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SYDNEY SET TO ELEVATE THE WORLD’S MOST SPECTACULAR STAGE
A spectacular week of live entertainment has been set for the world’s most scenic stage as the Cahill Expressway is transformed for the ELEVATE Sydney festival.
Thirty thousand free tickets are being made available for the six-day event, set to take place from New Year’s Day overlooking Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay.
Part of the NSW Government’s efforts to turbocharge the CBD’s recovery, ELEVATE Sydney will offer Sydneysiders and visitors the chance to experience entertainment spanning pop, disco, musical theatre, youth, family, sport and First Nations genres. The event will also feature the biggest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere.
The stellar program line-up of more than 180 artists includes Tones And I, Tim Minchin, Baker Boy, Electric Fields, Marcia Hines and The Wiggles.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said ELEVATE Sydney would help revive the spirit of the city, reminding the world why visitors travel from across the world to experience our lifestyle.
“The day after the fireworks, this event will begin the new year with a celebration of what makes our city great,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Nowhere else could you hold this kind of event, nowhere has our harbour, our setting or our weather - this is part of our ongoing vision for taking our city from good to great.
“This has been a tough time for hospitality and tourism, we’re committed to doing everything we can to get these industries back on their feet and ensuring that our people have the chance to enjoy the city again.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Industry and Trade Stuart Ayres said ELEVATE Sydney was part of the NSW Government’s plan to support recovery and showcase the state and Harbour City to the world.
“Getting more visitors to Sydney and regional NSW, giving them high quality experiences and offering a smorgasbord of events will propel us toward our goal of being the premier visitor economy and events capital of the Asia Pacific by 2030,” Mr Ayres said.
“We know visitors and locals alike are looking for unforgettable experiences to Feel New – and what could be better than immersing yourself in an event that brings together the power of wellbeing, dance, culture, art and community, set against one of the world’s most spectacular backdrops, Sydney’s magnificent harbour.
“This is a very special and exciting event which will not only elevate Sydney and NSW to a global audience but elevate our homegrown talent, economy and community spirit,” Mr Ayres said.
In an Australian first, the Skyshow will feature 500 choreographed drones over Sydney Cove as a natural amphitheatre, creating a dazzling light display. A boomerang, a waratah and a series of animations will tell a powerful story of Sydney’s past, present and hopes for 2022.
Specialists from Finland, Germany and the USA have travelled to Australia to train local operators in the drone technology.
The Cahill Expressway will be closed to traffic and pedestrians during ELEVATE Sydney, with public transport and alternate routes available for visitors and residents.
For further information on the program and to reserve free tickets from 2 December, visit www.elevatesydney.com.
NEW DESTINATION NETWORK STRUCTURE TO GROW REGIONAL VISITOR ECONOMY
The NSW Government has announced changes to the state's Destination Networks.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government was committed to growing the visitor economy of regional NSW with the right framework in place to support visitor growth, job creation, skills development and stakeholder engagement.
“We’re proud of our track record of supporting the regional visitor economy, including the establishment of the Destination Networks, and these changes give the Networks an even stronger and more sustainable framework to support our growth targets,” Mr Toole said.
“We’re focused on ensuring this important sector has the right support and structures in place to make sure regional NSW comes back bigger and stronger than ever before.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western and Minister for Trade and Industry Sydney Stuart Ayres said the visitor economy was a critical industry for many regional NSW communities and growing visitation would play a key role in the state’s COVID-19 recovery.
“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic the regional visitor economy contributed $22.5 billion in tourism consumption and supported 99,600 direct jobs, over half the state’s visitor economy workforce,” Mr Ayres said.
“Destination Networks play a key role in delivering our NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, including our target of $25 billion in regional overnight visitor expenditure by 2030. We have a vision of making NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific and it’s critical the regional visitor economy is supported appropriately to help achieve this.”
Changes to the Destination Network structure include:
- A new Destination Network for Central West NSW to increase resources for well-established visitor destinations, including Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee
- The relocation of Snowy Valley Local Government Area from Destination Riverina Murray to Destination Southern NSW
- Aligning Destination Sydney Surrounds North and Destination Sydney Surrounds South boundaries with Western Parkland City
The changes to Destination Network borders will take effect from 1 July 2022.
