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VACCINATION THE PRIORITY FOR AUGUST
The NSW Government is calling on individuals and businesses to lead the charge for the State’s health, social and economic recovery by getting vaccinated in August.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant have asked all residents over the age of 18 to discuss vaccination options with a qualified health professional such as a GP or pharmacist as vaccines become more widely available across NSW.
More than 4.2 million doses of vaccination have been administered in NSW since February. This week the NSW Government also announced that the State would be receiving an additional 180,000 Pfizer doses.
NSW Health is working closely with the Commonwealth Government to plan and implement a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination program in NSW. NSW Health's COVID-19 vaccination program is underpinned by a strong public health system, as well as successful immunisation and mass vaccination programs.
For more information about getting vaccinated in NSW, go to the NSW Government website.
NATIONAL PLAN TO TRANSITION COVID-19 RESPONSE RELEASED
The National Cabinet has agreed in principle to an updated four-step National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response, taking into account Doherty Institute COVID-19 modelling and the Commonwealth Department of Treasury economic analysis.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the National Plan provided a graduated pathway to transition from pre-vaccination settings focused on suppression of community transmission, to post-vaccination where health management of COVID-19 is consistent with other infectious diseases.
The four phases are:
Phase A – Vaccinate, Prepare and Pilot (current phase): continue to strongly suppress the virus for the purpose of minimising community transmission through accelerating vaccination rates, closing international borders, and early, stringent and short lockdowns if outbreaks occur
Phase B – Vaccination Transition Phase (approximately 70 per cent of adult population fully vaccinated): minimise serious illness, hospitalisations and fatalities as a result of COVID-19 by maintaining high vaccination rates, encouraging uptake through incentives and other measures and minimising cases in the community through ongoing low-level restrictions and effective track and trace
Phase C – Vaccination Consolidation Phase (80 per cent of adult population fully vaccinated and more): Australia will seek to minimise serious illness, hospitalisations and fatalities as a result of COVID-19 by maximising vaccination coverage, minimum ongoing baseline restrictions adjusted to minimise cases without lockdowns, and highly targeted lockdowns only
Phase D - Post-Vaccination Phase: Manage COVID-19 consistent with public health management of other infectious diseases and potential reopening of international borders, quarantine for high-risk inbound travel, minimise community transmission without ongoing restrictions or lockdowns and vaccination boosters as necessary.
Read more about the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response.
Industry bodies engaged in the NSW visitor economy have been widely supportive of the National Plan.
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) is supporting the call for the industry and broader community to get vaccinated as quickly as possible to support the first stage of the plan and #GiveBEaShot.
Geoff Donaghy, BECA Deputy Chair said: “Prior to the recent lockdowns, our industry was clearly demonstrating how business events could be held safely, effectively and in compliance with state-based health protocols across the country.
“The nature of these highly organised and structured events, delegate behaviours, controlled settings, and the contact tracing frameworks we have in place sets us apart from mass gatherings. Through BECA’s industry-wide network, we continue to work with our State and federal leaders to lobby for the support needed to build confidence.”
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) said without mass vaccinations, both domestic and internationally focused tourism businesses, worth more than $150 billion to the Australian economy annually, would continue to be victims to stop-start border closures and localised COVID-19 outbreaks.
ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said: “Tourism businesses are uniquely affected by metropolitan lockdowns as they don’t need to be in Sydney or Melbourne to have their business wiped out.
“Lockdowns in major cities halt the travel and holiday plans of hundreds of thousands of people and this flows on to massive cancellations across the country as people are either unable to travel or they lose confidence in doing so. The only way we can have some certainty for our industry, is to support the vaccination roll out to help protect our community and reopen our economy."
STAY AT HOME ORDERS FOR HUNTER AND UPPER HUNTER REGION
To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions have been introduced for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Cessnock until 12.01am Friday, 13 August.
Following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community, stay-at-home orders will apply to all people who live in these areas, or have been there on or after 31 July 2021.
The rules for these areas are the same as those already in place across Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast.
Everyone in these areas must stay at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave. They also cannot have visitors in their home, except in limited circumstances. This applies to all social visits from those outside your household, including family and friends.
There are more than 410 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find the nearest clinic visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact a GP.
$40 MILLION BOOST FOR AUSTRALIA’S CREATIVE SECTOR TO RISE
Australia’s creative and entertainment sector has received a major boost, with the Commonwealth Government announcing that $40 million would be shared by 82 leading organisations across the country, under the fourth batch of grants from the $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.
