No images? Click here
SYDNEY TO BURST INTO BLOOM WITH FLEURS DE VILLES AT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN THIS SPRING
Fleurs de Villes and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney will partner to create the inaugural Australian fresh floral celebration, Fleur de Villes ROSÉ, this November at The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, in support of breast cancer research.
The Australian premiere of Fleurs de Villes is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and the Royal Botanic Garden, and will encourage visitors to spend time in the Harbour City, support local businesses and celebrate Sydney’s creative spirit.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event would add colour to Sydney’s event calendar as well as showcase Sydney talent.
“Fleurs de Villes promises to bring a fresh perspective and a celebration of new beginnings to the city, a fitting way to mark springtime in Sydney and benefit from the city being open for business.
“Over the course of the event we expect to welcome 12,000 visitors to The Calyx to explore this unique activation and enjoy Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden,” Mr Ayres said.
Fleurs de Villes celebrates a love of flowers by combining local design talent with bespoke displays, unique dining experiences, workshops and talks.
Chief Executive of the Royal Botanic Garden Denise Ora said the Garden is committed to rebuilding confidence by offering visitors opportunities to enjoy the natural environment.
“By partnering with Fleurs de Villes, the Garden is bringing a global floral experiential brand to Sydney, demonstrating once again how nature inspires the community to come together,” Ms Ora said.
Founded by Canadian creatives Tina Barkley and Karen Marshall five years ago, Fleurs de Villes has grown to include 35 fresh flower shows seen by millions of people in 16 major cities.
Fleurs de Villes ROSÉ will be held over ten days from 5-14 November 2021 at The Calyx at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney.
For more information, visit rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/FleursdeVilles.
FLYING KANGAROO TO STAY IN PREMIER STATE
Qantas will proudly continue to call NSW home with its global headquarters to remain in Sydney following an in-principle agreement with the NSW Government.
The announcement secures thousands of existing and future jobs for NSW and includes several other benefits including Sydney being the exclusive launch hub for Qantas’ ultra-long-haul non-stop flights to cities such as London and New York.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet welcomed the commitment and said it was a clear signal that Sydney remained Australia’s business capital and doorway to the world.
“It is only fitting that Australia’s national airline should be based in Sydney, and a strong vote of confidence in the future of aviation in our city.
“From the early days of COVID-19 we realised the industry would be severely impacted and we are proud of our efforts to keep borders open, planes in the skies and people in jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
The commitment with Qantas follows the completion of the airline’s property footprint review announced in the wake of the significant challenges as a result of COVID-19.
The Qantas headquarters, which has been based in Sydney since 1938, currently employs more than 3,500 people and this number is expected to grow when international borders reopen.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said keeping our national carrier in Australia’s global city sent the right message to business and leisure travellers planning to visit when the time is right.
“This decision sets Qantas up for long term future growth and cements Sydney as Australia’s aviation and aerospace capital,” Mr Ayres said.
The commitment also confirmed:
The construction of a new Flight Training Centre with aircraft simulators to be based in NSW from 2023
Plans for expansion of Qantas Loyalty team in Mascot
Qantas working with the NSW Government to develop a comprehensive indigenous and diversity employment program.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said reviewing the company’s property footprint was part of its recovery program.
“Some of this has been about cost saving by rationalising office space and some is about unlocking the huge amount of future value that the Qantas Group will bring the local economy in the years ahead. We think that value deserves to be recognised.
“Ultimately, our recovery program is about putting us in a position to grow again, which is when the benefits to each state will really flow,” Mr Joyce said.
The final binding agreement will be subject to ongoing detailed negotiations.
RECENT CHANGES TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Due to the latest cases of community transmission and updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, COVID-19 restrictions have been temporarily tightened across Greater Sydney.
As of yesterday 5pm, the following measures are effective until 12.01am Monday, 10 May for the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains):
- Visitors to households will be limited to 20 guests – including children
- Masks will be compulsory on public transport and in all public indoor venues, such as retail, theatres, hospitals, aged care facilities and for front-of-house hospitality staff (except in a hospitality venue when eating or drinking)
- Drinking while standing up at indoor venues will not be allowed
- Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed
- Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings with a strong recommendation that no more than 20 people should be on the dancefloor at any one time
- Visitors to aged care facilities will be limited to two people.
It is also strongly recommended the community avoids mingling in large groups over the coming days.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: “These measures are proportionate to the risk and will help reduce further cases of community transmission. To allow our health authorities to do their excellent work it is critical the community continues to keep their physical distance, get tested with even the mildest of symptoms and importantly continues to use the Service NSW app to check into venues.”
