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NEW PASSENGER TERMINAL AT SHELLHARBOUR AIRPORT, QANTAS ADDS NORTH COAST ROUTES AHEAD OF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
The passenger terminal at Shellharbour Airport officially opened yesterday after receiving almost $16 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Regional Growth Fund, and more than $4.3 million from Shellharbour Council.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the new passenger terminal will not just benefit those who live in the Illawarra but local businesses that rely on a strong visitor economy.
“As a local MP, I have always worked hard to secure investments that make a real difference for our community. The new passenger terminal will go a long way to better connect our community to nation.
“More than ever before, investments like this generate local jobs but improve travel to and from our region for many years to come. I’d like to congratulate Shellharbour City Council on the completion of the new terminal,” Mr Ward said.
Shellharbour City Mayor Marianne Saliba said the new passenger terminal will deliver the comfort and high-quality facilities that commercial airline passengers required and expected.
“The new terminal looks fantastic. I am so pleased with its functionality and aesthetic. Providing excellent facilities that the travelling public expect was of great importance to the future of the region.
“This boosts our local economy with increased visitor numbers, as well as offering local residents the convenience of not having to travel to Sydney for air services,” Cr Saliba said.
Meanwhile Qantas has announced it will add three new routes and extra seats to the state’s north coast to support growing demand among holidaymakers. From 1 April 2021, Qantas will launch three new routes to both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay (Ballina).
- Melbourne to Coffs Harbour (daily)
- Brisbane to Coffs Harbour (four days per week)
- Canberra to Byron Bay (twice weekly)
More seats will also be added between Sydney and Coffs Harbour during the April school holidays.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said these new routes would provide Australians with more options to plan their next holiday in their own backyard.
“The beautiful coastal hubs of Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour continue to be incredibly popular with travellers, so it makes sense to provide direct connections from other capital cities to make them even more accessible,” Mr Gissing said.
Qantas is offering special fares for flights on the new routes from $129 one-way for periods of travel between April and October. Read the full media release. To book flights, or for more information about new initiatives providing customer flexibility, visit www.qantas.com.
Image: Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, Coffs Harbour
NSW SECURES SECOND SURFING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR EVENT
Narrabeen on Sydney’s Northern Beaches will host one of the biggest events on the global surfing calendar when the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour comes to town, thanks to a partnership between WSL and the NSW Government.
The partnership means the WSL will now host two Championship Tour events in NSW, with Newcastle debuting as the opening event of the Australian leg of the tour in April 2021.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Narrabeen Championship Tour event will see some of the world’s biggest athletes battle the waves to win a share of over $1 million in prize money.
“Here in NSW we have shown our ability to host premier events while keeping people safe. When the WSL scanned the world for the safest beaches to relocate some of their prized Championship Tour (CT) events, NSW was the first choice.
“NSW will be Australia’s surfing state and sporting capital of the nation and this partnership with WSL will pave the way for us to host future tournaments in country towns, creating a safer and stronger regional NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said securing a second WSL Championship Tour event for NSW was testament to the State’s event hosting capabilities and world-class beaches.
“Yet again NSW is the destination of choice for this major international WSL event, giving us the chance to showcase the beautiful Northern Beaches to the world and welcome competitors, spectators and supporters to Greater Sydney to stay and spend locally,” Mr Ayres said.
For more information on the WSL Championship Tour, visit www.worldsurfleague.com.
SUPERSTAR MARDI GRAS LINE UP ANNOUNCED –
FESTIVAL KICKS OFF ACROSS GREATER SYDNEY
International chart-topping pop star Rita Ora will lead a superstar entertainment line-up for the 2021 Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 6 March.
Transforming the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) into a sparkling showcase of LGBTQI+ culture and community, the UK powerhouse will light up the venue along with soulful electronic duo Electric Fields, ARIA Award-winning art-pop songwriter Montaigne, and indie pop darling G Flip presented by TikTok.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is supported by the NSW Government via Destination NSW.
Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said the parade is such a special event as a loud, proud and welcoming celebration of community spirit and connectedness.
“The move to the SCG has presented us with a unique opportunity to add to the spectacle of the Parade with some truly awe-inspiring performances and we are thrilled to have a world-wide superstar in Rita Ora join this once-in-a-lifetime Parade.
“As always we have a few more surprises in store for the night, so keep an eye out,” Mr Kruger said.
A limited final release of tickets to watch the Parade live from the SCG are now on sale. More information about the SBS broadcast is available at www.mardigras.org.au.
Virgin Australia will be flying fans from Brisbane into Sydney for the parade on its Pride Flight – a glittering celebration of the LGBTQI+ community, bringing supporters closer together for the special event. Tickets for the flight are still available at Virgin Australia.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival kicks off today with several events in the city including the raising of the rainbow flag at Sydney Town Hall at 6pm.
