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NSW GETS THE JAB DONE
In response to the faster-than-expected rate of vaccination, the NSW Government will further ease rules for those who are fully vaccinated by bringing forward many of the roadmap changes scheduled for 1 December to 8 November.
From Monday 8 November there will be no limit on visitors to a home, no rules for outdoor gatherings with fewer than 1,000 people, and indoor swimming pools will re-open for all purposes.
Businesses will be able to welcome in more fully vaccinated customers with all premises to move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule, and nightclubs will be able to re-open dancefloors.
Caps will be removed for settings other than gym and dance classes (where the 20-person cap for classes will remain) and replaced by density limits or 100 per cent fixed seated capacity for major recreation outdoor facilities (including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos) and entertainment facilities (including cinemas and theatres).
These freedoms will only be available for people who are fully vaccinated, including those who have medical exemptions and children under the age of 16. COVID Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination will still be required.
Those who are not fully vaccinated must still abide by pre-roadmap restrictions until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
The current settings for masks, which apply to everyone, will remain in place until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
To maintain high levels of immunity across the community, NSW Health has commenced rolling out a booster vaccination program at its clinics to individuals aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine 6 months or more ago. Pfizer will be used for boosters regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine received for the first or second dose.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said bringing forward the easing of restrictions was only possible because of the State’s high vaccinations rates and the roll out of booster shots.
“Everybody has done an incredible job to ensure NSW can ease restrictions in a safe and considered way earlier than we planned,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are on track to reach 90 per cent double vaccination weeks ahead of schedule and this is a testament to everybody across NSW and especially our health workers.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said regional NSW had rolled up their sleeves for vaccinations and we’re now ready to welcome back visitors.
“Regions across NSW answered the call when we asked them to come forward and get vaccinated. Thanks to the community for coming out and getting the jab,” Mr Toole said.
“The time is right now for regional businesses to welcome back visitors safely in every town across the state and get tills turning over.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said reaching the 90 per cent target will be a significant milestone in the state’s recovery.
“We are inching closer and closer to returning to many of our pre-pandemic activities, and this latest easing of restrictions will be welcome news for hundreds of businesses ready to re-open, expand their operations, and welcome back more customers,” Mr Ayres said.
More information about the 90 per cent easing of restrictions at nsw.gov.au.
You can book your COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot, via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated.
LANDMARK MUSIC AND TECHNOLOGY FESTIVAL FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
A new and innovative music and technology festival has been announced for Western Sydney in Autumn 2022, and expressions of interest are now open for producers and promoters to hold live music events during the festival.
The inaugural Sound West Technology and Music Festival, which includes live music performances and an industry conference, has been created through a partnership between the NSW Government via Destination NSW, City of Parramatta, Western Sydney Business Connection and Western Sydney Business Chamber.
Sound West will deliver a key recommendation from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Visitor Economy Strategy which aims to grow the overnight visitor economy through nine strategic directions including major events such as Sound West.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event would highlight the unique talent and development of the region.
“This region is going from strength to strength through industry development, investment in research and innovation, and a rich cultural foundation that makes for a dynamic city to live, work, visit and host events,” Mr Ayres said.
“This initiative demonstrates the benefit of Government and industry partnering to create new opportunities and drive the recovery and growth of the State’s visitor economy.”
The Festival will take place in Parramatta from Wednesday 30 March to Sunday 3 April 2022.
Celebrated Australian Paralympian and speaker - NEC Ambassador Dylan Alcott OAM - together with hip-hop rising star L-Fresh The LION, will speak at the Australian-first festival.
The event will provide young creators and professionals in technology and music, the opportunity to explore potential career pathways via keynote addresses, workshops, panels and interactive sessions. The live performances will feature local, emerging and established artists.
For more information, go to www.soundwestsydney.com.au.
Image: Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres and Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Dr Geoff Lee at the launch this week at CommBank Stadium.
NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO REIGNITE VISITOR ECONOMY
The NSW Government will invest more than $8 million in a suite of grant programs to accelerate the recovery of the NSW visitor economy as the state reopens to visitors.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the funding would be a significant boost to the visitor economy as travel restrictions lifted.
“This funding will create jobs, enhance the visitor experience, support the return of lifestyle and business events in regional NSW and promote our regions as ‘must-visit’ destinations, generating hundreds of millions in visitor expenditure,” Mr Ayres said.
“These grants are all about assisting NSW tourism operators and event organisers to develop and deliver the best possible visitor experiences and ensure we are the number one state to visit as we reopen to the world post COVID-19.
