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NSW GOVERNMENT SERVES UP SYDNEY’S LONGEST LUNCH
The NSW Government is bringing Sydney alive with its longest lunch, a smorgasbord of unique dining experiences for thousands across the city.
Sydneysiders and visitors will be able to take a seat on Friday, 3 December for the Sydney’s Open for Lunch event to enjoy our top culinary delights and entertainment.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the event, held at four locations including Parramatta and Sydney CBD, would be a celebration of the culinary capital of Australia, turbocharging the recovery of the city’s hospitality industry after a challenging period.
“We’re signalling to the world that Sydney is open for business and that our world-renowned lifestyle is returning,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We know the last few months have been tough; this event is a chance to revive the spirit of our city by bringing people together to enjoy some of our most talented chefs and performers.
“Our Government is throwing its support behind our hardworking hospitality industry – this is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get behind them.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres this week joined two of the event ambassadors, restaurateurs and chefs Luke Mangan and Kylie Kwong, to unveil the program of ticketed long lunch dining events on Sydney’s George Street and YCK Laneways, South Eveleigh and Parramatta Square.
Mr Ayres said the event was set to boost economic activity by enticing Sydneysiders and visitors to dine out and would be a great opportunity for businesses to make the most of diners wanting to enjoy the best of the city.
“This event will benefit the many businesses that were affected by COVID-19, as well as provide locals and visitors with new ways to reconnect and rediscover Sydney’s dining scene. This investment also aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and our ambition to provide world-leading food and wine experiences,” Mr Ayres said
“Sydney’s Open For Lunch is about sending the strongest possible message that Sydney is open and it’s time to come back into the heart of our cities. It’s designed to inspire people to enjoy everything our renowned Harbour City has on offer this summer – from food and wine, shopping, live entertainment and outdoor experiences.”
Luke Mangan said he was excited to be part of the culinary celebration and called on locals to embrace Sydney’s rich hospitality offerings once more.
"I can’t wait for Sydney's Open for Lunch to get our amazing city pumping again. We are so lucky to have incredibly talented chefs and restaurateurs with so many different offerings across Sydney involved in this event, so it’s time for Sydneysiders to show their support and appreciation for a scene that is sought after internationally,” Luke Mangan said.
Kylie Kwong said this event was extremely important to provide locals with renewed optimism for the future.
“After such a long period of lockdown, away from my community and daily collaborations, I really feel this event will be extremely healing and positive, offering an opportunity for all of us to reunite. There is no better way to reconnect with friends and loved ones, than over delicious food and drink, and great music,” Kylie Kwong said.
The Sydney’s Open For Lunch event is part of the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program.
For more information including the event schedule, visit here.
Tickets can be purchased via Ticketek.
NSW GOVERNMENT INVITES VISITORS TO RENEW
The NSW Government has released the next phase of its ‘Feel New’ tourism marketing campaign to accelerate the recovery of the visitor economy.
Billed as ‘Renew’, the new campaign is timed to leverage the restart of intrastate travel and the progressive re-opening of state and territory borders.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, and Minister for Industry and Trade Stuart Ayres said the ‘Renew’ campaign would tap into the sentiment of consumers seeking to visit somewhere new, experience something new, and renew themselves following months of restrictions and lockdown.
“We're inviting Australians to renew themselves by enjoying what NSW uniquely offers in terms of destinations, experiences and road trips, and help turbocharge the recovery of the hard-hit accommodation, cultural, entertainment, hospitality, tourism and events sectors,” Mr Ayres said.
“The ‘Renew’ campaign encapsulates the feeling we all have right now – to be re-energised after an incredibly challenging long haul – and, with NSW leading the country in opening up, now is time to hit the road and explore NSW and give our visitor economy the kickstart it needs and deserves.
“This new element of the ‘Feel New’ campaign, combined with the Government’s continuing injection of funds into visitor economy support programs, is exactly what’s needed to fast-track the state’s recovery.”
