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 DESTINATION NSW NEW TOURISM CAMPAIGN 

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry, the Hon Stuart Ayres MP and Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox invite you to the launch of the state’s new Tourism Campaign. 

The new campaign will mark the reopening of our state as we welcome back visitors to Sydney and NSW.  

Building an inspiring brand is key to rebuilding the NSW visitor economy and its resilience.  The first in more than a decade, the campaign is designed to deliver growth in visitor nights and spend and accelerate our trajectory to becoming the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.  

Join the session to: 

  • Learn about the new strategy and campaign and its benefits for the visitor economy of NSW  

  • Hear about tips and tools to help you leverage the campaign 

  • Get an exclusive preview of the new TV commercial, to be aired nationwide from 24 October 

 The session will be followed by a Q&A with the presenters. 

Destination NSW Brand Campaign – Industry Update 
Free online webinar 
Friday 22 October 
11:00am - 12:00pm 

Register now: Destination NSW Brand Campaign - Industry Update - webinar.net 

NSW FLYING TOWARDS 80 PER CENT DOUBLE DOSE TARGET

The state’s rapid rate of second dose vaccinations means that Monday 18 October is firming as the day that the Reopening NSW Roadmap’s 80 per cent settings will come into effect for those who are fully vaccinated.  

Community sport will resume, more friends and family will be reunited, and there will no longer be a cap on guests at weddings and funerals. Masks will also no longer be required in offices and drinking while standing and dancing will be permitted indoors and outdoors at hospitality venues.  

From 1 November, bookings for hospitality venues will no longer be capped.  

Also from 1 November, the NSW Government will remove quarantine requirements and caps for overseas arrivals who the Commonwealth Government recognises as fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine, helping Australians stranded abroad get home before the end of the year. Further advice about testing requirements for arrivals will be provided in the coming days.  

Fully vaccinated travellers already in quarantine will also complete their quarantine requirements on November 1, even if it is less than 14 days.  

Overseas arrivals who are not fully vaccinated will be capped at 210 people per week and will be required to undergo mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.  

Travel between Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast) and regional NSW will be permitted from 1 November, to allow people in the regions more time to receive their second vaccine.  

To support regional businesses likely to be impacted by this change, the NSW Government will defer the second taper of the JobSaver program until 31 October. Eligible regional businesses will receive 30 per cent of weekly payroll, before tapering payments to the scheduled 15 per cent from 1 November.  

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions and return of overseas travellers would help reunite families and be a significant boost for the economy.  

“We have reached this vaccination milestone quicker than anyone thought we could, and that is a testament to the hard work of people across the state turning out to get vaccinated,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“Welcoming back fully vaccinated travellers will not only mean families and friends can be home in time for Christmas, it will also give our economy a major boost.”  

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the tough decision had been made to delay travel between regional NSW and Greater Sydney, with the NSW Government extending the JobSaver program for regional businesses. By 1 November, it is expected that more than 77 per cent of regional LGAs will be fully vaccinated.  

“Everyone has done a brilliant job of getting vaccinated and rates are rising fast; however, we have looked at the health modelling and listened to feedback from regional communities who want more time to get their double-dose vaccination rates up as high as possible before they welcome back visitors,” Mr Toole said. “We know businesses in regional NSW were getting ready to welcome people back, but it’s important we get this right so that we can have greater confidence the vaccines will do their job – and that when we re-open travel to the regions, they can remain open and that businesses have continued support in the meantime. We thank people for their patience.” 

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the 80 per cent reopening and recognised it as an important step on the road to recovery.  

“We are opening up locally and we are opening up to the world. Now is a time for people to come together in safe way whether it be returning home from overseas or enjoying your favourite local venue,” Mr Ayres said.  

All premises continue to operate at one person per 4sqm indoors and one person per 2sqm outdoors. 

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW community had done an extraordinary job to reach the 80 per cent double-dose vaccination target and was leading Australia out of the pandemic.  

“The people of NSW have pulled together to achieve this fantastic outcome and bring us closer to life as we knew it before the pandemic, but we’re not there yet,” Mr Hazzard said.  

“We can’t forget that COVID is still circulating amongst us in NSW and we need to keep getting vaccinated to push the double dose rates even higher. We want to get as close to 100 per cent double vaccination as possible to keep everyone safe.”  

NSW residents will still need to comply with COVID-Safe check-ins and provide proof of vaccination to staff in most settings.  

More restrictions will be relaxed on 1 December, as previously announced in the Reopening NSW Roadmap.  

To find out how to download a copy of your vaccination certificate visit the Services Australia website.  

If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.  

For the latest information and to view the 80 per cent Roadmap and lifting of restrictions, visit www.nsw.gov.au 

REGIONAL RECOVERY PACKAGE TO KICKSTART ECONOMY AND CREATE NEW JOBS  

The NSW Government unveiled a $200 million recovery package for regional NSW that will create new jobs and support events, shows and festivals to boost tourism and help young people reclaim the best years of their lives.  

