No images? Click here
NEW CONTENT ASSETS SHOWCASE WESTERN SYDNEY’S VISITOR EXPERIENCES
A new suite of content from Destination NSW showcases the dynamic hub of adventure, style, culture and global cuisine that is Western Sydney.
As well as being home to Sydney’s second Central Business District, Parramatta, the district will be the birthplace of the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Bradfield, which is set to be the futuristic ‘third’ CBD of Greater Sydney.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Western Sydney was truly booming, being the third largest economy in Australia and home to more than two million Sydneysiders.
“Western Sydney is really leading the economic and visitor economy recovery across NSW, and there’s never been a better time to be thinking about promoting tourism and visitor economy opportunities across Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
The Destination NSW Content and Editorial teams have produced a suite of video, photography and editorial content highlighting the diversity and cultural momentum of Western Sydney from its multi-layered history to its flavourful food trails and energetic outdoor adventures.
The engaging imagery and video, and complementary written editorial content, is now available to access, order and download from the Destination NSW Content Library.
Watch the video introduction above for a taste of the assets that are available.
MARY POPPINS TO BRING A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR TO SYDNEY NEXT MAY
The NSW Government has secured the Australian premiere of Cameron Mackintosh and Disney's magical Tony and Olivier award-winning production of Mary Poppins for Sydney, adding to the Harbour City’s stellar line up of world-class cultural events.
Practically perfect in every way, Mary Poppins will entice visitors and Sydneysiders with unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and thrilling stagecraft.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the production would give the State’s visitor economy a great boost during the season from May next year.
“We are thrilled to have secured the Australian premiere of this new production of Mary Poppins and anticipate that the production will generate almost $23 million in direct visitor spend over the 21-week season, stimulating our visitor economy and reinforcing Sydney’s position as Australia’s events capital.
“The NSW Government has locked in 18 months of outstanding theatre and musical productions alongside our world-class art exhibitions and cultural events that are a drawcard for visitors and the envy of other cities globally.
“With so much to see and experience in Sydney there has never been a better time to start planning your next visit to our Harbour City,” Mr Ayres said.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said securing the season was a significant coup for Sydney.
“Staging the Australian premiere of this new production of Mary Poppins here in Sydney is fitting as Australia’s creative industries epicentre, and we look forward to welcoming guests to this joyful and nostalgic production,” Mr Harwin said.
Based on the original books by P.L Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins will see the magical story of the world’s favourite quintessentially English Nanny brought to the stage through dazzling choreography, incredible effects and the much-loved songs.
Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, the musical combines the Sherman Brother’s timeless score and classic songs Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds alongside new songs, music and lyrics. The producer for Disney Theatrical Productions is Thomas Schumacher.
Mary Poppins will play at the Lyric Theatre Sydney from May 2022 to October 2022. Tickets will go on sale in August 2021. To receive the most up-to-date information about the production, sign up to the waitlist at marypoppinsmusical.com.au.
Image credit: Johan Persson
TICKETS ON SALE FOR WALLABIES VS FRANCE, WHILE REGIONAL NSW RECEIVES NRL BOOST
The NSW Government has continued its support of major NRL and Rugby Union events across the State, announcing tickets on sale for the highly anticipated Wallabies vs. France game, as well as new grants to support regional NRL matches.
This week, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres joined Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos to encourage rugby fans to secure their tickets to the highly anticipated opening match of the 2021 eToro France Series, featuring Wallabies vs France, on 7 July.
“NSW is leading the way when it comes to hosting COVID-safe events and we can’t wait to welcome players, officials and dedicated fans to the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground for what is set to be a history-making match.
“This will be the first meeting between the two nations in almost five years, as well as the first mid-week rugby Test Match since 2012. Fans will also be the first to see the Wallabies debut their new jersey, following a vote by past Australian Rugby players, coaches and the team’s dedicated fans,” Mr Ayres said.
‘Les Bleus’ last toured to Australia in 2014, when the Wallabies claimed the series 3-0 and lifted the Trophée des Bicentenaries. France is currently ranked fifth in the world and was as high as top three during their recent run in the Six Nations earlier this year.
Tickets to the series are now on sale at ticketek.com.au.
In addition, football fans will be able to enjoy a weekend road trip to the regions and see their team vie for NRL premiership points at world class regional stadiums, thanks to the Regional Events Acceleration Fund.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said a total of $450,000 has been provided to Dubbo Regional, Coffs Harbour City and Mid-Western Regional Councils to help bring some of the league’s best teams to the bush.
Mr Barilaro said playing NRL matches in regional towns provided locals with an opportunity to see NRL stars play in person and gave fans further afield another great reason to take a trip to the bush.