The NSW Government established the original six Destination Networks in 2016 following a review of regional tourism to improve regional stakeholder engagement and better support the regional NSW visitor economy.
The Destination Networks are the ‘shopfront’ for Destination NSW in regional NSW and work closely with local government, tourism organisations and operators.
Destination NSW will work with visitor economy stakeholders in each region to implement the changes.
For further information, visit: Destination Networks - Destination NSW
FURTHER STEPS TO REOPEN AUSTRALIA AND SECURE OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Australia continues to take steps to safely reopen to the world, with additional changes to international border arrangements coming into effect on 1 December.
From 1 December 2021, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders can enter Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. Eligible visa holders include skilled and student cohorts, as well as humanitarian, working holiday maker and provisional family visa holders.
Under these arrangements, travellers must:
- Be fully vaccinated with a completed dosage of a vaccine approved or recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
- Hold a valid visa for one of the eligible visa subclasses
- Provide proof of their vaccination status
- Present a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within three days of departure.
Travellers to Australia must comply with local quarantine requirements in the state or territory of their arrival, and any other state or territory to which they plan to travel.
The return of skilled workers and international students will further cement Australia’s economic recovery, providing the valuable workers the economy needs and supporting the country’s important education sector.
From 1 December 2021, Australia will also welcome back fully vaccinated citizens from Japan and the Republic of Korea. Under these arrangements, citizens of Japan and the Republic of Korea who hold a valid Australian visa will be able to travel from their home country quarantine-free to participating states and territories, without needing to seek a travel exemption.
Under these arrangements, travellers must:
- Depart from their home country
- Be fully vaccinated with a completed dosage of a vaccine approved or recognised by the TGA
- Hold a valid Australian visa
- Provide proof of their vaccination status
- Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days of departure.
Restaurant & Catering Australia Chief Executive Wes Lambert welcomed the news for international students, skilled migrants and working holiday makers, noting it would help to stem the staffing crisis that is plaguing Australia's hospitality industry.
“Although the industry still has a long way to go until we reach pre-pandemic levels of staff – this is a much welcomed and much needed announcement,” Mr Lambert said.
“Safely allowing these workers back into Australia will turbocharge the local economy and help to keep venues in operation so that Australians can enjoy their favourite restaurant or café,” said Mr Lambert.
Qantas Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully said the return of Working Holiday Makers was another positive step towards rebuilding Australia’s travel and tourism sectors.
“Flying to a great Australian destination is on top of a lot of people’s travel wish list right now, and these workers play a critical role in ensuring travellers have a great experience when they get there,” Ms Tully said.
SYDNEY MODERN PROJECT REACHES NEW HEIGHTS
The Sydney Modern Project, set to almost double the exhibition space of the Art Gallery of New South Wales and attract exhibitions from across the globe, has reached a construction milestone.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for the Arts Don Harwin visited the site last week to mark the construction reaching its full height with a ‘topping out’ ceremony.
The Premier said the $344 million expansion would attract the world’s biggest touring collections and divert visitors from Brisbane and Melbourne to Sydney.
“Sydney is the cultural capital of Australia, this major expansion of our art gallery will attract tourists from around the world,” Mr Perrottet said.
“New York is synonymous with The Met, this investment will make our gallery a similarly iconic global attraction.
“Sydney Modern ensures our state remains on everyone’s ‘must see’ list, bringing jobs and business opportunities for our tourism industry, forming a key part of our vision for the future.”
The expansion will enable many warehoused artworks to be displayed and will also provide a prominent new destination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks.
Mr Harwin said the transformation taking place at the Art Gallery of NSW was extraordinary.
“We are investing in our future by creating a world-class destination for art and culture. The remarkable Sydney Modern Project cements our city’s position as Australia’s arts capital,” Mr Harwin said.
“The project is a major investment in art, artists and culture and sends a strong signal of confidence for a vibrant and exciting future.”
