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MAD MAX PREQUEL TO BE FILMED IN NSW
The long-awaited prequel to George Miller’s Academy Award Winning Mad Max: Fury Road is set to be filmed in NSW, and expected to become the biggest film ever to be made in Australia.
Furiosa stars Chris Hemsworth, Anya Taylor-Joy and Yahya Abdul Mateen II, and will become the largest production to ever be filmed in NSW when filming begins in June.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said securing the production of Furiosa in NSW was an important win for the State and our film industry.
“This is great news for NSW – Furiosa is expected to support more than 850 local jobs and bring in around $350 million into the NSW economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW will be home to this major production providing a boost to the economy across the State with filming to take place in a number of locations including in Western Sydney and regional NSW.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the production confirmed NSW is the Premier film-making destination in Australia.
“There is no better place to make an international blockbuster than here in NSW. We employ 56 per cent of the Australian screen industry and we’re open for business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s showtime in NSW and that means jobs not just for the Arts, but right across the trades, hospitality and transport sectors as well.”
Director Dr George Miller said it was great to see the Mad Max franchise return to Australia.
“We are entirely grateful to the Berejiklian Government and for the advice and help extended to us by Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia and Grainne Brunsdon, Head of Screen NSW. The support of the Federal and New South Wales Governments were pivotal. They made it possible for the film to be greenlit, shot in Australia and for the production to be based in our home state,” Dr Miller said.
The NSW Government’s $175 million Made in NSW fund and PDV Rebate and the Federal Government’s 40 per cent Producer Offset helped to secure the production for NSW.
Image credit: Screen NSW
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE OF JAGGED LITTLE PILL TO OPEN SYDNEY’S REFURBISHED THEATRE ROYAL
Sydney’s newly refurbished Theatre Royal will reopen to rock fanfare after the NSW Government secured the Australian premiere of the award-winning Broadway musical Jagged Little Pill as the first production when doors open in September.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the musical, created by Alanis Morissette, would give theatre-lovers another key offering on Sydney's diverse events calendar in 2021.
“This generation defining album is now a hit musical that is simply a must-see event. It’s the perfect way to reopen the Theatre Royal,” Mr Ayres said.
Jagged Little Pill has been celebrated by critics and audiences alike, and it is anticipated the nine-week season will see more than 86,000 theatre–goers attend the production, generating over $7 million in visitor expenditure.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said it was a significant coup for Sydney to stage the first season of the production since Broadway was shuttered due to COVID in 2019.
“Reopening the Theatre Royal will add another dimension to our night-time economy and add vibrancy to our city – this is a very big deal for Sydney.
“The NSW Government continues to work with industry to provide the infrastructure and programming that makes Sydney and our State a global leader in the arts and theatre world,” Mr Harwin said.
Jagged Little Pill is a Tony Award-nominated rock musical with music by internationally celebrated singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard. The musical is inspired by the 1995 album of the same name by Morissette and deals with pain, healing, and empowerment.
“We are all very excited knowing that our show Jagged Little Pill will be making its way to the Theatre Royal Sydney this year! This show has been a vehicle of healing for so many of us throughout its journey and knowing we are coming your way is such amazing news after these intense 12 months across the world. Can’t wait to share this blood, sweat and tears musical with you as Australia has always held a very special place in my heart,” Alanis Morissette said.
The show most recently opened on Broadway in December 2019 securing 15 Tony Award nominations and winning the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. Securing the Australian premiere of Jagged Little Pill supports the NSW Government’s vision to drive visitation and enhance the social wellbeing of NSW residents through cultural events.
The Australian premiere was secured for Sydney by the NSW Government and is supported by Destination NSW. The Theatre Royal in association with GWB Entertainment will present Jagged Little Pill from September.
For more information go to: www.jaggedmusical.com.
NZ ENCOURAGED TO MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT IN SYDNEY AND NEW SOUTH WALES
NSW is extending an open invitation to New Zealand travellers to cross the Tasman and make lasting memories in Sydney and the regions with a new TV spot that launched this week.
Make Every Moment Count, created by Destination NSW, focuses on the meaningful and lasting memories NSW travel provides long after a holiday ends.