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
APPLICATIONS FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY MARKETING SUPPORT PROGRAM CLOSING SOON
Tourism businesses, councils and local tourism organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding as part of Destination NSW’s $1 million Tourism Industry Marketing Support Grants Program, with applications closing on Thursday, 13 May 2021.
The program offers matched dollar-for-dollar funding, with grants between $10,000 and $50,000 available to stakeholders engaged in the visitor economy across Sydney and regional NSW.
The funds can be used for a variety of different marketing tactics including advertising (digital display, paid social, paid search) and promotional offers, competitions and discounts to drive demand.
Applicants must identify one key experience theme with their submission:
- Nature and outdoors
- Food and drink
- Arts and culture
- History and heritage
- Stay / accommodation.
To apply for the Tourism Industry Marketing Support Grants Program and for more information including eligibility criteria, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/news-and-media/tourism-recovery. Campaign activity will commence from mid-July.
AUSTRALIA'S LONGEST ROAD TUNNEL PROPOSED FOR GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY
Investigations are now underway to make an 11-kilometre tunnel the central component of an upgraded Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow, forming the longest road tunnel in Australia.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said: “We have already committed to tunnels at Blackheath and Mount Victoria - this proposal would see those tunnels joined together, creating the longest road tunnel in the country.
“The NSW Government is committed to building a safer and stronger regional NSW and this corridor will enhance the State, significantly cutting travel times between the city and the bush."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said: "The NSW Government knows how important this upgrade is to the people who use the Great Western Highway every day and in improving connections between Sydney and the Central West, which is why we committed $2.5 billion to deliver a once-in-a-generation upgrade to this key corridor."
Transport for NSW is engaging with National Parks about the upgrade’s impacts on land adjacent to the proposed portals. Neither portal would impact the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Construction on the Great Western Highway Upgrade is expected to start at Medlow Bath in 2022, with the full upgrade expected to be completed within 8 to 10 years. For more information, visit Transport for NSW.
SKY'S THE LIMIT – DRONES KEY IN FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORT
Drone technology is helping the NSW Government fast track assessment of damage and efforts to rebuild roads and bridges following last month’s devastating floods.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for flood recovery John Barilaro said data gathered by drones was providing a clear picture of the massive amount of soil and debris that needed to be removed, and helped in developing plans to do it safely.
“Our drones have allowed us to get a flying start on understanding exactly what damage has been done so our engineers can work out what is required to fix it – from how many tonnes of rock and debris need to be removed to the data we need to build 3D modelling of the slopes affected. Best of all, they can take images from multiple angles without putting workers’ safety at risk.
“The sky really is the limit for how useful this technology can be in helping us find temporary solutions to re-open disaster affected roads and designing the permanent solutions needed to rebuild,” Mr Barilaro said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said drones have been used extensively on the Oxley Highway after dozens of landslips cut access between Forbes River Road and Gingers Creek Roadhouse.
“Access is still dangerous and difficult in many areas where we’ve seen these landslides, but drones have meant we can determine the full extent of damage that can’t be seen from the road,” Mr Toole said.
Since Transport for NSW started using drone technology in 2019, it has expanded its use to several the State’s major disaster events, including the 2020 Blue Mountains bushfires, to fast track recovery times.
Drones are also being used for other transport related work including routine maintenance and planning for infrastructure projects.
BYRON BAY TRIATHLON BACK FOR 25TH YEAR
The 25th edition of the Byron Bay Tri is predicted to be a massive success as thousands flock to the town to cheer on more than 1,500 athletes who will swim, run and cycle their way to glory.
Competitors in the Olympic distance will complete a 1.5 kilometre ocean swim at Byron Bay, a 40 kilometre cycle through the CBD and across the rolling hills to Suffolk Park and finish with a run along the foreshore, under the Byron Bay Lighthouse.
This year 100 juniors will participate, many of whom will be competing in their very first triathlon.
To celebrate the milestone silver anniversary event, Brad ‘The Croc’ Beven has been named the official event ambassador.
Event Race Director Mike Crawley announced a long-term partnership with the Byron Tri Club and Byron Bay Cycle Club.
“It has been great to see enthusiasm from local businesses, offering promotions and incentives to athletes to welcome them to the community and increase economic benefits throughout town,” Mr Crawley said.
Traditionally held on a Saturday afternoon, this year the event has been moved to early Sunday morning in response to the increased daytime traffic since COVID-19, and to reduce the impact on local residents and businesses.
“We know that the Sunday morning event will encourage athletes to bring the family and stay in town for the weekend, while ensuring the legacy of this long-standing event,” Mr Crawley said.