Together with the NSW Government’s $244 million in funding, the Art Gallery has raised more than $100 million to support the expansion project.
It is the largest government and philanthropic arts partnership of its kind in Australia to date.
Art Gallery of New South Wales director Dr Michael Brand said it was exciting to see the building take shape.
“We're creating an indoor-outdoor campus set in the stunning landscape overlooking Sydney Harbour, on Gadigal Country, with exceptional art experiences for everyone to enjoy and only possible in Sydney,” Dr Brand said.
The Sydney Modern Project is Australia’s first museum to be awarded the highest rating for sustainable design with a 6-Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.
The project is expected to inject more than $1 billion into the NSW economy over 25 years and is expected to double the number of annual visits from one million to two million per year.
IT’S OH-FISH-IAL! WORK UNDERWAY ON NEW FISH MARKETS
Construction work on the new Sydney Fish Market is underway, with foundation piling work starting on the revitalised cultural icon on Sydney’s waterfront.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the work was a major milestone for the $750 million Sydney Fish Market, improving the iconic destination and unlocking previously inaccessible harbour-front land for the community to enjoy.
“The Sydney Fish Market is a part of who we are as a city, part of our holidays and barbecues and it draws thousands of tourists. We’re finally giving it the building it deserves,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Not only will this create more than 700 jobs during construction, but also direct hundreds of millions of dollars of work to be awarded to local suppliers.
“We’re laying the foundations for the new fish markets as part of our vision for Sydney, breathing new life into our much-loved markets, boosting tourism and jobs in beautiful Blackwattle Bay.
“The NSW Government is building the Sydney of the future, returning the foreshore to the public, creating 6,000 square metres of new public domain, and improving pedestrian and cycling links.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the new Sydney Fish Market would be within walking distance of Sydney CBD and included easy access to current and future transport connections to improve the overall experience for local, interstate and overseas visitors.
“Once complete, the new Sydney Fish Market will play a vital role in attracting local and international visitors to bolster tourism in Sydney and stimulate the economy,” Mr Ayres said.
Sydney Fish Market CEO Greg Dyer said the new Sydney Fish Market would strengthen its position as one of Australia’s most famous cultural icons.
“The refreshed and modernised Sydney Fish Market will retain an authentic seafood market experience to ensure it remains one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations. The iconic building will also strengthen pride in the Australian seafood industry, as we educate visitors and inspire them to further support the country’s fishing communities,” Mr Dyer said.
The New Sydney Fish Market is on track to be completed in 2024. For more information, visit insw.com/newsydneyfishmarket
BRADFIELD CITY CENTRE’S FIRST BUILDING REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE
The First Building in the Bradfield City Centre has been unveiled with the Western Parkland City Authority this week lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the first structure to be in built in Australia’s newest city.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the application followed the NSW Government’s commitment of more than $1 billion in enabling works for the Bradfield City Centre, to be built adjacent to the Western Sydney International Airport.
“This is an exciting step forward for this new city in Western Sydney being built from the ground up. The design shows what a high-tech, shared-use hub will look like in a building as we create a home for industries of the future,” Mr Ayres said.
“The building is a window into the future of the Bradfield city centre. It brings smart design, sustainable materials, passive energy and genuine tribute to place and country that sets benchmark for the built environment in the Western Parkland City.”
“The First Building will house share-use advanced manufacturing equipment for research institutions and partners to translate ideas into products for manufacture in the Western Parkland City. Visitors will see that this is a place of advancement, collaboration and learning.
“There is no doubt our Aerotropolis vision is coming to life, and it firmly puts Western Sydney at the centre of our economic growth strategy.”
The architects of the International Convention Centre in Sydney and Perth’s Optus Stadium, Hassell Studio, in conjunction with Djinjama – Cultural Design and Research, have produced an integrated landscape and architectural response that pays respect to the ancient Aboriginal culture of the land on which it will be built.
The First Building is based on a modular design and will be constructed from laminated timber and other sustainable materials, cutting down on construction and demolition waste. It will be highly energy efficient with the ability to operate off the grid using renewable energy.