Randwick City Council has installed a temporary 50-metre-long rainbow walkway at Coogee Beach promenade to celebrate diversity, inclusivity and equality in partnership with The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The walkway is expected to remain in place for several months.
Sydney hospitality group Merivale has also launched a series of Mardi Gras Parade packages, events and custom cocktails in partnership with Absolut to show support for the festival. For information visit www.merivale.com/mardi-gras/.
NSW GOVERNMENT TURNS THE BEAT UP WITH $1 MILLION FOR LIVE PERFORMANCE
Sydney’s live performance and arts scene will receive a $1 million boost, with grants of up to $50,000 available to present a one-off performance or series of live events to audiences visiting the Sydney CBD.
Round 2 of the NSW Government’s successful Play the City (Sydney) NSW Artists and Musicians Grants through Create NSW is now open for applications, and available for activities, events or performances that will activate the city centre.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the grants will help bring people back into the Sydney CBD giving businesses a major boost as they continue to recover from the impacts of COVID.
“Bringing more live music and performances back into Sydney is a critical part of revitalising our live performance and hospitality industries, bolstering the economy and creating more jobs as audiences return to the city,” Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said the successful first round of Play the City (Sydney) supported 53 projects, with Round 2 creating even more opportunities by opening the grants to a wider range of applicants and more locations in the Sydney CBD and surrounding inner city suburbs.
“With this new round, emerging and established artists will be supported to deliver projects – from hip hop jams to flamenco, and courtyard contemporary music sessions to classical concerts,” Mr Harwin said.
This latest round of funding is in addition to the $500,000 provided in Round 1, bringing the total support for the Play the City (Sydney) NSW Artists and Musicians Grants to $1.5 million.
Applications for Round 2 of Play the City (Sydney) close Wednesday 10 March 2021 for projects that commence between 26 March 2021 and 30 June 2021.
For more information and to apply, go to www.create.nsw.gov.au.
Image: Hiromi Tango, photo by Joe Ruckli
PARRAMATTA PRESSES AHEAD WITH POWERHOUSE APPROVAL
This week, plans for the new Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta have been approved by the NSW Government, cementing the city’s future as the jobs and cultural powerhouse of Western Sydney.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the final decision to move ahead with the plans for the Powerhouse on the banks of the Parramatta River followed extensive community feedback.
“Now that planning consent has been secured, I am delighted as Arts Minister that Western Sydney will now have the biggest and best museum in NSW and first major cultural institution.
“With a focus on science and technology, Powerhouse Parramatta will be the museum’s flagship site and hold the revered Powerhouse collection it is renowned for,” Mr Harwin said.
The new museum will create 4,000 new jobs while also injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy during construction.
The winning design by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton was selected in December 2019. Three construction companies were shortlisted last year with the successful tenderer to be announced later this year.
The Western Sydney Powerhouse Community Alliance welcomed planning approval for the Powerhouse Parramatta.
“This is a decision that has been six years in the making and represents the first major investment in a Western Sydney tier 1 cultural institution.
“The new Powerhouse Museum may be in Parramatta, but it is Greater Western Sydney’s museum. The millions of families who will interact with the exhibitions and programs over the coming decades will be the chief winners,” Christopher Brown, Chair of the Western Sydney Powerhouse Community Alliance said.
To read more about the new Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta, including more about the winning design by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton, visit the Powerhouse website.
2021 AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE BOUND FOR SYDNEY
Australia’s largest tourism tradeshow, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), will take place at the ICC Sydney this year, providing tourism operators around the country with an opportunity to meet and do business with travel wholesalers and agents from around Australia and the world.
Delivered by Tourism Australia, the 2021 event 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.
The in-person component of the tradeshow, ATE Live, will take place from 6 to 9 June 2021, enabling international buyers based in Australia or New Zealand, as well as domestic buyers and frontline travel sellers, to meet with Australian tourism operators. A virtual version of the event, ATE Online, will follow from 10 to 17 June 2021 for all other international buyers who are unable to travel to Australia.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said that participation in ATE is more important than ever to support the industry’s recovery.
“The tradeshow will provide an opportunity for operators to network and do business with wholesalers and agents from around the world, ensuring valuable links between Australian operators and the global distribution network continue especially while travel to Australia is on hold,” Ms Harrison said.
Applications for ATE21 are now open and close on 19 March.
More information on the event will be provided in the coming weeks and will be available at the Tourism Australia ATE website.
ABORIGINAL STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM FINE DINING TRAINING
Rockpool Bar and Grill, Catalina, Icebergs Dining and Aria are some of the fine dining restaurants offering pre-apprentice courses for aspiring Aboriginal chefs across NSW.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the National Indigenous Culinary Institute Skills for Success program has trained more than 200 participants since 2012.