This includes 29 NSW-based organisations, events and programs in Sydney and regional NSW.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said this $40 million in funding was especially important during such a difficult period for the sector.
“Demand for RISE funding has been significant since it opened last year. The latest funding will be allocated immediately to create more than 56,000 employment opportunities across the country,” Mr Fletcher said.
“RISE has been critical in supporting Australia’s live performance venues and events during an unprecedented time of widespread disruption from the pandemic.”
Creative Economy Taskforce Chair and Museum of Contemporary Art Director, Liz Ann Macgregor OBE, said the funding was a crucial lifeline for the sector to continue delivering events.
“RISE is rebuilding confidence and assisting arts and entertainment businesses to provide audiences with cultural and creative experiences nationwide. The strong demand for the program is indicative of the importance of this investment,” Ms Macgregor said.
“The funding is also invaluable for the broader economy, generating employment and economic activity for other industries such as hospitality and tourism.”
Almost one third of the projects funded to date have been provided funding for COVID-safe measures and infrastructure.
Australia’s premier Blues festival, Bluesfest, will receive $2.4 million, the highest amount of RISE funding ever delivered, to reignite the festival with an all-Australian line-up following consecutive COVID-19 cancellations in 2020 and 2021.
Other NSW recipients include TEG Live Summer series with KISS and Keith Urban, Australian World Orchestra’s 2022 concert series and education program, and TEDxSydney 2021-2023 event series.
In March 2020, the Commonwealth announced the RISE Fund would receive an extra $125 million, building on an original commitment of $75 million.
To date, $140 million of the $200 million RISE Fund is allocated creating more than 145,000 job opportunities and expanding cultural and creative experiences for audiences across Australia.
Further information on the RISE Fund is available at: www.arts.gov.au/covid-19-update.
WSL SYDNEY SURF PRO RETURNS TO MANLY IN MAY 2022
World-class surfing will return to Manly in 2022 with the Sydney Surf Pro scheduled for 14 - 24 May.
The World Surf League’s (WSL) Challenger Series event was first held in Manly in 2020 but postponed in 2021 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions limiting the WSL schedule.
WSL this week announced its global event calendar for 2022, with the Sydney Surf Pro to include the Pro Juniors and Pro Trials ahead of the main Challenger Series event.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said major international events would play a key role in rebooting the State’s visitor economy.
“The NSW Government continues to focus on our economic stability as well as our health response, and creating a forward calendar of compelling events is part of our strategy to strengthen our visitor economy and turbocharge its growth in the future,” Mr Ayres said.
“The Sydney Surf Pro celebrates the features of our city and lifestyle that make Sydney an unforgettable destination to visit, and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of athletes, officials and supporters to enjoy Manly next May.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said: “The Sydney Surf Pro showcases our spectacular coastline and local hospitality to visitors and those watching via the broadcast, and I know the community is excited for the event to return in May 2022.
“Manly has a long, proud history as an Australian surf capital for board riders of all abilities, from amateurs riding their first waves at local surf schools to the world’s best, who have been competing here since the first world championship in 1964.”
WSL Asia Pacific General Manager Andrew Stark said: “Manly is a fantastic backdrop for this important event on the WSL Challenger Series calendar. The beach is stunning, it’s accessible for fans, and the athletes and officials love to visit Sydney to enjoy the scenery, the icons, the Harbour and the full visitor experience,” Mr Stark said.
For more information on the WSL 2022 calendar, go to worldsurfleague.com.
COMMONWEALTH SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC AVIATION, QANTAS STANDS DOWN STAFF
The Commonwealth Government has further extended key assistance measures to support domestic aviation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Domestic Aviation Network Support (DANS) and Regional Airline Network Support (RANS) programs had been extended until the end of the year.
“DANS has provided critical support for the aviation sector and the Commonwealth Government has decided to continue it until 31 December 2021 to maintain a minimum level of services on key air routes," Mr Joyce said.
“Through the COVID-19 crisis, DANS and RANS have allowed more than 1.8 million passengers to continue to travel across our country, including essential workers in health care and other frontline services.
“These critical programs will continue to support essential freight movements around the country, providing critical access to healthcare equipment, education and mail and ensuring various critical industries can continue to operate.
“The Government is also extending a 50 per cent waiver of domestic air services charges for Regular Public Transport and aeromedical flights to 31 December 2021.”
