the NSW town, cast your vote here.
FASHION LAUREATE FINALISTS REVEALED
The finalists have been revealed for the 2019 Australian Fashion Laureate – an initiative supported by Destination NSW which is designed to celebrate individuals who have made a significant contribution to the growth, development and global promotion of the Australian fashion industry. On top of the pinnacle Australian Fashion Laureate, other categories in this year’s Laureate include Womenswear, Menswear, Retailer, Accessories, Model of the Year, Outstanding Creative and Emerging Talent, as well as the newly-introduced category, Sustainable Innovation. Winners will be announced on 23 October at a celebratory luncheon on Sydney Harbour. See the full list of finalists here.
FIVE WEEKS TO GO UNTIL ARTSTATE
A celebration of arts culture, practice and excellence will be kicking off in the NSW New England region in five weeks when Artstate 2019 gets underway in Tamworth. Artstate is a four-year project by Regional Arts NSW that shines a light on excellence in regional arts practice and explores exciting possibilities for arts and cultural development across the State. From 31 October – 3 November, Artstate will be hosting an inspiring two-day Speakers Program that explores the themes of On Country – In Country and Arts in the Age of Uncertainty. There will also be a diverse Arts Program that showcases the work of creatives from across the New England region. Registrations open here.
THE ROCKS MARKETS WITH FRINGE TWIST
It’s the final weekend to enjoy The Rocks with a special Fringe twist. Sydney Fringe Festival has been running throughout September to celebrate and highlight the amazing work of local independent artists, art makers and performers. For the first time ever, the Fringe Festival has expanded to The Rocks hub, with a free program filling the streets and laneways with shows, performances and hidden surprises, as well as the eclectic The Rocks Markets stalls to explore. Highlights include an interactive temporary chalk art installation, The Rocks Square STAGE PINK featuring The Welcome Choir, Junkyard Beats and The Gramophone Man. Check out the program to plan your weekend in The Rocks.