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW was ready to welcome its Trans-Tasman neighbours, and help them to create unforgettable travel memories.
“Prior to the pandemic New Zealanders accounted for approximately 444,000 visitors and $413 million in visitor expenditure for NSW, so it’s fantastic to be welcoming our Kiwi friends back.
“We are confident that this heartfelt campaign, and our strong ties with key partners like Air New Zealand, Qantas and House of Travel, will ensure NSW is front of mind for NZ travellers in the coming months,” Mr Ayres said.
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Steve Cox said the campaign brought to life a diverse range of experiences and activities, through an emotive lens, to reconnect Kiwis with the unique experience of travel to Sydney and NSW.
“New Zealanders are among the most adventurous in the world – we know they are keen to return to Sydney and NSW to reconnect with family and friends and partners, to make up for lost time and create memories that last forever.
“NSW is the most diverse State in Australia and we can’t wait to show our NZ neighbours what’s new, what they’ve been missing and the NSW and Sydney they haven’t yet discovered. There’s never been more to see and do from the world’s most successful stage production, Hamilton, to visiting a natural attraction like the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, soaking up the sights of Sydney, or getting off the beaten track with a road trip to go surfing, hiking or explore the Outback,” Mr Cox said.
New Zealand is the first international market where the campaign will roll out, with more than $1.04 million invested across an integrated plan which includes TV advertising, social media, digital and YouTube, as well as cooperative marketing campaigns with Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways and key retail partners.
Among the memorable experiences showcased in the Make Every Moment Count TV spot are:
Road tripping across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge
Surfing along the state’s iconic coastline
Swimming in Sydney’s unique ocean pools
Enjoying Sydney’s alfresco restaurant and rooftop bars
Quad biking through sand dunes at Port Stephens
Exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains
Indulging over a glass of wine and lunch at a winery in Orange
View the new television commercial and visit Sydney.com for travel inspiration.
SYDNEY CBD SUMMIT TURBOCHARGES RECOVERY
The NSW Government is investing an additional $20 million into the CBD Revitalisation strategy to help stimulate Sydney’s CBD economy and boost jobs.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced the funding following a second Sydney CBD Summit of business, community, government and industry leaders.
“We need to continue to drive growth in Australia’s global city as we emerge from the pandemic, and today a diverse mix of people came together in Australia’s global city to help make this happen.
“The Government will allocate an additional $20 million which will be used to help our city grow. We want more people back in the city, whether that’s working or shopping or coming in for entertainment and dining,” Mr Perrottet said.
The new funding brings the total CBD revitalisation investment to more than $40 million, including $5 million from the City of Sydney.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the CBD remained impacted by the halt on international travel, which supported businesses and jobs.
“International travellers to Sydney contributed more than $1 billion to the economy over the summer of 2020 and the city is still grappling with that loss, despite improvements on the domestic tourism front,” Mr Ayres said.
“The CBD needs to mature from being a place we go to work into a 24-hour destination with a diverse range of experiences.”
Read the full media release.
REGIONAL NSW TO HOST TRAVELLING FILM FESTIVAL
Lismore, Murwillumbah, Orange, Young, and Warrawong are the newest destinations for Sydney Film Festival’s Travelling Film Festival, a major cultural offering that is bringing Australian and international features, short films, and documentaries from across the globe directly to our regions.
Minster for the Arts Don Harwin said the Travelling Film Festival would provide a cultural and economic boost to our regions, bringing audiences back to their local theatres following a year of uncertainty.
“Local cinemas are the beating heart of our regional communities, and after a tough year where many of us missed our friends, community and culture, people are keen to come back together to enjoy a night out experiencing storytelling at its best,” Mr Harwin said.
“The NSW Government is proud to support the Travelling Film Festival as they provide local communities with the opportunity to experience film in a festival environment that encourages debate, community involvement and interaction.”
Sydney Film Festival CEO Leigh Small said: “Sydney Film Festival is committed to supporting local cinemas rebuild audience engagement in the wake of the impact of 2020 on the arts and entertainment sectors. Expanding the reach of the Travelling Film Festival through NSW will provide opportunities for regional audiences to reconnect with world class cinema in their own city, while also supporting the Australian film industry ecosystem.”