Across its 25 years, the Byron Bay Triathlon has raised over $100,000 dollars for local community groups through its Community Grants Scheme, alongside work experience opportunities for local volunteers and young people.
More information can be found at www.byrontri.org.
RAMPING UP BIKE USE ON SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE
Access to the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway is set to be greatly improved under options being considered for a new ramp.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the number of cyclists crossing the Bridge could more than double over ten years, once a new ramp at Milsons Point replaces the long-term bottleneck where cyclists are currently forced to dismount.
“Cyclists who use the Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway will not miss having to negotiate the 55 steps that they currently carry their bikes up and down each day at the northern end.
“A new ramp will improve safety but also encourage people who are currently unable or unwilling to tackle the stairs from Bradfield Park to use what is our most popular cycleway in Sydney,” Mr Constance said.
Transport for NSW has developed two ramp options for community feedback:
- The first option is a linear ramp that would wind its way north through Bradfield Park on a gentle gradient, which would reduce conflict with pedestrians closer to the entrance to Milsons Point Station
- The second option is a looped ramp to be built in Bradfield Park central, offering a compact footprint, while still offering improved access, safety and convenience for cyclists.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway runs between Millers Point and Milsons Point along the western side of the Bridge.
On average, 2,000 cyclist trips are taken on the cycleway on weekdays. The NSW Government is investing around $710 million into walking and bike riding infrastructure over the next four years, bringing its total investment to around $1.1 billion – the largest commitment in the State's history.
2021 NAROOMA OYSTER FESTIVAL A SOLD-OUT SUCCESS
For the first time in the event’s 12-year history, the 2021 Narooma Oyster Festival was a sold-out success, attracting 6,000 visitors who consumed 70,000 oysters across the two days.
Held on 30 April and 1 May, Friday night’s activities included live music on the main stage as well as the Long Table Dinner which was attended by Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres.
Long lines along Oyster Alley on Saturday helped to boost oyster sales for local farmers, which was welcome news following the recent floods. Oysters from six South Coast estuaries were on offer, with farmers selling out on Saturday afternoon. Visitors were also able to sample a range of South Coast produce such as abalone and lobster, as well as different flavours like sea urchin roe ice cream.
The crowd was roaring at the shucking competition when Sally McLean of Jim Wild’s Oysters out-shucked reigning champion, Sue McIntyre of Broadwater Oysters by 0.3 seconds to return the women’s trophy to the Shoalhaven. When the men stepped on stage their smiles quickly turned serious as they shucked an oyster in under 6 seconds. Gerard Dennis from Australia’s Oyster Coast broke the under 3-minute mark to claim victory and keep the trophy.
Another festival favourite was the Biggest Oyster Competition with farmer Bernie Connell’s oyster from Batemans Bay taking out the title, weighing a whopping 2.71 kilograms.
With the festival over for another year, the event is now focusing on activating destination dining events and the Narooma Rocks oyster van, which was officially launched at the festival.
The 2022 Narooma Oyster Festival is scheduled to take place on 6 and 7 May.
FIRST EVER TOP TOURISM TOWNS REVEALED - VOTING NOW OPEN
Voting is now open for the inaugural Top Tourism Town Awards for NSW, with 42 ambitious towns from across the State now in the running to take out this prestigious award.
NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Manager Greg Binskin said the process was highly competitive with inspiring editorial, images and video content accompanied by a compelling 3 – 4 day itinerary essential to be a Top Tourism Town finalist.
“The Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate the unwavering spirit of these communities and demonstrates the true value of tourism and the visitor economy to these towns.
“It’s a real testament to the resilience of these towns that in this first year, we have an incredible 42 finalists in two categories: those with populations over 5,000 residents and those under 5,000," Mr Binskin said.
NSW Tourism Industry Council President Simon Spellicy said: “It has been great to see so many NSW towns embrace the Top Tourism Town Awards. Enormous work is done by regional towns to attract visitors, all in support of their local businesses and economies, and this has been a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and reward that work."
Public voting is open until 14 May 2021. The winners will be announced at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference on 27 May 2021. To see the finalists and vote visit Business NSW.
CREATIVE TAKE ON NSW ROAD TRIPS IN AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLER
Destination NSW has partnered with Australian Traveller to promote the unique destinations and experiences on offer across NSW through the release of an illustrated wall map highlighting many of the State’s popular travel itineraries this week.
As part of Destination NSW’s Road Trips campaign, a map has been illustrated by artist Mike Rossi highlighting 29 unique road trip routes across the State. The wall map has been designed to help inspire visitors to take a NSW road trip, and showcase the breadth of visitor experiences in NSW.