“Round 11 will see Dubbo host a potential top of the table clash when the Rabbitohs take on the Panthers at Apex Oval, while the Sharks will take on the Titans at C.ex Coffs International Stadium the following week.
“Fans coming to towns for these games means more heads on beds, more money spent in local restaurants, more visits to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the Old Dubbo Gaol, the Big Banana Fun Park or Dolphin Marine Conservation Park in Coffs Harbour,” Mr Barilaro said.
The $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities. Applications are open now and close on 17 December 2021, or when funding is fully committed. For further information, go to nsw.gov.au/REAFund.
NEWCASTLE’S UNIQUE URBAN LANDSCAPE PLACED ON THE STATE HERITAGE REGISTER
The picturesque Newcastle Recreation Reserve has been listed on the State Heritage Register by the NSW Government, highlighting the land’s importance in the State’s cultural history.
With its spectacular ocean views, the Reserve consists of King Edward Park, The Obelisk and Obelisk Reserve, Arcadia Park, Shepherds Hill (previously referred to as Khanterin), The Bogey Hole and the Yi-ran-na-li cliffs.
The area is a distinctive unity of Aboriginal, colonial, geological, environmental, military and recreational features.
The Minister responsible for Heritage, Don Harwin said the listing will ensure ongoing protection of the Reserve’s heritage significance.
“This impressive landscape holds strong importance as a gathering place for the traditional custodians, the Awabakal people, and for the history of Newcastle which has grown into NSW’s second largest city.
“The Reserve is a rare NSW example of a comparatively undeveloped landscape encompassing both Aboriginal and European features influenced by convict labor.
“I am thrilled for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter region that this important landscape is gaining the recognition it deserves. The listing will ensure the Reserve’s significance will be protected and celebrated for future generations,” Mr Harwin said.
The Reserve, like many great inner-city parklands, has been the site of toil, conflict, reflection and celebration. It was where convicts from the Newcastle penal settlement, built the Bogey Hole Baths and The Horseshoe Walk from 1818-1823, under the command of Captain James Thomas Morisset.
The site is also a rare example of an inner-city landscape where coastal native grasslands thrive, including the endangered ecological species of Themeda grass.
For more information visit Heritage NSW.
Image credit: Heritage NSW
ABORIGINAL ART INSTALLATION LAUNCHED AT CENTENNIAL PARK
A new Aboriginal art installation designed to enhance the community’s understanding of native plants, animals and indigenous culture was unveiled this week at Centennial Park.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes officially launched the arts and culture installation at Guriwal Trail, which was first established in 1998 in partnership with the Guriwal Aboriginal Corporation of La Perouse.
“Centennial Parklands is one of our most treasured parks and attracts 31 million visitors each year. It is my pleasure to launch this installation that celebrates the deep connection our local First Nations people have to country and culture.
“The artwork is part of the NSW Government’s 50-Year Vision for the new Greater Sydney’s Parklands, which is to ensure our parklands are accessible, sustainable, protected for generations to come and to better reflect the rich values and stories of our First Nations people,” Mr Stokes said.
Suellen Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Greater Sydney Parklands said that the bushland surrounding the installation had undergone significant regeneration.
“In the last five years, volunteers have dedicated more than 6,000 hours of weeding and planting to ensure the site reflects the natural beauty of its ancient history.
“Using artwork and cultural knowledge, the installation brings to life the story of the Guriwal Trail,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
Shannon Foster, a D’harawal Saltwater Knowledge Keeper and artist, designed the installation along with a virtual tour.
“We chose a water-themed narrative that captures the essence of Centennial Park’s natural history, a place where a freshwater spring feeds a series of ponds that flow into the nearby ocean,” Ms Foster said.
AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES BID TO HOST RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027
The Commonwealth Government has backed a bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Announced by Rugby Australia at a launch in Sydney this week, Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the nation was ready to showcase one of the most popular sporting spectacles to a global audience.
“The Government remains committed to making Australia the world’s most active sporting nation and reinforcing our reputation as a pre-eminent host of major sporting events.
“Australia is not only a strong rugby nation, it is a safe destination with a successful and growing record of hosting global sporting events.
“The last time we hosted the Rugby World Cup was in 2003, and we’re more than ready to take it on again,” Mr Colbeck said.
The Australian Government committed $8.8 million over two years in the 2020-21 Budget for Rugby Australia to develop a compelling and compliant bid. It also received $1 million from the Government in the 2019-20 Budget to support foundation planning.
Minister Colbeck said hosting the event would provide a major economic boost for our tourism industry and the broader economy.