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Recovery Package included a $50 million Regional Events Package, $30 million Regional Job Creation Fund and $40 million for priority infrastructure projects across regional NSW.  

“This package will deliver long-term support and certainty for businesses as the state reopens, tourism rebounds and investors eye new opportunities in the bush,” Mr Toole said.  

“The package includes $25 million to help regional councils stage events such as festivals that help drive tourism and allow locals to reconnect.  

“Immediate financial support will also be provided for country shows to be held in 2021- 2022. Country shows have been disrupted by drought, bushfire, floods and COVID-19 and the $5 million we are announcing today will help agricultural show societies come back bigger and better than ever, in the lead up to the 2022 Royal Easter Show.  

“There’s no better way for Sydneysiders to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush and support rural communities than to get along to a country show.  

“I am also proud to confirm a second round of the successful Regional Job Creation Fund and the Regional Events Acceleration Fund in 2022. I am looking forward to announcing successful projects from the first round of these projects in the coming weeks which will help businesses create more jobs and give tourists even more reasons to visit the bush.  

“This package has laid the foundations for a strong recovery for regional NSW, and I look forward to making further funding announcements in the coming weeks that will ensure the regions bounce back better than ever.”  

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $200 million of new funding is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.  

“We know businesses in the bush have done it tough through the pandemic,” Mr Kean said.  

“We want to arm our regional communities with the economic stimulus they need not only to recover, but to bounce back bigger and better than before.  

“This package will not only provide a boost to business but deliver better services, new projects and more jobs for regional communities across the state.”  

The $200 million Regional Recovery Package builds upon the NSW Government’s record investment in regional NSW through the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund and the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund and 30 per cent of the Restart NSW Fund.  

  • $200 million Regional Recovery Package includes:  

  • $30 million for the Regional Job Creation Fund Round Two (to be open for applications in early 2022) 

  •  $50 million Regional Events Package including:

 

PROPERTY COUNCIL WELCOMES THE END OF HOTEL QUARANTINE  

The Property Council of Australia has backed the decision by the NSW Government to remove hotel quarantine to new and returning fully vaccinated travellers, returning hotels to their primary role.  

NSW Property Council’s Executive Director Luke Achterstraat said the announcement was a significant moment in re-opening the state as we learn to live with COVID.  

“During the pandemic, hotels allowed travellers to safely enter Australia while keeping the Australian public safe,” Mr Achterstraat said. 

“Hotel workers and staff have been on the front line of this pandemic, with ongoing management of active COVID travellers coming back from high-risk countries for the entirety of the past 18 months, even when local community cases were at zero.  

“Between late March and October last year, more than 90,000 travellers passed through hotel quarantine in NSW.” Mr Achterstraat said the move was a boost for the hotels industry and Australians abroad and home.  

“As we remain on our roadmap to a post COVID-19 world, we will continue to welcome positive, sensible changes that bring forward less restrictions and greater freedoms,” he said.  

“To support the hotel industry to thrive, we need to have a plan ready for an injection of efforts into Greater Sydney’s revitalisation as we come out of this lockdown.”  

Mr Achterstraat said staffing, operations, spending, and revenue had fallen to their lowest levels since the start of the pandemic for the hotels industry. 

“We welcome our hotels to returning travellers and we are excited by the prospect of our borders reopening in November as we return to normal life,” he said.  

“Hotel quarantine was set up by governments to ensure pressure was removed from the existing system and overall has worked to keep Australians in an enviably safe state for the most part.  

“However, it’s now been over 20 months since COVID-19 hit our shores and our record vaccination rates now give us the opportunity to learn to live with the virus and move toward reopening international and domestic tourism to all.  

“The record vaccination rates are a credit to the commitment of the people in New South Wales doing the right thing in virus management. We will continue to highlight the importance of people continuing to abide by public health measures to keep each other safe.  

“This measure requires us all to do our part in keeping each other safe, by continuing to get vaccinated, following the health advice on social distancing, QR codes, masks and other community measures we can all help with. 

 

DOUBLING DOWN ON DINE & DISCOVER

Customers will have more reasons to celebrate catching up with friends and family this summer with two additional Dine & Discover vouchers up for grabs for NSW residents. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the expanded program would support residents across the state and encourage economic activity as part of the government’s economic recovery strategy. 

“From Byron to Bega and Bellingen to Broken Hill, this is about supporting people to get out and have a meal or spend the day discovering their city while supporting businesses across NSW,” Mr Perrottet said. 

Treasurer Matt Kean said the additional $250 million investment by the NSW Government would help businesses recover from months of restrictions and encourage people to enjoy what they love most. 

“We experienced the success of the Dine & Discover program when we reopened last time, which is why we are doubling down efforts with an additional two $25 vouchers – one for Dine and one for Discover venues,” Mr Kean said. 

“We are backing our businesses and helping hip pockets by expanding the program, in addition to extending existing vouchers until the end of June 2022.” 

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the vouchers would again be delivered via the Service NSW app. 