The ‘Renew’ campaign will run on radio, digital and social media in key domestic markets until February 2022.
For more information on Destination NSW’s tourism marketing campaigns, visit here.
Download the campaign fact sheet here.
GARDENS OF STONE AND THE LOST CITY ADVENTURES
Over 30,000 hectares of NSW state forests, including the iconic Gardens of Stone will be transformed into a new eco-tourism and adventure destination on the edge of the Blue Mountains near Lithgow.
The centrepiece of the investment will be the Lost City Adventure Experience, an iconic project, that will include Australia’s longest zipline and a spectacular elevated canyon walk.
It will also feature NSW’s first Via Ferrata rock-climbing opportunity, a protected climbing route employing steel cables, rungs or ladders, fixed to the rock that climbers can safely attach to.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was investing $50 million to transform the area, which will be added to the national parks estate, into an eco-tourism and eco-adventure destination generating jobs and economic growth for the entire region.
“We’re investing record amounts in our national parks to protect our natural gems while also generating new industries in our regions to support jobs and creating new iconic experiences so more people can enjoy our natural wonders,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This new set of reserves will improve access to this spectacular region attracting domestic and international tourists with upgraded lookouts, walking trails, a 4WD circuit and a world class 35km mountain bike network.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said it would be a massive boost for Lithgow’s local economy, drawing an estimated 200,000-plus extra visitors to the region every year.
“This investment will deliver an iconic tourism and adventuring experience right on Sydney’s doorstep and represents one of the state’s largest ever investments in a regional ecotourism project,” Mr Toole said.
“We expect this new set of reserves to create at least another 190 jobs for the Lithgow region, not to mention the millions of tourism dollars that will flow into the local economy.”
Treasurer and Environment Minister Matt Kean said the new reserve would also feature one of the world’s great long-distance walks extending from the Wollemi to the Gardens of Stone.
“This new set of reserves will rival the Three Sisters in Katoomba as the destination for visitors and tourists to the mountains west of Sydney,” Mr Kean said.
“It will also provide a much-needed lasting legacy for the environment, protecting and providing habitat for numerous threatened and endangered species for future generations.”
VACCINATED INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS TO RETURN QUARANTINE-FREE
The NSW Government has announced it will not require international students to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated with a TGA-recognised vaccine. This aligns with quarantine requirements for returning Australians.
The first chartered plane of returning international students under the NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan is scheduled to touch down in Sydney on 6 December.
The first flight will carry around 250 students from over 15 nations, including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, China and Canada, with a second flight to bring in students from South Asia and India also scheduled.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said international education played a vital role in connecting NSW to the world, with almost 290,000 students studying here before the pandemic, supporting more than 95,000 full-time jobs.
This is a significant milestone in our roadmap to recovery, and I can’t wait to welcome back such an important part of our community,” Mr Perrottet said.
They don’t just make a significant contribution to our economy, but international students play a role in our culture and contribute to our community and lifestyle.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said students would require Commonwealth Government approval to travel to Australia.
"I welcome continued collaboration with the Commonwealth Government in supporting international students as they return to NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
"This sends a clear message about how much NSW values our international students.”
Students will return via flights to NSW from December until further notice through the pilot plan’s phased approach.
Scape Redfern will continue as the accommodation partner supporting international students as they return.
HERITAGE LANDMARKS AT HEART OF BAYS WEST FUTURE
The White Bay Power Station and Glebe Island Bridge are the centrepieces of the NSW Government’s plan for the revitalisation of the Bays West harbour foreshore.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the community’s desire to see the power station adapted for future use and active transport links between the Pyrmont and Bays peninsula were key priorities.
“The community was clear in their feedback on the draft plans – Bays West’s history must be a focal point of its future. The final Bays West Place Strategy is our plan to make that vision a reality,” Mr Stokes said.
“The first phase of remediation works is already underway at the White Bay Power Station and we are exploring options for long term management of the Glebe Island Bridge and active transport links for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Mr Stokes said the 77-hectare precinct from White Bay to Rozelle was one of the last significant pieces of harbour land available for urban renewal in Sydney.
