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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE DESTINATION NSW CEO
On behalf of the Destination NSW Board and team, I would like to thank everyone in the visitor economy for their support and outstanding work in 2021.
I have been inspired by your courage, passion and resilience during another challenging year. The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic has prevailed and often disrupted planned activities and travel, which has been incredibly tough on everyone in the NSW visitor economy.
I am excited that NSW is reopening to the world, and I look forward to working together in 2022 to pursue our ambition to be the premier visitor economy and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific. The visitor economy and our creative industries will play a vital role in reinvigorating the economy and delivering social benefits to the people of NSW.
The uplifting Feel New brand campaign will also be key to turbo-charging the recovery of the NSW visitor economy and accelerating its future growth. We have exciting plans for making everyone Feel New in 2022.
Best wishes for the holidays and I hope you have a safe and joyous festive season.
TOURISM MINISTER STUART AYRES EXPANDS HIS PORTFOLIO
Premier Dominic Perrottet has expanded the portfolio of Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres in the new NSW Cabinet announced this week.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of NSW, presided at the swearing in ceremony of Mr Ayres as Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney held at Admiralty House
on Tuesday.
Tourism & Transport Forum Australia CEO Margy Osmond said: “We will keep working closely with Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres in his newly expanded portfolio.
“TTF looks forward to continuing to work productively with the Premier and all his Ministers as we collectively rebuild our sectors amid an ongoing national climate of subdued travel confidence."
The Cabinet team combines a wealth of experience with fresh energy at a critical time, leading NSW out of the pandemic to a stronger future.
There are nine first-time Ministers in the refreshed Cabinet, which includes the three new portfolios of Minister for Cities, Minister for Homes and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.
“It’s a team with purpose, carefully shaped to deliver on our vision. My expectation is that every Minister will work hard to improve the lives of people across our state at a critical time in the history of our state,” Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Perrottet said the Government’s priority remained reopening and kick starting the economy in a safe and measured way while delivering its record infrastructure program.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said: “We’ve gone through the darkest of days, but we are focused on building stronger regional communities – stronger for their services, their jobs and the opportunities we’re unlocking for this generation and the next.”
For the full Cabinet list, click here.
NSW WINS RACE TO HOST NATIONAL ATHLETICS TITLES
Destination NSW has partnered with Athletics Australia to bring the Australian Track and Field Championships to Sydney from 26 March – 3 April 2022.
The event will be the largest annual athletics meet held in the Oceania region since the start of the pandemic, with more than 3000 athletes competing at Sydney Olympic Park.
Minister for Tourism and Sport, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “I am delighted NSW will be hosting the 2022 Australian Track and Field Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to watch the country’s best athletes go head-to-head with the best in the Pacific region, as they compete for selection for the 2022 World Athletics Championships and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“The Championships will provide a significant boost to our visitor economy, with more than 8500 athletes and officials coming to Sydney and tens-of-thousands of spectators expected to head to Homebush for the eight-day event.
“We are focused on delivering world-class events like the Australian Track and Field Championships to cement Sydney’s position as the sporting events capital of Australia and NSW as the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”
Athletics Australia Chief Executive Officer Peter Bromley said he was buoyed by the partnership after the event’s cancellation in Perth due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“I’d like to thank our friends at the NSW Government for their collaboration and support in making this happen,” Mr Bromley said.
The 2022 Australian Track and Field Championships will be the pinnacle of Australia’s summer athletics season. For more information visit www.athletics.com.au.
FLYING KANGAROO DELIVERS
JOBS BOUNCE TO NSW
The NSW Government has signed a landmark deal with Qantas to keep its global headquarters in Sydney, supporting the creation of 2,500 jobs and generating more than $300 million in economic benefits for the state.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the deal secured Sydney’s place as a global travel hub and would bring new jobs to the state as the economy recovers from the pandemic.