“Whether it’s to upgrade the standard of accommodation, develop an entirely new visitor experience, stage conferences and regional events, or deliver a compelling destination marketing campaign, these grants will ensure NSW remains top-of-mind for all types of visitors.
“Supporting our tourism operators is a top priority. They are the backbone of the visitor economy – their passion and resilience and incredible diversity of offerings are key to the state’s success.”
The $8.35 million will be delivered through the following programs:
- $4.1 million Tourism Product Development Fund – to support regional accommodation renewal and new visitor experiences
- $1.5 million Regional Event Fund – to support new and flagship regional events
- $2 million Co-operative Marketing Program – leveraging Destination NSW’s new Feel New marketing campaign
- $750,000 Regional Business Event Development Fund – to create, attract and support new business events for regional NSW
The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, will deliver the grants and support recipients to best manage their project delivery.
For more information on these funding programs and all other support available to businesses, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/funding.
Image: Visitors reading the information signs on a visit to the Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine in Parkes Shire.
2021 NSW TOURISM AWARDS’ FINALISTS REVEALED
The state’s peak tourism organisation, NSW Tourism Industry Council, have announced the finalists for the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards for 2021.
“The NSW Tourism Awards are a celebration of the outstanding innovation and resilience demonstrated again and again by our magnificent industry over the past two years,” said NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Manager, Greg Binskin.
“It’s been an extremely challenging period for the NSW visitor economy and after a break in 2020, the return of the NSW Tourism Awards demonstrates the renewed energy of the visitor economy and celebrates the people, places, and vibrant culture of our feel-good state, NSW.
“The Tourism Awards categories recognise the broad range of services and experiences across the broader visitor economy.
“It is impressive to see the number of operators and regions who made the most of lockdowns and restricted travel to build new visitor experiences and worked together to attract domestic visitors to their regions,” Mr Binskin said.
“After a break last year, the 2021 awards are our opportunity to showcase NSW’s ‘visitor first’ approach and our strengths in digital innovation, high-quality product and collaborative efforts.
“These awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council in partnership with the NSW Government and Destination NSW, and we look forward to celebrating a path to recovery, re-energise the industry and unify all who are working hard to build back better,” Mr Binskin said.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said this year’s finalists embodied the resilient nature of the NSW visitor economy.
“Tourism is an important driver and essential part of the NSW economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“The NSW Tourism awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the thousands of individuals who have worked tirelessly during this difficult time, and a great platform to demonstrate why our State is in a fantastic position to be the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific by 2030.
“The NSW Government is proud to partner with the NSW Tourism Industry Council in celebrating the dedication and innovation of our tourism industry, and I congratulate the finalists for 2021.”
The NSW Tourism Award Winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner on 3 February 2022.
To see the full list of finalists, visit here.
Image: Keeper Dan holding a resident cuddly koala at the Australia Reptile Park on the Central Coast.
FREE HOSPITALITY TRAINING CATERS FOR SKILLS GAP
Whether it is a first job or a career change, the NSW Government is out to attract job seekers with free training opportunities designed to help fill skill shortages in the hospitality sector.
The NSW Government this week announced that around 3,000 free training places across 29 different courses were available to study at TAFE NSW and other registered training providers, including barista training, safe food handling, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) and introduction to cooking courses.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the free training would help attract more workers to hospitality venues, at a critical time in the sector’s recovery from the pandemic.
“People from all over the state are lining up to get into pubs and clubs and we want to support those businesses with enthusiastic and skilled staff,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We know businesses are struggling without the international workforce they depended on pre-lockdown. That’s why opportunities like this are so valuable, filling labour gaps and giving jobseekers the opportunity of a bright future in hospitality.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the sector had been calling out for help to staff venues, and the NSW Government was responding.
“We’ve opened the doors to the state, and now we want to equip the sector with the confidence to thrive with the rest of the economy,” Mr Lee said.
“This training not only helps businesses staff venues, but it also opens up career opportunities for people looking to make their start in the once again booming hospitality industry.”
“There are great career pathways in hospitality; today’s bartender or wait staff can become tomorrow’s pub, bar or restaurant owner.”
Australian Hotels Association Chief Executive John Whelan said the training had come at the right time as pubs and restaurants dialled up business.
“The NSW Government is to be congratulated. This comprehensive program provides the skills to build a new era of hospitality – both school leavers and those looking for a career change,” Mr Whelan said.
This week’s announcement complements the free training already being funded under the joint State and Federal JobTrainer program.