“Bays West is largely untouched and discussions about its future have been ongoing for years. This strategy will allow for a staged renewal of the area and open up the foreshore to the public for the first time in decades.”
The next stage in the process for each of the sub-precincts within Bays West will be the preparation of master plans. These will provide more detail about key elements such as building heights, housing types, density, and open space.
The first of these master plans, for the White Bay Power Station (and Metro) sub-precinct, is expected to be placed on public exhibition in early 2022.
For more information visit here.
AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST 360-DEGREE ‘POP UP’ CINEMA COMING TO SYDNEY
The largest 360-degree projection cinema ever seen in Australia will be at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park this summer.
Wonderdome is a ‘Pop Up’ structure that integrates interactive projections, mapping and spatial sound design to create an immersive 360-degree cinema experience for audiences.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government was proud to partner with TEG to bring this unique experience to life.
“The Wonderdome promises to be a very popular addition to Sydney’s lifestyle offerings over summer and is a great example of an innovative approach to boosting our visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“The NSW Government is focused on investing in unique cultural experiences like Wonderdome to showcase Sydney and NSW as the events and lifestyle capital of the Asia Pacific, to drive visitation and enhance the quality of life of NSW residents.”
Wonderdome Co-Founder Chris Deckker said he was looking forward to bringing to Australia pioneering technology that has mesmerised crowds at the likes of Coachella and Burning Man in recent years.
“Full dome technology is the leading edge of cinema, where the boundaries of the screen are dissolved, allowing the viewer to become part of the film. Viewers are immersed into multiple worlds, from thrilling rides through galaxies to emotive journeys navigating natural landscapes,” Mr Deckker said.
Wonderdome will be at the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter from 4 December until 30 January 2022. For information and tickets, visit here.
SYDNEY TO HOST MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP SEMI
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has been announced as the host of a semi-final for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said tens of thousands of interstate and international visitors were expected to travel to NSW for the tournament, generating millions of dollars in visitor spending.
“Hosting games for the T20 World Cup will bring both interstate and international visitors to our great state and provide a boost to the visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“The NSW Government is focused on investing in world-class events like this to deliver on our goal of becoming the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific, spearheaded by our 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said Australia was riding a wave of success in T20 cricket, with both our men and women’s sides winning the hard-fought tournament.
“Our men had a brilliant result in Dubai, and last year our women were also outstanding, claiming the women’s title here in Australia,” Mrs Ward said.
Sydney will be one of seven cities in Australia hosting a total of 45 matches for the competition, to be held in October and November next year.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Local Organising Committee CEO Michelle Enright said she could not wait to welcome fans of all ages and backgrounds to world-class venues like the SCG to support their teams.
“World Cups are all about bringing people together with the common thread of a love for cricket,” Ms Enright said.
Sydney expected to host several games including the semi-final at the SCG on 9 November 2022.
The full World Cup schedule will be released in January. For more details, click here.
MATISSE: LIFE & SPIRIT
Matisse: Life & Spirit, Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou, Paris at the Art Gallery of New South Wales opens on 20 November as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2021-22.
The exhibition, featuring more than 100 works of brilliant colour and inventiveness by French artist Henri Matisse, has been developed by the Art Gallery of NSW in collaboration with France’s leading modern art museum, Centre Pompidou, Musée national d’art moderne.
Matisse: Life & Spirit will be the single greatest exhibition of Matisse works ever seen in Sydney and includes the largest display of the artist’s triumphant late ‘cut-outs’ ever seen in Australia. The exhibition comprises paintings, drawings and sculptures and reveals how Matisse constantly renewed and revitalised his art across six decades.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the exhibition was a major coup for Sydney.
“The NSW Government’s support for Matisse: Life & Spirit demonstrates our determination to cement Sydney’s position as the cultural capital of Australia, and NSW as the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific,” Mr Ayres said.