“All over the world, when people think of visiting Australia it’s Sydney and our state that they dream about experiencing,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s right that our national carrier is headquartered here. We know how difficult the pandemic has been for the travel and tourism industry. Our Government is supporting them to bring back thousands of jobs and take to the skies.”
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said: “This is a major boost to the state, securing Sydney as the nation’s exclusive hub for non-stop flights to some of the world’s most popular destinations.”
The agreement also confirmed:
- The construction of a new Flight Training Centre with aircraft simulators in NSW.
- Plans for expansion of the Qantas Loyalty team in Mascot.
- A commitment from Qantas to deliver improved Indigenous and diversity employment outcomes in its NSW workforce over the next five years.
NSW RIDES HIGH ON WAVE
OF SURFING TOURISM
A new three-year partnership between the NSW Government and Surfing NSW will showcase the state’s stunning coastline to the world through the NSW Pro Surf Series.
The series will see four World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series surf competitions held in Great Lakes, Port Stephens, Maroubra and the Central Coast, starting in 2022. It was developed for Australian and international surfers to gain ranking points and prize money on the WSL Qualifying Series.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the partnership with Surfing NSW cemented the state’s position as the premier destination for surf tourism in Australia.
“The NSW Pro Surf Series will bring recreational tourism and economic benefits to our surfing communities by providing a coastal road trip for visiting surfers to explore the variety of breaks and experience NSW’s unique surfing culture,” Mr Ayres said.
“These competitions will provide $1.48 million in visitor expenditure to NSW coastal communities at a time when they need it most, which makes this partnership another important step forward in the recovery of the state’s regional tourism industry.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said that he was looking forward to seeing Avoca Beach packed with competitors and spectators again after a difficult two years.
“Having hundreds of competitors and spectators descend on Avoca Beach not only showcases our beautiful region to the world but injects significant tourism dollars into local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants and retail,” Mr Crouch said.
The NSW Government has secured the 2022-2024 NSW Pro Surf Series through Destination NSW. The 2022 series kicks off with the Great Lakes Pro on 22-25 February.
For more information on NSW surfing events visit www.surfingnsw.com.au
KEY KOALA HABITAT SECURED FOR
PORT MACQUARIE
The NSW Government has purchased 194 hectares of prime koala habitat located adjacent to the Lake Innes Nature Reserve, south-west of Port Macquarie.
The purchase has been funded as a joint initiative, with a contribution of $3.5 million from Koala Conservation Australia, as well as from the NSW Government’s landmark $193 million dollar investment in koala conservation. It will protect core koala habitats of strategic importance in the Port Macquarie region, which will help the NSW Government reach its target of doubling the koala population by 2050.
The NSW Government plans to add this purchase to Lake Innes Nature Reserve and declare it an Asset of Intergenerational Significance, which will provide the highest possible protections to this critically important population in perpetuity.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said: “This is a great demonstration of what can be achieved when government works closely with the community. It’s such welcome news here in the Port Macquarie region that the NSW Government has recognised the significance of this land through our passionate local community campaign.
“Our koala population here in Port Macquarie helps to support the visitor economy, attracting tourists who want to enjoy the magic of seeing a koala in the wild."
Chairperson of Koala Conservation Australia Sue Ashton said it was a huge win for the koala population in the Port Macquarie region and would play a critical role in helping the population recover after the terrible Black Summer bush fires.
Port Macquarie's local community has strong association with koalas. The Koala (Guula) is a totem animal to the Birpai people and maintaining this population is of great cultural and spiritual importance to contemporary Birpai families.
Click here to learn more about NSW Koala Country.
PHOTO: David Finnegan
NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT WETLANDS ADDED TO NATIONAL PARKS
A stunning 33,000-hectare (ha) property featuring nationally significant wetlands and habitats for up to 40 threatened species will be added to the NSW national park estate.
Brindingabba-Bindra (“Brindingabba”) features two nationally important wetlands – Lake Wombah, which straddles the NSW-Queensland border, and more than 7000 ha of the Yantabulla Swamp.