The Tourism Aviation Network Support (half-price flights) initiative is being extended to 30 November 2021 for both sales and travel, to ensure travellers impacted by lockdowns or border closures can access these tickets and benefit key tourism regions as soon as possible.
For further information on the Government's support for aviation, go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/.
Meanwhile, Qantas Group this week announced it is standing down 2,500 Qantas and Jetstar employees for an estimated two months in response to ongoing domestic border closures.
The stand down is a temporary measure to deal with a significant drop in flying caused by COVID-restrictions – no job losses are expected.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “Fortunately, we know that once borders do reopen, travel is at the top of people’s list and flying tends to come back quickly, so we can get our employees back to work.”
WESTERN SYDNEY SMART FUTURE TURBOCHARGED
Sydney’s Western Parkland City is set to become Australia’s biggest hyper-connected, future-focussed Smart City with the release of the Smart Western City Program at the NSW Smart Places Summit.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Program would catapult Western Sydney to the 22nd Century and leverage Sydney’s new ‘hi-tech’ city of Bradfield; making sure the benefits of today’s technologies are realised and building strong foundations to support growth and innovation.
“Digital connectivity is essential infrastructure. It facilitates education, employment opportunities, entertainment and service delivery,” Mr Ayres said.
“It will enable the city of Bradfield to become an innovative ecosystem at the Aerotropolis, and it is also the powerhouse of smart and connected solutions for communities; attracting investment, sparking innovation and supporting knowledge industries.
“The Smart Western City Program sets out steps we can take now to secure a digitally connected future; creating a City that is a virtual 0.03-second city as well as a 30-minute city.”
The Smart Western City Program was co-created over 24 months with industry, local government and State Government. It delivers on one commitment as part of the 20-year Western Sydney city deal and covers eight local council areas - Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly.
“The Program lays out a game plan for what we need to do to address the digital divide and unleash the smart potential of the West,” Mr Ayres added.
Further, work is progressing in earnest in the Western Parkland City, with NSW Government funding from the Smart Places Acceleration Program supporting pilot innovative technologies and digital systems to collect and collate data on kerb space allocation and use in Liverpool.
The NSW Smart Places Summit is being hosted virtually today and will provide an opportunity for Government and industry to collaborate on best practice ways to deliver outcomes for people using smart solutions.
Find out more about the Smart Places program here.
SUPERCARS UNVEILS REVISED 2021 CALENDAR
Supercars has unveiled the revised 2021 Repco Supercars Championship calendar, including a new date for fans to attend Australian motorsport’s iconic event, the Repco Bathurst 1000.
Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said the calendar update was made in consultation with key stakeholders, including broadcast partners and team owners, brought about due to the ongoing COVID-19 challenges in various states.
Among the changes will be a later date for the Repco Bathurst 1000, which will now be held over 4 - 7 November.
Tickets purchased for the original date will be valid for the rescheduled event and existing ticket holders will be contacted with further details.
“With the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape, our teams and broadcast partners have agreed it is in all our stakeholders’ best interests commercially and competitively to move our premiere event to a later date,” Mr Seamer said.
“We are continuing to work closely with NSW Health, the Bathurst Regional City Council, emergency services, broadcasters and the NSW Government on planning for the Repco Bathurst 1000, which is the pinnacle of Australian motorsport.
“We will meet all COVID-19 safety requirements necessary to ensure this year’s Great Race goes ahead. Our aim is to ensure we can bring back as many fans as possible.
“For now, our goal is to make sure we deliver some amazing racing over the rest of the 2021 championship.
“We can’t wait to welcome our fans back to the Mountain in November, along with the much-anticipated Sydney night event later in the month.”
Repco Bathurst 1000 is now scheduled for 4 - 7 November, and Beaurepaires Sydney SuperSprint will be held from 19 - 21 November.
All events remain subject to change based on appropriate State, Territory and Federal regulations as they continue to be updated in response to COVID-19 requirements.
NEW EMERALD CLASS FERRIES ARRIVE IN SYDNEY
Three brand new Emerald Class ferries, set to service customers on the F1 Circular Quay – Manly route, have arrived in Sydney Harbour from Port Macquarie.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said all three vessels would begin sea trials shortly to prepare them for passenger service, expected in the coming months.
“It’s great news to have these ferries in Sydney which means we are one step closer to putting these state-of-the-art vessels into customer service,” Mr Constance said.