A First Nations name will be chosen through close engagement with the local Aboriginal community in a naming process designed by the Western Parkland City Authority.
Completion of the First Building is expected by the end of 2023, and it will also include a visitor centre where residents, school children and businesses can watch the city being built in real time.
REIMAGINING THE VISITOR ECONOMY
Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan this week released for consultation a proposed strategy to rebuild and reimagine Australia’s visitor economy.
“Australia’s recovery from COVID-19 is gathering pace, with travel restrictions continuing to ease and we prepare to welcome back visitors from Japan and South Korea,” Mr Tehan said.
“Prior to COVID-19, the visitor economy was Australia’s fourth largest export sector, valued at $166 billion and directly employing more than 600,000 people.
“Australia is still a leading international tourist destination, with world-class experiences, passionate tourism operators, highly-skilled workers and top-quality education providers.
“The Morrison Government is working with the sector to ensure our tourism industry is set up to succeed over the coming decade, and that’s why our Government commissioned a panel of experts, led by former Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson to develop a strategy for enhancing the visitor economy.
“The panel consulted extensively across sectors and identified three key ingredients for the future success of Australia’s visitor economy: the need to diversify markets and products, modernise business practices, and collaborate more closely.
“I invite tourism operators, state and territory governments and impacted sectors to have their say on the proposed THRIVE 2030 strategy to help make our sector even stronger.”
Feedback on the strategy is open until 23 December 2021. To review the proposed THRIVE 2030 strategy, visit www.austrade.gov.au/reimagine
SUMMER OF SEAFOOD PLATES UP STATE’S BEST
Eleven NSW seafood businesses will net a share of a $500,000 ‘Eat More Seafood’ campaign to help put more sustainable, locally caught seafood on plates across the state.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said NSW had the best seafood in this country, which is scientifically assessed and sustainably caught.
“After two very challenging years for the sector from COVID-19 to floods, our seafood sector is ready to hook in and again enjoy strong domestic demand,”Mr Marshall said.
“Whether it is at your local restaurant, or simply grabbing fish and chips with the family, there is nothing tastier than enjoying freshly caught NSW seafood.
“The 11 winners have all approached the campaign in creative ways, with one successful applicant to produce a regional seafood cookbook to showcase local sustainable seafood, while another will develop school education programs to educate our kids about the importance of locally sourced sustainable seafood.
“Each successful project will help market seafood consumption, educate the community about the importance of sustainable fishing and aquaculture, and how they can help to achieve this by their seafood purchasing choices.
“We hope these grants will help promote the fantastic seafood NSW has to offer and see more local seafood on plates across the state.”
The ‘Eat More NSW Seafood’ campaign is a partnership between the NSW Government and the NSW Seafood Industry Council to promote the consumption of NSW seafood across the state and to help foster greater community awareness and support for the NSW seafood industry. Visit here for more.
FUNDING BOOST FOR NATIONAL PARKS
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has received a significant funding boost to upgrade facilities, supporting jobs and improving access to the state’s national parks.
As part of the NSW Government's Economic Recovery Strategy, an additional $91.5 million will be invested into shovel-ready projects in our national parks in a significant boost to our nature-based tourism industry.
Treasurer and Environment Minister Matt Kean said this investment would support jobs by creating better facilities – such as walking trails and family-friendly amenities –across the state’s vast network of national parks.
“From Western Sydney to the Far West of NSW, families are flocking to national parks and we want to make sure facilities are up to scratch and able to meet this increased need,” Mr Kean said.
“Before COVID, we had more than 60 million visits every year, and national parks were already a key driver of the visitor economy, generating $18 billion in economic activity and supporting over 74,000 jobs.
“Since COVID, visitation levels have skyrocketed, highlighting the role parks play in supporting the physical and mental health of the community. Put simply – national parks are good for the soul.”
This funding is part of the largest-ever investment in national park visitor infrastructure, enhancing our natural environment and supporting regional economies with over $14 million to be invested in critical conservation projects.