To enrol in a free TAFE hospitality course, visit: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/skills-served-up
To explore other free hospitality courses available to study, visit: https://bit.ly/3GpNEKW
RED TAPE SLASHED FOR MORE FUN, FOOD, FESTIVALS AND FILMING
Streets across the state will be bursting with culture, flavours, music and laughter under a proposal to permanently slash red tape to allow more live music, arts venues and artisan food and drink businesses.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the NSW Government was seeking community feedback on the latest initiative to allow cultural, arts and hospitality ventures to flourish.
“Anyone who makes a living from the hospitality, entertainment, arts or live music scene has endured the toughest period in their working lives and we want to see these industries thrive in a post-pandemic NSW,” Mr Stokes said.
“Instead of finding reasons why things shouldn’t happen, we’re throwing out the old rule book to transform shops into art galleries or music venues and make it easier to set up a cheese and wine bar.
“Live music or performances will be permitted in just about any retail setting, while food trucks and dark kitchens can go ahead anywhere with landowner’s consent, provided they meet certain criteria.”
Temporary events being held on council-owned land will also be encouraged under the new package.
“After many months indoors, we want to see the streets of NSW come alive, so we’re doing everything we can to entice people back to our centres and high streets,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’re making sure the rules around temporary events are easy to understand and allow councils to hold fetes, markets, music and sporting events on council-owned land without planning approvals.
“We’re also proposing to remove the 30-day cap on filming on private property without a DA, making it easier than ever for TV or films to shoot in NSW.”
Applicants will need to adhere to strict conditions to take advantage of these new measures.
For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fun-sepp
SOCCEROOS RETURN TO SYDNEY
For the first time in 763 days, the Socceroos will play in front of home fans, after the NSW Government announced the World Cup Qualifier against Saudi Arabia would take place in Sydney.
The match is scheduled for CommBank Stadium on Thursday 11 November, with eased travel restrictions enabling sports fans from across NSW to attend the crucial qualifying match.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, was focused on investing in world-class events to deliver on its goal of becoming the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.
“Major sporting events such as this match are a vital contributor to the NSW visitor economy, with players and fans staying in our hotels, visiting our attractions and spending locally,” Mr Ayres said.
“After the difficult period the NSW public has had during COVID- 19, welcoming back the Socceroos could not have come at a better time for football fans. I look forward to watching this blockbuster game on NSW soil.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the game would follow the Matildas two-match series against Brazil, heralding the return of live international sport to Sydney.
“Sydney has always hosted the most important Socceroos games in Australia, so it’s only right the team will play their first match in 763 days here,” Mrs Ward said.
“With a highly-competitive group vying for FIFA World Cup qualification, I’m looking forward to fans coming out to cheer on the Socceroos at Commbank Stadium.”
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said the match had been made possible following months of discussion between Football Australia and the NSW Government, along with the Asian Football Confederation and Federal Government.
“We’re delighted that after over 12 months of collaboration, the team, which has been performing strongly in qualifying, will have the opportunity to return to Australia to continue their World Cup quest,” Mr Johnson said.
“The Socceroos have a great record when playing FIFA World Cup qualifiers in front of Australian fans on Australian soil, so we thank the NSW Government for working closely with us to bring the Socceroos home in line with their Reopening NSW Roadmap.”
The match will be held in accordance with plans approved by NSW Health.
NEW DIGITAL ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR VISITOR SIGNPOSTING
A new digital one-stop-shop has streamlined the process for tourism businesses and councils to apply for white on brown tourism attraction signs, creating more opportunities to showcase their destinations.
The Visitor Attraction Signposting Program, a partnership between Destination NSW and Transport for NSW, has been improved according to the guiding principles of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 – putting the visitor first, leading with the state’s strengths, and accelerating digital innovation.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said visibility was key to creating a seamless visitor experience in regional NSW.
“Once visitors arrive in a regional town, or even on their way there, they are much more likely to enjoy their experience if landmarks and attractions are located easily and safely,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the digitally enhanced and streamlined wayfinding program would enable the State’s tourism regions to offer a more enjoyable and hassle-free road trip experience.
“We know from our research just how valuable the white on brown signs on the state’s road system are for tourism businesses and councils, signposting the amazing landmarks, must-see attractions and visitor experiences that NSW has in abundance,” Mr Ayres said.
“The enhancements to the program are all about making it easier to do business with government - simplifying the process of applying for wayfinding signage and accelerating the decision-making process.”
For more information, visit here.
QUARANTINE-FREE TRAVEL FROM ALL OF NEW ZEALAND
Quarantine-free travel from New Zealand to Australia resumed this week.
Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the resumption of quarantine-free arrivals would be a major boost for tourism and confidence.