The Travelling Film Festival is Australia’s longest running travelling film festival, showcasing Australian and international features across regional Australia. For further details, visit www.sff.org.au/TFF.
MID-WEEK IS THE NEW WEEKEND IN NSW NATIONAL PARKS
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has launched a special offer making mid-week trips the new weekend in the NSW wilderness.
“To encourage mid-week visitors to our fantastic NSW National Parks, visitors can now save 50 per cent off selected full-priced campgrounds, and 25 per cent off selected full-priced cabins and cottages,” Minister for Environment Matt Kean said.
“With NSW National Park stays in high demand on weekends, mid-week is the ideal time to experience the unique, secluded feeling of waking up surrounded by nature, without the crowds.
“I’m encouraging everyone to escape for an affordable short break or even consider embarking on a longer road trip to discover the lush rainforests, pristine coast and vibrant country heritage that NSW has to offer.”
Some of the popular locations where there is expected to be high demand include pitching a tent at either Gambells Rest campground in the bushland of the Southern Highlands, Sheepstation Creek campground among World-Heritage listed rainforest on the far north coast, or beside a flowing river at Gloucester River campground at Barrington Tops.
Alternatively, for an upgraded option, visitors can sleep perched on one of NSW’s most sought-after headlands at Cape Byron’s Assistant Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages, soak up the history of the gold rush at Hill End, near Mudgee, staying in revamped heritage building Hosies, or book one of the cosy Wombeyan Caves cabins to explore underground wonders.
Offers are available when booking to stay mid-week Monday – Thursday between 21 April and 16 September 2021.
The full list of participating campgrounds and accommodation can be discovered at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/special-offers. Book now using the promotional code MIDWEEK at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE NEW VIRTUAL SITE FAMIL
The Sydney Opera House has launched a new virtual site famil, allowing event and conference organisers an opportunity to ‘visit’ the Australian icon and conduct site inspections, no matter where they are in the world.
Hosted personally by the Sydney Opera House’s expert sales or functions team, the virtual site tour will take clients through an intimate and personalised showcase of the Opera House’s venues and extraordinary experiences.
Visitors will see the newly renovated Yallamundi Rooms, a customisable event space for community celebrations, gatherings and performances; the stunning Joan Sutherland Theatre Northern Foyer, where guests are treated to expansive views of Sydney Harbour; and the Utzon Room, an intimate and elegant venue designed completely by architect Jørn Utzon, which seamlessly complements its harbourside location.
From bespoke guided tours to extraordinary private opera recitals, making your business events unforgettable is easy at the Sydney Opera House.
To visit the Opera House - regardless of your location - contact the Sydney Opera House sales team to book your virtual famil: salesteam@sydneyoperahouse.com.
THE FACES BEHIND SHOALHAVEN’S REBUILD TO FEATURE IN NEW TELEVISION SERIES
A new television series will profile Shoalhaven residents and the resilience and determination they have displayed to rebuild and futureproof their businesses, homes and communities in the wake of bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Living on the Coast - Shoalhaven Recovers will feature the stories of business owners, passionate community champions and volunteers who call the Shoalhaven home. The series was supported by major sponsor Manildra Group, local businesses and community members and Shoalhaven tourism.
The region was left devastated by the Currowan fire in December 2019, which burnt for 74 days, destroying nearly 500 thousand hectares and destroyed 312 homes.
The program is the brainchild of two Shoalhaven locals, Executive Producer and Walkley nominated documentary maker Michael Pignataro and former Shoalhaven City Deputy Mayor Allan Baptist OAM.
“Living On the Coast - Shoalhaven Recovers is much more than a travel show, it showcases the people who make the Shoalhaven a must visit location for tourists from across the globe,” Mr Pignataro said.
Banksia Park Cottages owner Alison Baker who features in the program, lost her Kangaroo Valley home, two cottages and suffered property damage in the fires.
“Just to tell good stories and for us as a tourist business, it (LOTC) will highlight the South Coast and certainly the best part of Australia,” Ms Baker said.
Living On the Coast - Shoalhaven Recovers will feature three, half hour episodes aired across Australia on the WIN Network, the largest regional commercial television network in the country with an audience reach of more than 8 million viewers. The first episode will premiere this Saturday 24 April at 4.30pm on the WIN Network. The second and third episode will air on 1 and 8 May.