Visitor infrastructure projects include:
- $3.45 million upgrade to the elevated rainforest boardwalk in Budderoo National Park
- $3 million in visitor precincts including in Georges River National Park
- $3 million for better visitor infrastructure at Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes River National Park
- $1.5 million to improve public roads access to the Royal coastline in Royal National Park
- $795,000 for short stay accommodation at Kinchega and Paroo Darling national parks in the Far West
- $600,000 for enhancements to the mountain bike track network at Glenrock State Conservation Area.
NEW CYCLING STRATEGY OPEN FOR CONSULTATION
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is calling on cyclists to have their say on a draft cycling strategy so national parks can provide some of the best cycling experiences in Australia.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said that with more people taking to two wheels and with investment in NPWS visitor infrastructure at record levels, the Parks network would become must-do destinations for riders of all ages.
“We are in the middle of a bike boom and there is now no better place to jump on two wheels than in our National Parks, it’s a great way to experience and see our natural biodiversity firsthand," Mr Kean said.
“But the key is to make sure it’s sustainable and sensitive to the environment, we don’t want to see damage to our precious biodiversity and cultural heritage.
“Cyclists love the great outdoors and we want to work with them to incorporate their ideas on how to ‘tread’ lightly and move forward with this strategy.”
NPWS is seeking feedback on a new cycling strategy which outlines how to balance the demand for a variety of cycling experiences with the responsibility to protect national parks’ natural and cultural values.
Not all cycling activities will be appropriate in all national parks and unauthorised tracks in parks can be dangerous, and this draft strategy looks at how to manage illegal tracks to prevent further ecological or cultural damage.
As part of ongoing community consultation, NPWS is calling on cyclists, mountain biking associations and other interest groups to help shape the strategy and invites submissions before 30 January 2022.
Community consultation sessions will also be run with key stakeholders over the coming weeks. To read the draft strategy and to make a submission visit here.
$9.37 MILLION BOOST FOR ARTS AND CULTURE PROGRAMS
The NSW Government is investing $9.37 million in the state’s arts and cultural sector through Round 1 of Create NSW’s 2021/22 Arts and Cultural Funding Program.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin announced that 198 recipients would share in $9,371,594 million in funding that will deliver record arts and cultural activity across NSW, contributing to the state’s broader economic recovery.
“NSW audiences, artists and creatives are set to benefit from the funding announced today, including 44 per cent going to projects in regional NSW and Western Sydney,” Mr Harwin said.
“We’re investing in 198 programs which will create jobs for 17,000 arts and culture workers, boosting our state’s economic rebound. NSW is set up for a brilliant 2022.”
“As a one-off COVID-19 initiative, further funds have been sourced to fund every single application recommended by the 10 Artform Advisory Boards. This represents a success rate for project applications of 47 per cent across all Boards, which ensures that artists and creatives across all art forms are well supported as they emerge from the impact of COVID-19.”
“Not only will this boost support jobs and the economy, it will encourage audiences back to our arts and cultural spaces. We anticipate that over 10 million audience goers will be entertained by the programming this funding will make possible.”
In the 2021/22 Budget, the NSW Government committed an additional $6 million per year to the Arts and Cultural Funding Program – the biggest uplift in more than 20 years. This includes a permanent 10 per cent increase in investment for projects and programs through the competitive assessment rounds.
A full list of Round 1 recipients is available here.
For further information on arts, screen and cultural funding, including targeted support opportunities, visit the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
NEW SYDNEY CULTURAL TRAILS RELEASED
Four new fantastic Sydney Culture Trails have been released this month to showcase Sydney’s fantastic cultural offerings - from art galleries, to museums and performance venues.
The digital itineraries explore Sydney’s cultural offerings on foot through laneways and cultural precincts and are accessible from Sydney’s CBD, inner-city hotels and public transport hubs.
The four Trails are:
- The Rocks & Surrounds – Step back in time as you amble through some of Sydney’s oldest buildings and renewed precincts that pay homage to the city’s harbourside past on the Circular Quay trail.