All travellers are subject to the following pre-departure measures:
Proof of a negative pre-departure PCR test within three days of the departure flight to Australia, and a completed declaration to this effect
Evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19 consistent with the ATAGI definition of fully vaccinated with a TGA approved or recognised vaccine.
“In 2019, Australia hosted 1.434 million visitors from New Zealand – making it our second largest source market – and they spent $1.6 billion in the Australian economy supporting local jobs and businesses,” Mr Tehan said.
“Australia delivers what Kiwis want in a holiday, including safety and security, value for money and world class natural beauty and wildlife.
“Tourism Australia will look to scale up its marketing activities in New Zealand, with an immediate focus on building confidence and broadening knowledge of the depth of Australia’s tourism offering.
“The resumption of quarantine free travel from New Zealand to Australia is another important marker on our road to recovery and it will encourage more Australians to dust off their passport and plan their next holiday.”
WATERSHED MOMENT FOR THE BAAKA AND BIDGEE
Communities across the Murray Darling Basin have been presented with a new proposal for two of the most significant projects associated with the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the re-scoped Menindee Lakes and Yanco Creek Offtake projects, two of the major projects within the Basin Plan, were key to getting the Murray Darling Basin Plan back on track delivering important benefits for cultural, productive and environmental users.
Several proposed initiatives were released under the Better Baaka and Better Bidgee programs, including the rescoping of the Menindee Lakes and Yanco Creek project.
“Rather than focusing on individual projects that never had the support of our communities, the program allows us to take a holistic, system-wide approach to water planning for the benefit of the environment, the community and First Nation people.”
The proposed initiatives include:
Morton Boolka Enhancement, which will investigate options to upgrade the Cawndilla Creek weir and pipeline to maintain a reliable flow of water into the Cawndilla Creek
The Menindee Weir modifications proposal, which would improve fish passage connectivity along the lower Darling-Baaka
A series of initiatives, including new fish passageways and screens that will open up more than 1,000 kilometres of the Murrumbidgee for fish migration and breeding, as well as measures to address cold water pollution and improve water quality
Weir upgrades and renewals along the Darling-Baaka, including at Pooncarie, Bourke and Collarenebri to improve town water supply and deliver better environmental outcomes
Member of the Legislative Council Wes Fang said these new modified projects would get boots on the ground if communities accepted what was being proposed.
FIRST NEW EMERALD CLASS FERRY NOW IN SERVICE
The first of three new Emerald Class ferries, named after the popular Sydney Harbour beach Fairlight, is now in passenger service on the F1 Circular Quay–Manly route.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the new vessel had met strict safety standards, completing many hours of successful on-water testing ahead of its introduction to service.
“The Generation 2 Emerald Class ferries are purpose built to operate in heavy swells, are fully accessible, have significantly reduced carbon emissions and are cheaper to run than our older vessels,” Mr Stokes said.
“The new Emerald Class ferries, along with 10 new River Class vessels, were built by Australian shipbuilder Birdon, with all design work undertaken in Australia.
“Throughout the design and build of these ferries there’s been a strong focus on Aussie involvement, with 70 per cent of the total program of work benefitting local suppliers and creating local jobs.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the remaining two Emerald Class ferries, named after the popular Sydney Harbour beaches Clontarf and Balmoral, would be introduced progressively over the coming weeks.
“The introduction of the new Emerald Class ferries will allow for more weekly services to be added to the busy F1 route and will ensure there’s plenty of capacity to meet demand, particularly over Manly’s busy summer months,” Mr Griffin said.
“More frequent services between Manly and Circular Quay will be a welcome boost for our visitor economy as domestic and international travel resumes this summer.”
Two remaining Freshwater Ferries (MV Freshwater and MV Collaroy) will continue to operate alongside the new Generation 2 Emerald Class ferries on weekends and public holidays.
Retirement plans for the MV Narrabeen are still being finalised. Transport for NSW will update the community about the farewell plan for this vessel soon.
DRAFT MARINE PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN RELEASED
The NSW Government has released its draft Management Plan for the NSW Mainland Marine Park Network (2021-2031), which has been developed to guide the management of the state’s five existing mainland marine parks.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said our marine parks are a precious and valuable asset that provide habitat for dozens of threatened and endangered species up and down the NSW coast.
“Marine parks are valued for their environmental, social and economic benefits – ranging from diving and recreational fishing to tourism and cultural use of Sea Country,” Mr Kean said.
“This draft plan strikes the right balance between conservation and recreation.”