“The Art Gallery’s major Matisse exhibition is the perfect cultural event to welcome our interstate and international visitors back to Sydney for the summer.”
Art Gallery of NSW director Dr Michael Brand said he was extremely proud to collaborate with his international colleagues to bring to Sydney one of the world’s greatest collections of Matisse.
“We are deeply grateful to the Centre Pompidou for their extraordinary generosity allowing so many treasures of France to come to Sydney,” Dr Brand said.
Image: Henri Matisse 1952 The sorrow of the king. Photo: Centre Pompidou, Paris.
BEN BOYD NATIONAL PARK TO BE RENAMED
Ben Boyd National Park on NSW’s far south coast will be renamed in the language of Traditional Custodians to recognise the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the decision followed requests from Aboriginal communities to rename the park due to Ben Boyd’s association with ‘blackbirding’, a practice that involved the coercion of people through deception or kidnapping to work as slaves or poorly paid labourers.
“It is time to acknowledge the real history of Ben Boyd and remove his name from the national park that continues to hold enormous cultural significance for Aboriginal people,” Mr Kean said.
“It is clear from the expert historical analysis, that Ben Boyd’s association with ‘blackbirding’ should not be reflected or celebrated in any way in our National Parks.
“There are many people from NSW’s early history who are worth remembering and celebrating, but it is clear from this historical analysis that Ben Boyd is not one of them.
“By re-naming the park, we not only celebrate ancient Aboriginal culture but also recognise its importance to Aboriginal people in recent history.”
Consultation with Elders, Aboriginal community representatives and Australian South Sea Islander representatives to identify a new name will commence soon.
On agreement, National Parks and Wildlife Service will present the proposed new name to the Geographic Names Board seeking approval and gazettal of the new name.
More information can be found here and here.
NEW WESTERN SYDNEY OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVAL IS ON ITS WAY
The ARIA award winning band, The Rubens will perform alongside a stellar line-up of Aussie artists next February at Camden’s Onslow Oval as part of a new outdoor music festival, ValleyWays.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the ValleyWays festival would deliver a new cultural experience for Camden, enhance the region’s tourism offering and create local jobs.
“ValleyWays is a boost to live music culture throughout Western Sydney and gives visitors another reason to add Camden to their calendar of places to visit this summer,” Mr Ayres said.
“Our investment in this event for 2022 and 2023 supports our COVID-19 Road to Recovery program by assisting with event operational costs so that organisers can offer the most affordable tickets. It also aligns with the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and Western Sydney Visitor Economy Strategy to deliver new events to attract local and interstate visitors.
“ValleyWays will bring some of our country’s most popular artists to Western Sydney and give the industry the opportunity to get back out and do what it does best – entertaining audiences and supporting the next generation of Aussie talent,” Mr Ayres said.
The Rubens said: "We are so thrilled to be putting on a big outdoor festival in the town we all grew up in! Our community has been big supporters of the band over the last 10 years, and this is our way of giving back. ValleyWays will bring the best music to our own backyard, and we hope to do this for many years to come!"
The Rubens will be joined by headliners Skegss, Middle Kids and Slowly Slowly. The line-up of supporting artists includes Stevan, Becca Hatch and Hollie Col.
For further information and to purchase tickets visit here.
GEORGE STREET SET TO ROCK WITH PERMANENT PEDESTRIAN PROPOSAL
Northbound traffic could be a thing of the past on George Street, The Rocks under a proposal that would make the current alfresco dining trial a permanent fixture.
The proposed plans would provide retailers more space for seating at restaurants, cafes and pubs, and open up more opportunities for live performances.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said public consultation on the proposal had started.
“Our alfresco dining trial in The Rocks has seen Sydneysiders reclaim George Street as a place for people, not just cars – which is why we’re asking the public to give feedback on making it permanent,” Mr Stokes said.
“Restaurants and bars are now trading at well above pre-pandemic levels, and that’s without international tourists. Outdoor dining at The Rocks has increased by 101 per cent since alfresco dining was first introduced.”