Wetlands are some of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet, which is why this acquisition is so important - it will forever protect vital wetlands in the Cuttaburra basin, part of the Paroo and the Warrego floodplains.
Lake Wombah can host more than 20,000 waterbirds, including rare species such as the Freckled Duck, while the expansive Yanatabulla Swamp hosts thousands of internationally protected migratory shorebirds as well as up to 50,000 waterbirds including pink-eared ducks, grey teals and night herons.
It features a diversity of ecosystems – from gidgee country and stony mulga rises through to Mitchell Grass grasslands, Blackbox and Coolibah lined creek systems and complex lignum swamps.
The property is a vital refuge for a host of threatened species. The Kultarr, a small carnivorous marsupial with less than 100 records in NSW, has been confirmed on the property. Other threatened species include the Grey-crowned Babbler, the Hooded Robin and the Brolga.
Located in in the traditional Paroo River country of the Budjiti and Barkandji People and 150 kms north of Bourke on the NSW-Queensland border, the property also contains extensive Aboriginal cultural heritage, with evidence of artefacts and other items of significance.
The new reserve is expected to boost the outback visitor economy, providing an important new destination as part of a strategy to help diversify regional economies.
NSW National Parks contribute $17.9 billion in economic output to the state, delivering significant economic benefits for local communities.
CARS REV UP AT
NEW EASTERN CREEK SPEEDWAY
The state’s latest world-class sporting venue has roared to life, with the first cars testing the track at the new Eastern Creek Speedway.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “We’ve consulted with motor sports experts from around the world to bring this project to life and have used the latest in track safety design and spectator experience to ensure it is a thrilling addition to our racing scene.”
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said: “This new speedway will ensure locals will have access to the very best sprint races, V8s, Formula 500 and many more events right here in Western Sydney.”
Key features of the $70 million venue include:
- A world-class clay racetrack for speedway cars including sprint, wingless sprint, street stockers, V8 dirt modified and Formula 500 cars and a track for motorcycles;
- A new grandstand and terraced seating for up to 7000 spectators;
- A dedicated competitor pit area to service the speedway;
- Workshops, garages and trackside support services;
- Dedicated parking for speedway competitors and spectators.
Eastern Creek was chosen as the site of the new speedway in 2020 following the decommissioning of the previous speedway at Clyde, which was on land required to store metro trains for the Sydney Metro West project.
The racing season at the new Eastern Creek Speedway will begin with the Grand Final of the QLD/NSW Sprintcar States Series in mid-January.
MUDGEE CLASSIC
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS OPEN
More than 2000 cyclists are expected to descend on the NSW Mid-Western region for the 2nd annual Mudgee Classic on
1 May 2022.
Four road cycling events - the 170km Maxi Classic, 120km Challenge Classic, 60km Rouleurs Classic, or the 35km Social Classic – will showcase the most scenic areas of the Mudgee region.
Proudly supported by Destination NSW, the event will give a major boost to the region’s economy. The Mudgee Classic attracts cyclists from across Australia and their supporting friends and families. The economic benefit to the region is estimated at more than $2.5 million.
More than a brilliant weekend of cycling, there’s also a serious side to the Mudgee Classic - the charity factor.
The Classics event series has collectively generated more than $400,000 for various charity groups since the inaugural Bowral Classic in 2016.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said: “It has been a really challenging time for regional NSW and I am so pleased to support the return of the Mudgee Classic in 2022, an event that not only contributes to charity but also supports the local visitor economy by attracting participants, spectators and officials.”
“After what has been a difficult period of uncertainty, I congratulate the organisers for holding this great event once again, for the benefit of cycling enthusiasts as well as the whole Mid-Western region.”