“Ten students this year have had the chance to get up close and personal with some of the best chefs in the most prestigious restaurants in the entire country.
“This creates a direct training pathway for the participants to be employed as paid commercial cookery apprentices in fine dining restaurants. It also completes their formal training qualifications with TAFE NSW while being mentored by Australia’s leading chefs in their own restaurants,” Mr Lee said.
The National Indigenous Culinary Institute was designed to offer elite training and experience for aspiring Aboriginal chefs with training and mentoring being provided by Australia’s top chefs at host restaurants.
National Indigenous Culinary Institute Chief Executive Nathan Lovett said: “The 2021 program again provides the necessary skills to our participants to be successful apprentices working in Australia’s top restaurants. 2020 also allowed us to expand into regional areas of NSW, but we have really embraced the opportunity to grow our flagship program here in Sydney this year.”
This week the NSW Government also opened applications for the 2021 NAIDOC Grants program, which supports NSW activities and events held during NAIDOC Week (4 – 11 July 2021) that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.
Grants of up to $3,000 are available with applications closing on Friday 23 April. For more information, visit the website.
ATTRACTIONS AND HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES CALLED TO JOIN DINE & DISCOVER
The NSW Government is calling on tourism attractions and hospitality businesses to register for the Dine & Discover COVID-stimulus program ahead of the progressive pilot trials and state-wide rollout in coming weeks.
Eligible businesses must have a COVID-safe plan and register to participate in the program, which is currently being tested in The Rocks and Broken Hill as part of the first pilot.
The following businesses are invited to register:
- Cafés and restaurants
- Pubs, taverns, wineries, bars and clubs
- Scenic and sightseeing transport
- Cinemas
- Museums, galleries and historic sites
- Zoos, botanic gardens, wildlife parks and nature reserves
- Performing arts operations, theatres and entertainment centres
- Amusement, theme and water parks
- Recreational activities such as go-karting, indoor climbing, mini-golf, billiards, bowling or ice-rinks
- Outdoor adventures
- Travel agencies and tours
In the coming months, every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 Dine & Discover NSW vouchers worth $100 in total. Two vouchers can be used for dining out at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs, and two vouchers can be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues.
Residents can use their vouchers to dine at businesses from Monday to Thursday, and spend on activities at arts, entertainment and tourism businesses, seven days a week (excluding public holidays).
For more information about Dine & Discover NSW, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or book a call with a free Business Concierge. You can also find out more online at NSW.gov.au.
$16.5 MILLION FOR MORE GREEN SPACE
Greater Sydney will reap the benefits of more quality green public space thanks to the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Stimulus Package.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the new Greater Sydney Crown Land Open Space Activation Program would fund upgrades to Crown land and community facilities.
“The last 12 months has taught us the importance of green open space and creating public places where people can safely meet, congregate and relax.
“It makes good sense that by improving Crown land and public infrastructure we can make better use of the assets we already have to create more open space for the community to enjoy.
“These projects will also support local jobs and economies with work for tradespeople and materials suppliers,” Mr Stokes said.
In addition to the funding, Crown land will be reviewed to identify sites for future activation. Local councils will be invited to participate in partnership opportunities for activation and ongoing management of shortlisted sites for activation.
An additional $500,000 over the next two years will be used to protect sensitive nature reserves being impacted by unauthorised activities such as four-wheel driving, dirt bike riding and rubbish dumping.
The projects are among a range of stimulus initiatives being funded on Crown land sites across Greater Sydney.
DESIGNERS OFFERED A LEG-UP FOR FASHION WEEK
Designers will have the opportunity to apply for funding worth up to $250,000 to participate in Australia’s pinnacle fashion event, Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW), which will take place in Sydney from 31 May through the support of Destination NSW.
The event will be covered under the Federal Government’s Business Events Grants program, which supports Australian businesses disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing grants between $10,000 and $250,000.
Eligible businesses can now apply for funding to cover their participation costs in AAFW, which may include:
- Production costs for runway shows
- Digital content and trade showrooms
- Travel and accommodation expenses for media and buyers, and
- Activation and promotional collateral for participating sponsors.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said: “The Business Events Grants program is a fantastic initiative to help eligible businesses get back on their feet. I strongly encourage designers requiring assistance to apply, so that they can secure their place at Australia’s pinnacle fashion event, AAFW, in Sydney, and showcase their incredible work on a global stage.”
Applications close 5pm (AEDST) on 30 March 2021 or earlier if funding is exhausted. To see if your business is eligible and to apply, visit business.gov.au.