- The Royal Botanic Garden & Surrounds – delving into Sydney’s religious, political and penal past, guiding you through majestic gardens, past powerful cultural monuments and along the harbour city’s water-edged beauty.
- Darling Harbour & Surrounds - Discover food, fauna and fascinating innovation on this Chinatown, Darling Harbour and Pyrmont cultural trail.
- Chippendale & Surrounds - The Camperdown, Chippendale and Redfern trail takes you through some of the inner-city’s most engaging galleries and diverse cultural spaces.
Visitors can follow the looped Trails from their chosen starting point and at their own pace using custom Google Maps to seek out some of Sydney’s best heritage and cultural sites, while enjoying pit stops at suggested dining venues along the way.
The Sydney Culture Trails guides align with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, in which vibrant contemporary culture is highlighted as a strength for NSW – including significant cultural infrastructure as well as art, music, screen and live performance.
For more information visit here.
COFFS THE ULTIMATE ECO DESTINATION
If green is the new black then the Coffs Coast has struck gold becoming NSW’s first and only certified ECO Destination, announced by Coffs Harbour City Council and Ecotourism Australia on 23 November 2021.
The Coffs Coast’s ECO Destination Certification means the NSW coastal region is not only recognised for preserving its natural beauty but is also sustainable by giving back to the community and being culturally authentic.
To become an ECO Certified Destination, a minimum of 90 criteria points must be met based on the internationally accredited and recognised Green Destinations Standard comprising of seven themes including: destination management, nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, social wellbeing, business and hospitality and ecotourism focused elements.
CEO at Ecotourism Australia Rod Hillman said Ecotourism Australia is very proud to have Coffs Coast join the family of certified ECO Destinations and be the first destination to achieve this status in NSW.
“This internationally recognised and independently audited certification means the region is demonstrating sustainability principles in how they manage their natural and cultural assets, but it is also about how they support the tourism industry to be sustainable.
“We are very excited to also welcome three new Coffs Coast ECO certified operators into our collection of existing ECO certified operators and experiences in the region.”
Far North Queensland’s Port Douglas Daintree is the only other Australian certified destination, helping travellers support better tourism for a more sustainable future.
The Coffs Coast is geographically unique as it is the only place in NSW where the Great Dividing Range meets the Pacific Ocean. The region has 13 national parks and many more state forests and reserves that extend from mountainous hinterland through to unspoiled coastline bordering the Solitary Islands Marine Park, the oldest marine park in NSW.
Awarded by Ecotourism Australia, this program is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council through Green Destinations. Check out the Coffs Coast website for more.
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS RETURNS TO SYDNEY
International tennis stars are set to return to Sydney, with confirmation the ATP Cup and the new, one-off Sydney Tennis Classic will go ahead in January.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres this week welcomed the announcement by Tennis Australia that the tournaments would be held from 1-9 January 2022 and 9-15 January 2022 respectively, helping reinvigorate the NSW visitor economy.
“Events like these are essential as we help the tourism and major events sectors recover from the pandemic, driving overnight visitation and showcasing Sydney and NSW to a global television audience across more than 180 countries,” Mr Ayres said.
“This adds to an exciting calendar of sport events including the Matildas v USA series and the SCG Pink Test.”
The 16-team ATP Cup will be played across two venues at Ken Rosewall Arena and Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park, with the top ranked men representing their nations. This will be followed by the new Sydney Tennis Classic at Ken Rosewall Arena, featuring a star-studded line up of women and men.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said both tournaments gave fans more major events to look forward to as NSW continued to welcome the return of international sport.
“NSW has done a fantastic job to ensure we can deliver world-class events like the ATP Cup and Sydney Tennis Classic,” Mrs Ward said.
“With the world’s top stars set to compete, I can’t wait to see the return of international tennis to Sydney this summer.”
ATP Cup Tournament Director Tom Larner said the competition would bring international tennis back to NSW for the first time since 2020.
“We are so thrilled to see a blockbuster line up returning to Sydney and can’t wait to welcome fans,” Mr Larner said.
The ATP Cup is secured under the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative.