Many businesses have credited the boost in trading to the increase in alfresco areas, with up to 70 per cent of revenue generated from outdoor spaces alone.
“We wait to see The Rocks thrive as a place that’s loved by locals, while giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy one of Sydney’s best neighbourhoods.”
Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW Anita Mitchell said the proposal was part of a wider and deliberate strategy to attract more locals to the precinct.
“To be able to turn an area that had been seen as a bit of a tourist trap years ago, into a thriving destination loved by Sydneysiders is something we’re really proud of,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We’re now really keen to hear from the community on how they want to see our city operate.”
To have your say on keeping the North lane of George Street in The Rocks open for pedestrians, visit here.
NEW PROGRAM FOR SYDNEY’S PREMIER INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
Sydney’s premier international festival of contemporary art, the Biennale of Sydney, has launched a program that focuses on water, sustainability and collaboration.
The 23rd Biennale of Sydney, to be held from 12 March to 13 June 2022, was established in 1973 and is the largest exhibition of its kind in Australia.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said this year’s public program would encompass an expansive series of events and experiences throughout arts precincts across Sydney.
“Investing in the Biennale of Sydney, including the 2024 program, is so important, particularly after the challenges faced in the past two years for the arts and creative industries,” Mr Ayres said.
“Our investment in this outstanding event aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy and our goal to position Sydney as the events capital of the Asia Pacific by driving visitation to the state.
“Visitors will be encouraged to flow from venue to venue during the festival, on a course that is inclusive and accessible by walking, biking, wheelchairs and public transport.”
Art activations will be featured in the Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, National Art School in partnership with Artspace and cultural precincts in Barangaroo, Circular Quay Parramatta, The Rocks and Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the Biennale of Sydney was set to fill the city once again with imagination and creativity, offering the most exciting contemporary arts and culture from home and abroad.
“Arts and culture are an integral part of what makes Sydney a lively and vibrant place and I am pleased the NSW Government can deliver this free blockbuster festival for audiences. I encourage all Sydneysiders to come out and enjoy this exciting cultural experience,” Mr Harwin said.
NEW EVENT SET TO TRANSFORM MANLY’S NORTH HEAD
A unique outdoor event with 20 nights of iconic performances featuring some of Australia’s biggest names in entertainment is set to transform Manly’s North Head this autumn.
Night at the Barracks will feature contemporary music, theatre, ballet, dance, rock, opera and jazz over five weekends from 24 February to 27 March 2022.
Supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, the month-long program will convert one of Sydney’s iconic outdoor settings into a stunning venue under the stars.
The line-up includes legendary Australian performers Jessica Mauboy, David Campbell, James Morrison, David Hobson, Lucy Durack, John Foreman and the Aussie Pops Orchestra, Tim Campbell and Bonnie Anderson, Giuseppina Grech and Lorenzo Rositano, Queensland Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Australian Rock Collective and many more.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry, Stuart Ayres said the diverse event program would provide a welcome boost for the Northern Beaches and Sydney visitor economies.
“This is a great example of an innovative approach to rebooting and growing our visitor economy, by celebrating our unique assets and outstanding local talent,” Mr Ayres said.
“Night at the Barracks will feature 20 nights of performances providing something special for all concert-lovers, be they visitors or locals.
“The concert series will support local businesses by drawing people to Manly and surrounds, while also providing employment for more than 650 performers and event staff which is critical for the creative industries at this time.”
Night at the Barracks, North Head is also supported by the Commonwealth Government’s RISE Fund and Northern Beaches Council.
For the full schedule and to buy tickets, visit here.
NEW FLEET OF DRONES TO PROTECT SURFERS
In an Australian-first, the NSW Government will partner with Surfing NSW to deliver shark attack specific first-aid training, life-saving technology and custom first aid kits to more than 160 board rider clubs and surf schools. As part of the shark incident response program, up to 20 drones will be deployed to patrol surf events. Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said NSW has the largest shark management program anywhere across the globe. “This is just another tool to help keep swimmers and surfers safe at the best beaches in the world,” Mr Marshall said. For more information visit here.