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the draft would unlock more opportunities for all members of the community to engage in more low impact and low threat activities like recreational fishing while protecting the environmental values of our marine parks.
“The first step in improving the management of marine parks is to ensure we get the 10-year framework right and so this draft plan was informed by evidence on the community’s values of the park network and the threats posed to those values,” Mr Marshall said.
“The plan outlines management objectives and actions to ensure the community, including fishers and aquaculture operators, can get the best out of marine parks without being locked out.
“The community is now invited to have its say on the management of the state’s five mainland marine parks, which provide a range of biodiversity conservation, cultural, commercial and recreational benefits,” Mr Marshall said.
The five mainland marine parks in NSW include Cape Byron, Solitary Islands, Port Stephens-Great Lakes, Jervis Bay and Batemans marine parks. A management plan for Lord Howe Island Marine Park will be developed separately.
For more information visit:
www.marine.nsw.gov.au/yoursay.
NSW SECURES ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER SERIES
NSW continues to lead Australia in attracting major film productions, jobs, and screen investment to the state, with the Amazon series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart secured through the NSW Government’s Made in NSW fund.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the seven-part series starring Sigourney Weaver and produced by Made Up Stories, Amazon Studios and Endeavour Content, Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, had begun filming in NSW.
“Attracting Amazon Prime Video’s The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart with Sigourney Weaver to film in NSW is a significant win for the state, creating 277 jobs for NSW cast and crew and injecting over $27.3 million into the local economy,” Mr Harwin said.
“The series will be filmed predominantly in regional NSW, where the economic benefits will flow, with work for trades, hospitality, catering, transport, crew and other production services.
“The NSW Government, through Screen NSW, has continued to work closely with the screen industry to ensure production could safely continue throughout the pandemic, and we are delighted to have secured The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart for the state through our $175 million Made in NSW fund.”
“More than 90 screen productions have begun filming in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic, supporting more than 10,000 jobs.”
Major feature films and drama series recently in production or post-production in NSW with support from the NSW Government include Arclight Films and Russell Crowe’s Poker Face, Made Up Stories’ Pieces of Her with Toni Colette for Netflix, Made Up Stories’ Wolf Like Me with Josh Gad and Isla Fisher, Marvel’s latest box office hit, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Thor: Love and Thunder with Chris Hemsworth, George Miller’s 3,000 Years of Longing with Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton, Netflix’s Interceptor with Elsa Pataky, Goalpost Picture’s Carmen with Paul Mescal and Rossy de Palma, and Made up Stories’ Roar for Apple + with Nicole Kidman.
FIRST REGIONAL GALLERY FOR SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Ngununggula, the Southern Highlands’ first regional art gallery, has opened its inaugural exhibition program. Meaning "belonging" in the traditional language of the Gundungurra First Nation People, Ngununggula has opened to the public in what was the old dairy at Retford Park. Featuring a heritage-sensitive gallery design undertaken by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and constructed by Richard Crookes Constructions, Ngununggula is surrounded by a landscaped garden created by Jane Irwin and a new café. Under the leadership of Director Megan Monte, the new Gallery will capture the cultural vibrancy of the region through a dynamic curatorial program. With a focus on visual arts and education, the program will represent the region and beyond through exhibitions, live events, workshops, artist talks and public programs.
HISTORIC $30 MILLION COMMITMENT TO POWERHOUSE PARRAMATTA
The NSW Government has announced a combined $30 million dollar investment in Powerhouse Parramatta, one of the largest ever donations to an Australian arts and cultural institution and a major milestone in the museum’s bid to raise $75 million. Twenty of the $30 million – the second largest donation in history to any Western Sydney institution – has been donated by the Walker Family Foundation to deliver the Lang Walker Family Academy, a ground-breaking program to deliver immersive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education experiences to more than 10,000 high school students from Western Sydney and regional NSW every year. A further $10 million has been committed by Western Sydney University.
A WEEKEND FOR FOODIES
The Tweed region will host the 5th Tweed Artisan Food Weekend from 18-21 November November with an indulgent weekend of bespoke events that showcase the outstanding culinary flavours, culture and collective pride of local producers, chefs and farmers. Featuring pop-up picnics, long table brunches, Tweed River cruises, sunset soirees and meet-the-maker experiences, the event offers visitors a mouth watering insider experience of the region and insights into local native foods, stories and culture delivered by the traditional owners,
the Bundjalung people.
The Tweed Artisan Food Weekend is delivered by Destination Tweed with the support of Tweed Shire Council. For further information and tickets visit The Tweed Artisan Food Weekend November 2021 – Destination Tweed