The printed wall map is distributed in Australian Traveller’s current 'Weekends' themed issue for June, which was released yesterday.
The map is part of a greater content partnership with Australian Traveller for the NSW Road Trips campaign including editorial, videos, social and newsletter content that is distributed to the publication’s highly engaged audience, including 147,000 readers.
The Destination NSW Road Trips program launched in November and is an extension of its Love NSW and Great Escape campaigns designed to drive growth in domestic visitation. It includes 29 refreshed drive itineraries, The Long Road web series - starring Australian artists including Guy Sebastian, Polish Club and Amy Shark - and extensive media and partnership programs.
View the map online, or pick up the latest edition of Australian Traveller.
INTERCONTINENTAL PARRAMATTA TO BECOME GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY'S HOME OF LUXURY TRAVEL
The world’s largest luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, is set to arrive in Greater Western Sydney with the development of InterContinental Parramatta, in partnership with owner Holdmark Property Group.
Scheduled to open in 2025, the new-build InterContinental Parramatta will be part of a vibrant mixed-use development that also includes offices and a ground floor retail precinct. The owners are eager for the building to be one of the “most exciting high-rises" in the city, and are in the process of running an architectural competition to find a winning design.
The state-of-the-art hotel will feature 200 guestrooms, a restaurant and rooftop bar, Club Lounge, pool, gym, wellness centre, more than 900sqm of meeting space, and will be built to the highest green-rating standard.
IHG’s Vice President, Development – Japan, Australasia & Pacific, Abhijay Sandilya, said Parramatta is a super city of the future.
“The transformation of Parramatta over the years has been extraordinary and the city is truly deserving of a luxury hotel; it has been crying out for one for a long time.
“Together with Holdmark Property Group, we’re excited to re-shape the landscape and give the local community a luxury hotel about which they can be very proud,” Mr Sandilya said.
This hotel will deliver more than 360 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs for Western Sydney and the development will create an additional 1,000 construction and sub-contractor roles boosting job opportunities and the local Western Sydney economy.
The hotel will be located directly opposite Parramatta Square, one of the largest urban renewal projects in Australia and is positioned to cater those in town for business or leisure.
JOBS BOOM TAKES OFF IN THE HUNTER WITH NEWCASTLE AIRPORT INVESTMENT
The Commonwealth Government will upgrade the Newcastle Airport runway, generating thousands of local jobs while creating new domestic and international travel and export destinations for the Hunter and Central Coast residents and businesses.
The runway will be widened with a $66 million investment to accommodate longer range domestic and international passenger services as well as significantly increased large freight capabilities to benefit local exporters. This will maximise the benefits of works already completed on the terminal to upgrade international arrivals and departures processing.
Newcastle Airport estimates these improvements could create around 4,400 full-time jobs, deliver an additional 850,000 visitors to the region and add $12.7 billion to the local economy over the next 20 years.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the airport investment was a game changer and would provide significant economic benefits for the Hunter and Central Coast community.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to the Hunter economy, its workers and businesses and will deliver a jobs boom for the whole region.
“This investment will also deliver hundreds of thousands of extra tourists to the region, spending money in local businesses, while exporters in the region will be able to access increased freight flights into new international markets,” Mr Morrison said.
The upgrades to Code E status would mean larger aircraft like Boeing 777s and Airbus 330s could land in Newcastle, with twice daily international flights expected alongside increased daily direct domestic flights.
Pending parliamentary approvals, construction is expected to start later this year and be completed in 2023.
NEW CAMPAIGN TO URGE AUSTRALIANS TO TAKE EPIC HOLIDAY
The next phase of Tourism Australia's Holiday Here This Year campaign launched this week, with ambassadors Hamish Blake and Zoe‐Foster Blake showcasing some of Australia’s most epic holiday experiences. The new $9 million Epic Holidays campaign urges Australians to travel further, book a longer stay, and enjoy the benefits of a bigger domestic holiday. Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said: “This new campaign aims to get Australians to travel further afield, take a longer holiday, and visit those parts of the country typically reliant on international tourism. Australians typically spend more overseas than foreign tourists spend in Australia, so we want Australians to treat their domestic holiday this year like an overseas trip. Every epic holiday that we take in our own backyard delivers a significant shot in the arm for our tourism businesses, workers and communities.” The Epic Holidays campaign features Sydney and Bondi among other destinations, and will be rolled out across a range of channels including TV, print, online, social media, content partnerships, search, radio, cinema and outdoor advertising. More information on the campaign can be found on the Tourism Australia website.