Early Bird registrations are now open, with riders encouraged to register before 27 February 2022 to save on their entry fee. Register online here.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LINE-UP FOR TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Tamworth Country Music Festival has announced more family-friendly additions to the 50th anniversary event, which kicks off on 14 January 2022.
Festival Manager Barry Harley said: “From the Toyota FanZone to the Family Zone, and everything in between there will be plenty of ways for country music fans of all ages to celebrate the 50th anniversary.
“2022 will see the return of traditional street performers, chalk artists, the ever-popular Toyota Hat giveaway and ABC radio will be back for live broadcasts, plus there will be a special free concert each morning for our tiniest fans.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the 50th anniversary edition of Tamworth Country Music Festival would be a blockbuster event thanks to the support of Destination NSW.
“It is fantastic to see the program for the Tamworth Country Music Festival continuing to grow on top of an already star-studded line-up including John Williamson, Kasey Chambers and Troy Cassar-Daly,” Mr Ayres said.
“We are proud to support this iconic event, which will have fantastic social and economic benefits for the New England region as we continue on our road map to recovery, particularly in a year where we celebrate this great Australian music festival achieving an incredible milestone anniversary.”
Click here for more information.
NSW VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES JOIN DRIVER REVIVER
Destination NSW, Transport for NSW and the Driver Reviver Program have worked together to extend the Driver Reviver program into 11 NSW Accredited Visitor Information Centres.
Visitor Information Centres at Armidale, Casino, Coonabarabran, Cootamundra, Deniliquin, Glen Innes, Griffith, Parkes, Tumbarumba, Wagga Wagga and Wellington will staff Driver Reviver stations over the Christmas/New Year period.
In addition to free tea, coffee and biscuits, travelers will be able to learn first-hand about Transport for NSW’s Towards Zero campaign, as well as providing a boost to local economies.
The aim of the campaign is to make country and local roads safer. Transport for NSW’s Road User Safety teams have transformed the visitor information centres into 'road safety hubs', offering Towards Zero information, messaging and merchandise, directly addressing the NSW Government’s Road Safety Plan 2022.
As Australians emerge for post-lockdown
road trips, drivers are being urged to put road safety at the top of their Christmas wish list.
Driver Reviver National Director Allan McCormac said: ``The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in domestic road travel, making Driver Reviver sites more relevant than ever.’’
Driver Reviver site locations and operating hours can be viewed here.
HUNTER VALLEY SEMILLONS TAKE
TOP HONOURS
It's been a big month for Hunter Valley Semillions, with Tyrrell’s 2013 Winemaker’s Selection Vat 1 Semillon winning Best in Show at the 2021 Sydney Royal Wine Show, less than a week after Silkman 2014 Reserve Semillon scooped Best in Show at the 2021 ICC NSW Wine Awards.
Sydney Royal Wine Show Chair of Judges PJ Charteris said: “This wine stood out for its near perfect form and style. While showing the first vestiges of maturity, this wine has absolute composure and balance with a youthful line running through its core, that combination of vibrance and harmony is what the judges are looking for in the best wine of show.
“The result shows how well Semillon is suited to the Hunter environment and how well the winemakers and vignerons understand their grape growing, winemaking and stylistic direction,” PJ Charteris said.
“That Hunter Valley Semillon style is a very real reflection of the interaction between this grape variety, the climate and environment and the winemaking heritage of the Hunter Valley. There is an almost epigenetic nature to the wine style which is the direct result of the environment driving the cultural practices of the vignerons. The clarity with which we see this in Hunter Semillon is almost without peer.”
Click here for the full results from the 2021 Sydney Royal Wine Show.
FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN IN RURAL &
REGIONAL NSW
Summer skills sessions are being held across rural and regional NSW during the school holidays, providing plenty of free fun for families.
Activities include 25 multi-sport days, BBQ and Beats events at 24 locations, 17 sport and recreation camps at nine regional centres, the Active Pools Youth Pilot Program at 16 locations and six creative workshops.