FANS DELIGHT AT SUCCESSFUL PRO SURF EVENT RETURN TO NORTH NARRABEEN
Professional surfing had a triumphant comeback to the Northern Beaches after a two-decade hiatus with the second round of the World Surf League event attracting over 20,000 spectators.
North Narrabeen Beach welcomed capacity crowds each day of the four-day event to see the world’s best battle it out in ideal surf conditions.
At the start of the event Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said: “With many major events cancelled across the world, being able to host the Narrabeen Classic reminds us of how fortunate we are, and will provide a significant boost to our local economy.”
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan congratulated event organisers, participants and eventual winners for an outstanding event that had millions of viewers around the world watching on live web streaming and TV.
“We are so proud to have partnered with the NSW Government to have hosted such a terrifically successful event,” Cr Regan said.
“From the business owners and spectators I have spoken to these last few days, the Surf Classic was a massive shot in the arm our community so urgently needed.
“Not only has the event given the area a much-needed economic boost, but has also lifted the morale of the whole community coming out of a long period of uncertainty.”
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOUR AND EXPERIENCE JOINS YCK
Acclaimed Sydney Aboriginal tour provider Dreamtime Southern X is hosting a series of cultural and dining events in partnership with new city hospitality precinct YCK.
Dinner with Aunty Margret is a series of events held every Tuesday evening through to 18 May and includes an optional three-course meal, cocktail on arrival and a journey through Aboriginal culture.
Aunty Margret is a celebrated member of the Aboriginal community who has a passion for sharing her stories and experiences about Dreamtime and the Australian landscape.
Dinner with Aunty Margret at Stitch Bar will be set in a Q & A format, and she will cover topics such as cultural heritage policy, treaty, deaths in custody, health and wellness, as well as education outcomes for Indigenous Australians today.
The conversation will be held from 6-10 pm, and there will be an Indigenous inspired menu available for purchase including bush tomato soup, and buttermilk Barramundi fritters.
To book, go to: www.houseofpocket.com.au/events
$5 MILLION PERFORMING ARTS BOOST FOR REGIONS
The Commonwealth Government is investing an extra $5 million to support performing arts touring in regional and remote communities as they rebound from the effects of COVID-19. The Playing Australia Regional Recovery Investment 2021, through the Australia Council, will provide extra funding for performing arts organisations that have already been awarded grants under previous rounds of the Playing Australia Program and were heavily disrupted by the pandemic. The additional funding will support the viability of their regional and remote touring projects. Applications are now open and will close on 1 June 2021, followed by the next round closing on 12 October 2021. For more information on Playing Australia, visit the website.
CALLS FOR LOCATIONS OF NEXT UNDERWATER OASIS OFF NSW COAST
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall this week opened public Expressions of Interest for the locations of new Offshore Artificial Reefs to be deployed off the State’s coastline. Mr Marshall said: “Offshore Artificial Reefs are remarkable; once they become established they create a vibrant home which is truly an underwater oasis for marine life. Already we have eight of these million-dollar structures deployed off the NSW coastline, from Tweed Heads all the way down to Merimbula and I am very excited to see EOIs open for more reefs in our waters. Their innovative designs encourage a wide diversity of marine growth for fish to flourish in, which provides significant ecological and economic benefits.” To nominate locations for the next Offshore Artificial Reef, fishers should complete the survey before 17 June. For more information on Offshore Artificial Reefs in NSW, visit the NSW DPI website.
COUNTDOWN TO 2021 HARVEST FOOD TRAIL
Visitors to the Northern Rivers will have the opportunity to sample fresh and beautifully prepared food by renowned local chefs, hear how it is grown and pay homage to much-loved local food producers with the 2021 Harvest Food Trail returning on 1 and 2 May. The event offers a self-drive experience like no other where visitors can develop unique insights into how food and beverages are produced. Choose from a food discovery trail of more than 20 leading food producers, farms, restaurants, distilleries, breweries and food outlets across the region. For those without a car, special tours throughout the region are on offer. To plan your visit and for more information, visit the website.