Under Tennis Australia guidelines, all players, coaches and support staff for both tournaments will be required to be fully vaccinated. Participating players and ticket information will be announced in coming weeks.
LGA ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS FUNDING ROUND
The NSW Government is calling for applications for the 2022/2023 Local Government Authorities Arts and Cultural Projects funding round, delivered through Create NSW. Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the funding would give local councils the opportunity to deliver exceptional arts and cultural projects, activities, and events for communities across NSW. “We are increasing opportunities for audiences by supporting our local councils with the dedicated funding they need to deliver great arts and cultural projects for their communities,” Mr Harwin said. “This is the third year we have offered this unique round for local governments to apply for support to drive excellent arts and cultural projects in local communities.” Applications for the 2022/2023 Local Government Authorities funding round for one, two or three years are open and close on 24 January 2022.
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR TOURISM
Destination NSW is hosting a free webinar on how to connect with future visitors through Instagram. The session will include presenters from its social media team and Facebook. The session will cover how to use Instagram to get discovered by new people, tools to inspire action on Instagram and encourage people to book tourism products and experiences, and ways to build deeper relationships with online communities. Attendees will also learn how to effectively promote Instagram posts and stories and how to engage with Destination NSW on Instagram. It will be held on 1 December 2021 from 11am-12 noon. To register see here.
TWO $25 DINE & DISCOVER VOUCHERS FOR SUMMER
The NSW Government has invested $250 million to expand Dine & Discover as part of its $2.8 million economic recovery package to help local businesses this summer. Treasurer Matt Kean said new applicants would receive three Dine NSW vouchers and three Discover NSW vouchers, while existing customers would receive one of each. “More than 15,000 businesses and 4.8 million customers have already registered for the Dine & Discover NSW program, with almost $276 million vouchers used so far,” Mr Kean said. Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said accessing the new vouchers would be simple and available in the palm of your hand. “We have made receiving vouchers for individuals even easier, with the additional vouchers appearing automatically in the Service NSW app, via SMS or email for existing digital customers,” Mr Dominello said. More information here.
NEW CHOPPER TO BOOST BUSHFIRE RESPONSE
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has welcomed the arrival of a new state-of-the-art helicopter. Environment Minister Matt Kean said the $5.6 million aircraft was yet another demonstration of the Government’s response to the NSW Bushfire Inquiry by increasing NPWS's capacity to manage hazard reduction activities and bushfire response. “We have increased the firefighting capacity of NPWS to record level, and this aircraft will be critical in supporting those frontline NPWS staff to keep us safe and manage an ever-increasing Parks network,” Mr Kean said. “It is critical NPWS has all of the tools it needs to adequately manage the parks estate and an elevated risk of bushfire." Other applications for this new helicopter include hazard reduction burns, pest management, baiting and weed spraying, wildlife surveys and observation and construction work.
AIRPORT AWARD WINNERS
Newcastle Airport has taken home its third major Airport of the Year award and has been named Major Airport of the Year 2021, with Shellharbour Airport crowned Australia’s best Small Regional RPT Airport. Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said winning the highly competitive award would not have been possible without the support of the community. “The support our region has shown us during good times and bad over the last two years has been phenomenal,” Dr Cock said. Shellharbour Airport was also recognised for its environmental sustainably practices, receiving a highly commended sustainability award. The prize follows the airport reaching major milestones in tackling climate change by reducing emissions as an ecologically sustainable development by adopting best practice solutions. The airport incorporated a range of energy and water saving initiatives into the terminal and car parking facilities.
CELEBRATING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Tourism Australia has partnered with the Banksia Foundation to support the inaugural Sustainable Tourism Banksia Award. The award recognises outstanding achievements by tourism businesses in championing the protection, conservation and regeneration of the environment they operate in and the protection of the natural environment across Australia. The award is an opportunity to highlight how business is securing, nurturing and supporting the economic and physical wellbeing of community and culture. The entry process involves a 1500-word submission and entry fees start from $30. The deadline for submissions is 15 December 2021. Further information, including the application kit can be found here