Eligible regional NSW councils are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver events as part of the Office for Regional Youth's Holiday Break program.
Up to $10,000 is still available to help each of the state’s 93 regional councils cover the cost of staging extra youth events or extending services during the upcoming summer holidays.
The funding can be used to support a wide range of activities, including extending local swimming pool hours, staging local concerts and shows, hosting craft workshops or skateboarding skills clinics.
Applications for regional council funding close on 4 February 2022 for activities delivered between now and 3 February 2022.
For more information about activities or funding guidelines, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/HolidayBreak.
SERVICE NSW APP ADDS COVID-19 PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
Push notifications for COVID-19 case locations are now available on the Service NSW app, alerting to users to potential exposure risks sooner.
The enhancement is in addition to the red icon that appears in the check-in history of people who have been to a venue on the same day as a confirmed COVID-19 case.
People who receive a push notification or see a COVID-19 case alert in their check-in history should monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they feel unwell. They do not need to self-isolate, unless contacted by NSW Health.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said: “We have continued to work on increasing the functionality of the Service NSW app and this is an additional service not seen in any other state or territory.”
$19.5 MILLION BOOST FOR AUSTRALIA'S CREATIVE SECTOR
As Australia’s arts and entertainment sector recovers from COVID-19, 63 organisations will share in more than $19.5 million under the sixth batch of grants from the $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the funding is supporting nearly 21,000 jobs in 600 locations, with more than half located in regional and remote Australia.
“This targeted RISE funding provides an opportunity for venues to reopen to audiences; curtains to rise; and performers to come back on stage to a welcoming roar of applause,” Mr Fletcher said
AUSTRALIA'S FIRST ART LIBRARY FOR CHILDREN
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is opening Australia’s first art library for children next year.
The architecturally designed space aims to stimulate the imaginations of its young visitors - it will be welcoming, colourful and light-filled.
Books in various languages will be available, as will a range of books in accessible formats for children living with disabilities or who have access requirements. The collection will include books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and writers.
The new space will also enable young people to better access the library’s existing collection and objects from the National Art Archive and support students with independent study and research.
AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE REGISTRATIONS OPEN
Australia’s largest trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), will adopt a hybrid format in 2022, providing
in-person and virtual components to ensure the tourism industry can meet, exchange knowledge, and establish important business connections.
ATE Live will be held in Sydney from 15 May 2022 at ICC Sydney, with the
in-person event providing an opportunity for sellers to meet with international buyers, domestic buyers and frontline travel sellers.
ATE Online will follow from 24 to 26 May to connect those who are unable to attend in person.
Registrations close on 7 January 2022. For further information visit the ATE website.
AHA SEEKS MATURE-AGED WORKERS TO SAVE CHRISTMAS
The Australian Hotels Association is asking mature-aged workers to come out of retirement to help the hotel industry survive staff shortages over the busy Christmas holiday period.
AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson said that more than 100,000 positions were vacant across the sector nationally, with hotels forced to close on certain days or reduce hours during their busiest period because they don't have enough staff.
"Our industry is struggling to recover from the worst 18 months in our history and the recovery is being hampered by a dire skills shortage right across the nation," Mr Ferguson said. "The return of international students and working holiday makers will be slow, but we have an army of skilled mature age workers here that we need to tap into."
SETTING AVIATION INDUSTRY'S RECOVERY COURSE
The Australian Government has released its Aviation Recovery Framework, which aims to help the sector navigate its way back to a position of strength.
Strategic priorities include building a sustainable pipeline of workforce skills for the future; adopting and integrating emerging aviation technologies; and better connecting regional communities by investing in regional aviation infrastructure.
The Government is also working to reduce red tape and costs for industry to drive the sector’s recovery and support a strong, competitive, safe and sustainable aviation sector into the future.
A new Strategic Aviation Advisory Forum will advise the
Government on the sector’s recovery and issues affecting the industry moving forward.