“This is an investment which offers significant benefits.
“It is projected to generate more than $2 billion, attract more than 200,000 visitors from key international markets, and create almost 13,000 new full-time equivalent jobs," he said.
Bids are due for lodgement to World Rugby by 14 January 2022, with the announcement of the successful host expected in May 2022.
SYDNEY PUTS SUSTAINABLE FASHION ON THE GLOBAL CATWALK
All eyes of the fashion world will be firmly fixed on Sydney later this month as it hosts the first live fashion shows anywhere in the world for more than a year.
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) will run from 31 May to 4 June and showcase more than 70 established and emerging Australian designers, with runway shows at Carriageworks and online, as well as workshops, panel talks, masterclasses, live podcasts and more.
Supported by the City of Sydney, AAFW will also profile First Nations designers and have a new focus on sustainability.
The City will host a panel discussion featuring some of the fashion industry’s top names and sustainability pioneers, including eco-conscious Maggie Marilyn, designer Maggie Hewitt, Nobody Denim Co-Founder John Condilis, and Glam Corner’s Audrey Khaing-Jones.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “The past year of Covid restrictions has been particularly hard on our valuable creative industries, including fashion. AAFW represents a fantastic kickstart to the industry’s recovery, offering the city and our stable of talented designers a unique opportunity to be showcased globally.
“This year’s focus on eco-conscious and sustainable designers and fashion practices is in keeping with the City’s long-term commitment to the environment, to addressing the worsening climate crisis, and to delivering sustainable programs across the city and local government area."
As part of the City’s sponsorship, AAFW has also developed a sustainability strategy to reduce the environmental impact of the event and bring awareness and thought leadership to the fashion industry regarding sustainability issues.
For more information of AAFW and to buy tickets visit australianfashionweek.com.
Image credit: Getty images
NEW PROJECT TO GET HOSPITALITY JOB SEEKERS BACK INTO WORK IN THE HUNTER
The NSW Hunter region will benefit from a $95,000 investment to help local hospitality job seekers back into work, as part of the Australian Government’s Local Recovery Fund.
The Local Recovery Fund is an important part of the Local Jobs Program, which is being expanded as part of the 2021-22 Federal Budget.
A hospitality mentoring and employment project run by Smart Training and Consulting Group in the Hunter region is part of the first release of 15 local employment projects funded under the program.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said the ‘Jobs in the Valley & Vines: Transforming Lives’ project will deliver a six-week non-accredited training program for up to 30 participants, including a 30-hour work placement to secure hospitality jobs in the Hunter Valley.
“We want to see as many job seekers as possible in the Hunter upskill and reskill, using solutions developed by our local community.
“The Commonwealth Government is supporting local communities in the Hunter through the Local Recovery Fund so they can help find people work and meet local employer demand, through these region-specific projects that are the result of collaboration between Employment Facilitators and their Local Jobs and Skills Taskforces.
“This is just one of an initial 15 locally-driven, tailor-made projects across the nation, addressing the workforce priorities of each region," Mr Robert said.
More details about the Local Jobs Program can be found at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
DYNAMIC FUTURE PLANNED FOR LISMORE
Laneways will be brought to life and the Wilson River waterfront will be opened to the public among 63 actions included in the draft Lismore Regional City Action Plan.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the new plan, released this week for community feedback, would guide development in Lismore over the next 20 years.
“The regions are booming with people looking for a tree change and this plan will transform Lismore into a city bursting with jobs, investment and a vibrant lifestyle.
“This plan includes a number of initiatives to help Lismore’s bushland and green corridors thrive, protecting important habitats for koalas and many other native species.
“The plan also directs development away from conservation corridors and bolsters green connections with increased tree canopy in parks and public spaces,” Mr Stokes said.
Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the plan would help transform Lismore into a world-class culture, arts and sporting hub.
“Lismore is already a fantastic place to live with a strong education, health and business core surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
“We’re going to transform the city centre’s laneways, alleyways and arcades with alfresco dining, live music and pop-up activities, art installations and community events,” Mr Franklin said.
For more information and to have your say by 15 June, visit the NSW Government website.
AUSSIE KIDS EAGER TO EXPLORE THEIR OWN BACKYARD
Aussie kids under the age of 13 are set to become the nation’s most domestically travelled and educated generation, according to new research commissioned by Wotif.com.
Despite the closure of international borders due to the COVID pandemic, the study shows that 61 per cent of Aussie kids are eager to see and try different travel experiences in their own backyard, with 86 per cent of Aussie families now intending on taking a local holiday within the next year.
Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch said: “Despite the past 12 months being tough for so many Aussies, particularly kids who have missed out on family bonding, school excursions and the education gained through travel, it’s interesting to see that the increased focus on domestic travel is having a positive influence on kids. Not only are they more eager to explore their own country, but they’re excited to see and do more than what their parents would have done, when they were kids.”
According to the research, top of the wish-list for Aussie kids is a trip to theme parks (49 per cent), followed by getting up close and personal with wildlife (41 per cent) and seeing a ‘big thing’ (22 per cent). When it comes to what they love most about family holidays, family bonding tops the list (51 per cent), followed by the chance to get out of the house (47 per cent) and trying something new (45 per cent).
To further energise Aussie families about domestic travel, Wotif has launched the ultimate Aussie Kids Bucket List competition, encouraging kids to submit their travel wish-list for the chance to win a $2000 Wotif travel voucher.
Visit the website to enter before submissions close on 28 May. The Wotif Aussie Kids Bucket List will be announced in June.
GET READY SYDNEY, TAMWORTH IS COMING TO TOWN
Destination Tamworth, together with Chris Watson Travel, are bringing a taste of the legendary Tamworth Country Music Festival to the heart of Sydney CBD with the first-ever Tamworth Comes to Town event.
Tamworth Comes to Town will take over Rydges World Square on 28 and 29 May 2021 with a jam-packed schedule of live music, dancing, song-writing sessions and a country music cruise, all showcasing the talents of some of Australia's best country music artists and performers.
Event Organiser Chris Watson said: "The idea behind Tamworth comes to Town was to promote what Tamworth has to offer, showcase the incredible range of live music that can be found around the city each January, and bring tourism back to Sydney's CBD."
With the 50th anniversary of the Tamworth Country Music Festival just around the corner, Festival Manager Barry Harley has backed the event, saying there's no better time to be celebrating country music.
"January 2022 marks a momentous 50 years of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and with many Festival goers hailing from Sydney, this event is the perfect way to kick start the celebrations and continue to cement Tamworth's position as the home of country music in Australia. There will be a lot to celebrate at next year's Festival,” Mr Harley said.
With the line-up featuring multi-award winning artists, incredible songwriters and performers, it’s an event not to be missed.
For further information on Tamworth Comes to Town, visit the website.
EAT STREET LIGHT RAIL ON TRACK
Work on Parramatta’s ‘Eat Street’ has hit a major milestone, with 50 per cent of the light rail tracks installed along the dining strip. Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the team had been working hard to get the tracks laid as quickly as possible along Church Street, between Market and George Streets, while minimising the impact to the local community. “More than three kilometres of track have been laid along the 12-kilometre route, with track laying on ‘Eat Street’ on schedule to be completed during the middle of this year. The Parramatta Light Rail team has worked more than three million hours on the project so far, with about one million hours spent on ‘Eat Street’ to get us to this significant milestone,” Mr Constance said. The Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence services in 2023. For more information, visit the website.
CELEBRATING THE STATE’S VALUABLE VOLUNTEERS
The State’s best and brightest volunteers will be recognised for their dedication and countless hours of community service as part of the 2021 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, with nominations now open. Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Mark Speakman said the opening of nominations for the awards coincided with National Volunteer Week –which was themed Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine. "The past 12 months have highlighted the pivotal role volunteers play in shaping and supporting our local communities. Volunteer week is an opportunity to shine a light on those people who put service above self,” Mr Speakman said. Volunteers can be nominated for one of eight categories, including: Adult Volunteer of the Year; Young Volunteer of the Year; Senior Volunteer of the Year; Volunteer Team of the Year; Corporate Volunteer of the Year (Individual); Corporate Volunteer of the Year (Team); Club Volunteer of the Year; and Excellence in Volunteer Management. Nominations close on 9 July. For more information, visit the website.
UPPER HUNTER TO RECEIVE RAFT OF IMPROVEMENTS
The Upper Hunter region will receive a host of improvements to the area thanks to support from the NSW Government. The township of Scone will benefit from a new town square thanks to a $2 million grant as part of the State’s commitment to beautify and revitalise regional public spaces. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funding for the town square was a reward for Upper Hunter Shire Council for meeting targets to speed up Development Applications. “We are investing millions of dollars in the township to create a new, beautiful public space where the community can meet, relax and enjoy,” Mr Barilaro said. Further, a historic agreement between the NSW Government and Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council, has secured the Upper Hunter region town Dungog’s future as a national mountain biking destination. The agreement, which will be accompanied by a $650,000 investment from the NSW Government to be spent on initiatives across Dungog Common, will facilitate the development of new mountain bike tracks.