“These ferries are purpose built to operate in heavy swells. They are also fully accessible, significantly reduce carbon emissions and will allow for more weekly services to be added to this busy route to better suit the needs of customers.”
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said a number of minor modifications to improve customer comfort and accessibility, as well as ease of operation for crew, had already been made to each vessel.
“Sydney Ferries operator, Transdev, will continue to work closely with its employees as part of this upcoming sea trials phase to ensure these vessels meet the strictest of safety standards before entering into customer service,” Mr Collins said.
The introduction of the new Emerald Class vessels, which are named after popular Sydney beaches Fairlight, Clontarf and Balmoral, will coincide with the retirement of the MV Queenscliff and MV Narrabeen.
Transport for NSW will update the community about the farewell plans for these two vessels soon.
YOUTH TOURISM ASSOCIATION NSW INC REBRAND
Backpacker Operators Association NSW Inc (BOA), the peak industry body and voice of the youth tourism industry in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, has undergone a major rebrand to Youth Tourism Association NSW Inc (YTNSW).
As a membership based, not-for-profit, YTNSW's role is to influence, educate, collaborate, and provide a platform for operators to work together to grow all aspects of the youth tourism segment.
YTNSW's 100+ members are a combination of individuals, small, medium and large tourism related businesses, which represent a diverse cross section of the youth tourism industry.
The rebrand includes an updated website, logo and social pages.
YTNSW President Samantha Pearse-Marmont said: "We needed a brand that encapsulated the wider youth tourism industry including International Students, Working Holiday Makers along with the activity, attraction and accommodation sectors that make up the broad youth tourism sector.
"It has been and continues to be a challenging time for many within youth tourism and the wider tourism industry. As an organisation we are committed to supporting our members and the industry as we work to come out of the pandemic with a renewed energy.”
Visit www.youthtourismnsw.org.au to explore the new website, brand, upcoming events and membership options.
SUPPORT FOR NATIVE TITLE AND ABORIGINAL LAND RIGHTS
First Nations people across the State will benefit from a $9.85 million NSW Government investment to support native title holders and claimants and Local Aboriginal Land Councils deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the funding for NSWALC and NTSCORP supported the Government’s commitment to resolve Native Title and Aboriginal Land Rights across NSW.
“This funding will also advance this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, Heal Country, which highlights the continued efforts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in seeking greater protections for their lands, waters and sacred sites.” Mr Harwin said.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council Chair Anne Dennis said she welcomed the funding support for Land Rights and the resolution of outstanding land claims.
“I am pleased to see commitments to support the resolution of the more than 38,000 outstanding land claims in NSW. The return of land to Aboriginal people, as well as strong culture and heritage protection, is essential in achieving the intent of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act in NSW,” Councillor Dennis said.
The funding package includes:
- $2.5 million to NTSCORP to support native title claims, including $750,000 for cultural heritage surveys to support resolution of claims involving Crown land
- $2.5 million to help build skills and capacity of Local Aboriginal Land Councils
- $1.8 million for Local Aboriginal Land Councils to support the resolution of land claims through Aboriginal Land Agreements
- $1.1 million to Native Title Corporations to identify, promote and protect their cultural heritage on Crown land, through heritage assessments and the design and installation of cultural signage
- $1.1 million to support Aboriginal groups to establish ranger programs, so they can tender for natural resource management contracts with NSW agencies
- $750,000 to support Local Aboriginal Land Councils to undertake cultural heritage assessments on Crown land
- $100,000 to support to Barkandji registered native title body corporate to expand its operations.
The funding is being provided by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
IDEAS AND INNOVATION FUNDING TO ACCELERATE NSW ECONOMIC BOUNCEBACK
The commercialisation of innovative ideas that address impacts of COVID-19 are being supporting by the NSW Government with two new funding streams announced.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the two programs would be delivered by Investment NSW and are focused on addressing the impacts of the pandemic across the State.
“Stimulating research and development (R&D) to leverage tech innovation to address the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 will help create a resilient, post-pandemic economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“This investment in R&D encourages collaborative projects to design or validate products, complete product testing and certification, enhance existing product capabilities, or facilitate entry into international markets.
“The new $6 million R&D Fund will help grow our standout businesses to attract local investment and take their innovation to the world as we look forward to a global economic upsurge.”
The R&D Fund targets innovative products that have been developed by NSW businesses. Proposals to scale R&D products will be assessed by a panel of judges with expertise in commercialisation, venture capital, academia, government and industry.