MORE EVENTS FOR NSW IN 2022
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) secured 18 meetings worth an estimated $70 million in direct expenditure to the NSW economy in the 2020-2021 financial year. At the company’s Annual General Meeting, Chair of the BESydney Board, The Hon. Bruce Baird AM said BE Sydney had rescheduled 62 per cent of meetings affected by COVID-19 and secured new global and national meetings that would attract significant talent and direct expenditure. “We now have a pipeline of events for Sydney for 2022-2029 that includes 95 events, due to attract 127,000 delegates, staying 540,000 delegate days, worth an estimated $503 million in direct expenditure,” Mr Baird said. BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said high vaccination rates and the country’s strong health system would ensure Sydney provided a safe and reliable destination for international event owners. “In-person meetings are vital to personal and professional development, company culture, innovation, and business outcomes,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.
ASVO 2021 WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
Alex Cassegrain from Cassegrain Wines in the Hastings River wine region in NSW has been named the 2021 Winemaker of the Year at the ASVO (Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology) Awards for Excellence. The ASVO Awards for Excellence recognise the most dedicated and professional individuals in the Australian wine industry who show exceptional leadership, ability and vision. The ASVO selected Alex Cassegrain due to his wide-ranging positive contributions to the Australian wine industry and his innovative work on the effects of smoke taint on grapes. Alex Cassegrain said to be nominated and named the ASVO’s Winemaker of the Year was a great honour. “I strongly believe that this award is one for everyone involved in our work, in particular the growers who went through such an ordeal during the bushfires,” Mr Cassegrain said. “Receiving this award gives me the confidence to always push the boundaries and to continue to be innovative.”
FUNDS HELP EVENT TAKE FLIGHT
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund would support the return of Wings Over Illawarra, which will introduce a new drone expo, flight simulators and dedicated aviation precinct. “Wings Over Illawarra is Australia’s largest annual airshow and will bring together an exciting range of civil, commercial and military aircraft for an action-packed weekend both on the ground and in the sky on 27 and 28 November,” Mr Toole said. Wings Over Illawarra Director Mark Bright said the funding had enabled them to expand on the range of exhibits and activities at the show to give more people the chance to experience a fantastic range of aerial activities. “The NSW Government’s support will enable Wings Over Illawarra to make a very welcome return to the region and deliver an action-packed experience for locals, visitors and aviation enthusiasts,” Mr Bright said.
VIRTUAL JOBS FAIR
The Commonwealth Government will put more than 25,000 jobs on the menu nationwide through a virtual jobs fair to connect Australia’s job seekers with in-demand jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The National Tourism and Hospitality Virtual Jobs Fair is a free online event that will feature employers looking to hire, informative workshops from industry professionals and information about training and qualifications. Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said a positive outlook for next year’s travellers meant restaurants and hotels across Australia had a renewed appetite for hiring. “As restrictions ease and the visitor economy comes roaring back, businesses will need to be able to scale-up their operations quickly to meet increased demand,” Mr Robert said. The sessions will run from 1 pm to 5 pm EDT on 24 and 25 November. For more information and to register, click here
NEW REGIONAL
ARTS FUND
The Commonwealth Government has launched a $5 million Regional Arts Fund Cultural Tourism Accelerator program to develop and promote arts and cultural events for tourists across regional Australia. Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the program would support regional artists, arts workers and organisations to develop new events, programs and performance opportunities. “The arts and cultural sector is a key contributor to the prosperity of Australia’s regional economy and will play a strong role in bringing tourists back to the regions,” Mr Fletcher said. Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan, said the program would be critical to boosting local economies through cultural tourism. “Promoting arts and cultural events across our regions will support jobs and businesses in tourism, hospitality, accommodation, and retail – providing a major uplift to regional communities and their local economies,” Mr Tehan said.