AUSTRADE ANNOUNCES ROUND TWO APPLICATION DETAILS
Applications for Round Two of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program are now open. Travel agents, inbound tour operators and tour wholesalers who have been severely impacted by COVID-19 can submit their applications until 12 June 2021. To be eligible, businesses must have received payments under Round One of the program, unless an exceptional circumstance decision applies. Round Two applicants must sign an electronic declaration that they have been eligible for and received a Round One payment; that their Round One turnover figure was not based on total transaction value (TTV); that their business is solvent and intends to continue operating for the April to June 2021 quarter; and that they will make their best endeavours to retain staff and meet obligations to process refunds and travel credits to Australian consumers. The newly released FAQ document relating to Round Two of the program is now available at austrade.gov.au.
PIE TIME 2021 – OUT OF THE OVEN AND ONTO THE PLATE
The Southern Highlands is gearing up for another exciting installment of the region’s iconic ‘Pie Time'. This month-long celebration of Australia’s iconic food is the perfect opportunity for domestic holidaymakers to come to the NSW Southern Pielands and rediscover one of the country’s greatest tourism destinations, conveniently located just two hours from Sydney. Destination Southern Highlands Group Manager Tourism and Economic Development Steve Rosa said: “After the success of ‘Pie Time in Pie-solation’ last year, we’ve been baking all our ideas for 2021 and it’s exciting to be so close to pulling them out of the oven. With domestic tourism back on the table, we’re encouraging Australians to come back to our region and rediscover their favourite pie makers and bakers. We have hundreds of activities and activations stuffed into a 30-day celebration of the great Australian pie.” As well as many returning favourites such as Pies and Pinot, Pie Teas and various Pie Tours and Pie-Cycle Tours, Pie Time 2021 will welcome some new events including The Great Southern Highlands Pie Drive. Pie Time 2021 runs for the entire month of June. Australia’s National Pie Day will kick off the month of activities on 1 June. For more information on Pie Time visit the website.
HEALTH SECTOR KEY TO BUSINESS EVENTS RECOVERY
A new Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) report has highlighted the key role that the health sector will play in the recovery of Australia’s business events industry. Key insights from the AACB’s Forward Calendar of Business Events report highlight that ‘Health Care and Social Assistance’ represent one in three business events secured by convention bureaux, with more than 115,000 Australian health professionals expected to attend domestic conferences and exhibitions across the country over the next six years. Science, Financial Services, and Education followed as other key markets. AACB CEO Andrew Hiebl said: "Boosting the confidence of health professionals to travel, meet and share knowledge in-person is critical to getting business events back on track.” The latest report emphasises the successful postponement strategies undertaken by convention bureaux, with 70 per cent of international and 57 per cent of domestic business events on the forward calendar postponed. Growth in new business has also seen a 25 per cent increase in the number of domestic business events secured for the future compared to the position in July 2020. This is a significant achievement, noting that Australia has now experienced 200 international business event cancellations.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
Business owners and industry groups are encouraged to have their say on how the NSW Government can support small businesses and provide feedback on the Government’s Business Connect advisory program. Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said: “Small businesses are the backbone of their communities and it’s so important that we support them to stay in business. The past 12 months were challenging for many small businesses and as we move forward we want to ensure we have the best measures in place to provide the support they need to survive and thrive. The NSW Government is committed to supporting small businesses to start, run, grow and adapt as a critical component of its priorities for economic growth in the State.” As part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget, the NSW Government committed $39.3 million to extend the Business Connect program for three years, ensuring small business across NSW can continue to access independent and confidential advice. The Business Connect program and Have Your Say feedback will provide recommendations on how the NSW Government can deliver even better support for small businesses in the future. To complete the survey, go to nsw.gov.au. Consultation closes on 24 May.
AN EXTRA $25 MILLION FOR AUSTRALIA’S CREATIVE SECTOR TO RISE
Australia’s creative and entertainment sector has received a major uplift, with the Commonwealth Government announcing that $25 million will be shared by 66 leading organisations across the country – including 19 in NSW – under the third batch of grants from the $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund. Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said: “This funding is an important step in the rejuvenation of Australia’s arts sector from COVID-19, and will support our much-loved venues putting on activities such as festivals, concerts, tours, productions and events, particularly in regional and remote areas.” The investment into these leading organisations being announced today brings to a cumulative $100 million the Government has committed through the RISE Fund to date. This funding has created over 89,000 job opportunities and expanded cultural and creative experiences for audiences across Australia. The full list of Batch Three recipients and further information on the RISE Fund is available at arts.gov.au.