The COVID-19 edition of TechVouchers, valued up to $25,000 and $50,000 per business, will enable more businesses to innovate by providing access to expertise and equipment in NSW, through publicly funded research organisations such as universities, CSIRO, National Measurement Institute and ANSTO.
Two TechVoucher funding streams are available. One stream will target smaller projects up to six months duration and will provide up to $25,000 to eligible businesses. Another stream will target larger projects up to 12 months duration and will provide up to $50,000 to eligible businesses. TechVoucher applications are open.
R&D Fund competitive grants of between $250,000 to $1 million will open for eligible businesses to apply during August 2021.
Additional information on guidelines, eligibility criteria and the application process are available now. Click here for more information.
FREE COVID RAPID RESPONSE COURSES TO BUILD SKILLS DURING PANDEMIC
A suite of 10 free TAFE NSW courses are available for NSW residents to build their skills during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health, digital security, business administration and construction industry skill sets are just some of the COVID rapid response courses on offer to people throughout the pandemic. Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the free training in employment growth areas was just one of the ways the NSW Government was supporting the community through the lockdown. “Whether you are in lockdown in Greater Sydney, or in a regional community, I urge NSW residents to take advantage of the free training options available that will help build the skills needed to get a head start in a post-COVID economy,” Mr Lee said. For more information, visit TAFE online or call 131 601.
REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT WEBINAR
The NSW Government is delivering online sessions to help small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 find the support they need. Presenters from NSW Treasury and Service NSW will provide information on financial grants available to businesses including the 2021 COVID-19 business and micro-business grants, JobSaver payment, and will highlight other government support available. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. The next available session is Wednesday, 11th August from 3pm-4pm. Register online with Eventbrite, and for other webinars and online events, visit Business Connect.
NSW STARS IN QANTAS MAGAZINE
Seven NSW tourism experiences have been highlighted in the latest Qantas magazine, Go Beyond. Secured by Tourism Australia, the 16-page magazine has been designed to inspire Australians to explore their own country in the same way they love to explore international destinations. The magazine will be distributed to the homes of 55,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer members while a further 10,000 copies will also be distributed at Heinemann Duty Free in Sydney and Gold Coast Airports later this year. From Lord Howe Island, Orange to the Blue Mountains, click here to see what NSW tourism operators are featured.
ABORIGINAL WORKERS ENGAGED FOR SNOWY 2.0
Principal contractor for Snowy 2.0, Future Generation, has been engaging directly with Aboriginal communities across the region and working closely with multiple agencies and support services to help establish employment opportunities for Aboriginal workers in the South East and to upskill unemployed people for potential roles on Snowy 2.0. Future Generation has established an Aboriginal Working Group which meets regularly and is currently finalising the pre-employment training program and selecting candidates. The program will be delivered at TAFE campuses in Wagga Wagga and Bega from 16 August.
REBRANDED HUNTER FARM LAUNCHED
Longstanding site known as Hunter Valley Resort and Matilda Bay Brewhouse will become a wonderland for locals and visitors alike with a rebrand known as Hunter Farm. Hunter Farm is a venue and 30-hectare property that offers a tap bar and bistro, 4-star accommodation, farm animals, horse riding, carriage rides, Segway rides, workshops, wine tastings and beer school all in one location. As part of the offering, Northern Beaches' 4 Pines Brewing and Hunter Valley Resort’s Philip Helé OAM have joined forces to bring visitors 4 Pines at the Farm which opened last week. Hunter Farm is Hunter Valley’s longest continuously operating hospitality venue, which celebrated its 30th anniversary on Sunday 1 August 2021. Hunter Farm is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday ahead of the official spring launch and 7-day trading from September. For more information, go to 4 Pines at The Farm.
AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL TOURISM CONVENTION 2021 POSTPONED
Australian Regional Tourism (ART) has postponed the 2021 Australian Regional Tourism Convention, originally scheduled for 11-13 October 2021, to October 2022. With a number of restrictions impacting the event, the ART Board decided this was the best course of action to ensure a safe and enjoyable convention for everyone. ART Chair Coralie Bell said: “The decision made to postpone Convention was the most sensible one for the safety of not only our staff, but our delegates, speakers, suppliers and sponsors. We are honestly devastated at the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on regional Australia and I am personally sad that we won’t be able to gather in person.” For more information about convention, visit the ART Convention website.