Image: Tim da Rin, Flaunter Media
ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND TARONGA ZOO JOIN FORCES
Taronga Zoo and Royal Caribbean International have joined forces as part of the Litter Free Oceans campaign, aimed at raising awareness on the impact litter has on marine life and educating Australians on how to reduce single use plastic. The newly formed partnership combines Taronga’s expertise in conservation education with Royal Caribbean’s commitment to healthy oceans and ability to reach ocean lovers of all ages. Director and CEO of Taronga Zoo Cameron Kerr said: “Plastic pollution impacts over 700 species, including marine turtles, whales, dolphins and sea lions. The oceans are in dire need of help but often we feel we can’t make a difference by ourselves. Litter Free Oceans shows Australians how small changes can make a big difference in helping our oceans thrive.” For more information, there are toolkits available for both schools and businesses looking to align with the Litter Free Oceans initiative.
DEGUSTATION IN THE HIGHLANDS
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the history of the Southern Highlands through ‘Wander the Wingecaribee’ - a new food trail launching on Saturday 10 April. The experience brings together regional producers, chefs and retailers, and offers visitors the opportunity to embark on an expedition into the locals and food that have shaped the historic village of Berrima. Group Manager – Destination Southern Highlands, Steve Rosa, said: “This new and exciting cultural and heritage event for the Southern Highlands will act as a flagship visitor experience that will herald the regions picturesque Autumn season of events and will assist in showcasing the treasures of historic Berrima’s colourful history, its culinary delights, major attractions and its vibrant people. The 'Wander the Wingecarribee' will help us tell our unique story of past and present.” To learn more and to book, visit the Experience Nature website.
NEW EXPERIENCE AT FIRESCREEK WINERY
Firescreek Winery, located on the Central Coast, has partnered with a local Aboriginal Elder guide, Gavi Duncan, to create a new Aboriginal Bush Tucker and Wine Tasting Experience. Visitors will experience an unforgettable display of Aboriginal culture, learning from a local Darkinjung Elder about a diverse range of Aboriginal traditions. The tour includes a cleansing ceremony, wine tasting under the lemon-scented gums, and a phenomenal digeridoo display. Firescreeks’ winemaker will also guide you through wine tasting and discuss how Australian native flora and other botanicals are used to make these unique wines. The tour operates Wednesday to Sunday, 2:00pm - 3:30pm. Adults are $115, while children are $75. For more information, visit the website.
GREEN LIGHT FOR $1 BILLION METRO TOWN CENTRE
The creation of a town centre in Sydney’s thriving north-west, which will feature new homes, create more than 2,000 jobs and provide the public with more open space, has been approved by the NSW Government. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the new town centre will change the face of The Hills Showground area and serve the community for decades to come. “This exciting new development in the heart of The Hills will create homes, jobs and outstanding public spaces on the doorstep of a Metro station. This development will also inject $995 million into the economy while creating 1,920 construction jobs and 674 operational jobs at a time when we need them most,” Mr Stokes said. The development will include nine building envelopes, ranging in height from three to 21 storeys, with the NSW Government and Federal Government committing to jointly fund upgrades to intersections of Showground Road with Carrington Road and De Clambe Drive, Castle Hill.
NEW ADDITIONS FOR BELISI WELLBEING & EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
A new purpose-built, accessible wellbeing and community hub and regular yoga and art classes are among the new additions to Belisi Wellbeing and Equestrian Centre. The $400,000 hub, made from recycled shipping containers, has fully accessible ramps, bathroom and doorways as well as a kitchen, viewing box, new sand arena, holding yards and a wash bay. Belisi Owner Jenni Riethmuller said the new hub was a wonderful and unique community asset. “Our focus at Belisi is two-fold, to deliver equine-assisted wellbeing therapy and wellbeing programs - both riding and non-riding - to a range of people, especially those with physical or mental challenges. We work with schools, disability or rehabilitation centres and aged-care.” Debuting in the new hub in 2021 are also yoga and art classes. “With two bedrooms, there’s room for the whole family and plenty of on-farm activities to entertain everyone." Find out more at www.belisi.com.au.
SIGGRAPH ASIA ANNOUNCES SYDNEY AS HOST CITY
This week, the Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (SIGGRAPH) Asia, announced Sydney as the host city for its 2023 conference and exhibition. The event brings the world’s most respected technical and creative minds together, further reinforcing New South Wales’ position as a leading global knowledge hub for creative industries. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said: “New South Wales has the largest creative sector in Australia, and we expect the sector to be a key driver of the state's economic growth, exports and innovation over the next decade. Sydney is one of the world’s most creative cities and it’s great to see this latest win for the business events sector, which continues to play a key role in restarting our city and state’s economy as global communities reopen.” Find out more at BESydney.com.au.