“You’ll find them in your Service NSW app in time for Summer or you can contact Service NSW and they can send them to you,” Mr Dominello said. 

“To date, almost 4.8 million people have taken advantage of the voucher program since its launch in March, giving businesses a $430 million boost.” 

NSW residents aged 18 years and over who are yet to apply will be able to do so until the program ends and will receive all six $25 vouchers. 

Participating businesses do not need to reapply. Those who want to join the program are encouraged to register, download the scanner app, and get ready to redeem. 

More information will be made available in the coming weeks on www.nsw.gov.au 

 

INTEGRATED VACCINATION CERTIFICATE OPENS TO ALL ON SERVICE NSW APP

Residents across NSW will be able to integrate the COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate into their Service NSW app from today with the program now rolling out statewide.  

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said with restrictions to further ease as the state approaches 80 per cent double vaccination, the integration of the vaccine certificate with the app would make things easier for the people of NSW.  

“This is an extra digital service to make life easier for the businesses and customers of NSW as we open back up. NSW is the first jurisdiction in Australia to roll out an integrated QR code solution for displaying vaccination status statewide,” Mr Dominello said.  

“When someone visits a venue, they’ll be able to show their green check-in tick and vaccination status simultaneously, saving staff and customers time. 

“While integrating the COVID-19 digital certificate on to the Service NSW app will be optional, it will be the by far the easiest and quickest way to prove you’re fully vaccinated.”  

The statewide roll-out follows a successful regional pilot with clubs, aged-care facilities and taxis in Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga and Lismore, as well as internal government participants.  

As the vaccine data sits in the Federal Australian Immunisation Register, to integrate the COVID-19 digital certificate into the Service NSW app, you will need to:  

  • Ensure your Federal MyGov account is linked to Medicare  

  • Download the Express Plus Medicare app and sign in with your MyGov account details 

  • Select ‘Proof of vaccinations’ and then ‘View history’  

  • Select ‘Share with check in app’ and then ‘Service NSW’  

“I would like to thank the Federal Government, in particular Minister Stuart Robert, for his support and collaboration in making this happen and sharing the data at the end of last month,” Mr Dominello said. 

“I also want to thank the businesses and individuals who participated in the various industry-based trials this week in Port Macquarie, Lismore, Tamworth and Wagga and Wagga. Your feedback has been invaluable in getting us to this point ahead of schedule.  

“Integrating the vaccine certificate also helps future proof our state’s digital infrastructure in the event that proof of vaccination is ever required again or if it’s still needed in certain settings like international travel.”  

There were already three ways to demonstrate the vaccine certificate. Customers can use the Express Plus Medicare app or the digital wallet on their phone. Customers without a smartphone can print a vaccination certificate from their Medicare account or contact Services Australia for a paper certificate in order to prove their vaccination status.  

John Green, Director of Liquor and Policing at the Australian Hotels Association NSW, said venue operators were reporting the vaccination status combined with the QR check-in made it easier to check and validate.  

“The convenience of having a customer’s vaccination status presented alongside their check-in will allow for a seamless entry and take pressure off venue staff,” Mr Green said.  

“It certainly makes the process quicker.”  

The Service NSW app will include a number of security measures to help compliance officers and businesses with checking and validating a customer’s vaccination status, including a NSW Waratah logo hologram and rotating QR codes, similar to the Digital Driver Licence. 

 $66 MILLION ALFRESCO RESTART PACKAGE

The streets of NSW will come alive post-lockdown, thanks to a raft of initiatives and $66 million in funding that will see alfresco dining, outdoor activations and events return. 

Treasurer Matt Kean said, as the state opens up to the fully vaccinated, NSW would be ready for people eager to enjoy a meal and a day out with friends and family.   

“Alfresco dining is not only a great way to dine, it’s a safe way to socialise as we open up. That’s why we are supporting new outdoor entertainment and dining precincts to pop up right across the state through our $66 million Alfresco Restart initiative,” Mr Kean said. 

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government was doing all it could to revive the hospitality and entertainment industries, while ensuring people could safely socialise in the sunshine. 

“After a long winter, it’s time for Sydney to enjoy a meal or drink in the sunshine, and the NSW Government is committed to helping businesses do that in time for summer,” Mr Dominello said. 

“We’re providing 5000 hospitality businesses a $5000 grant to get their outdoor dining venture off the ground - whether that’s to help set-up curb-side dining or a pub-style courtyard, we’re here to turn their ideas into reality.” 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the Government’s Alfresco Restart Package would help the hospitality, arts, and music sectors get back on their feet after a long winter in lockdown. 

“After many months in lockdown, the people of NSW are ready to enjoy themselves, so we’ve thrown out the rule book with new, temporary alfresco measures, while also making last year’s trials permanent,” Mr Stokes said. 

“In addition to the permanent easing of rules for dining on footpaths and public spaces, we’re temporarily allowing outdoor dining on privately-owned bowling greens and carparks, meaning businesses can expand outdoors on almost any piece of land they own to welcome more customers.” 

The Alfresco Restart initiatives being rolled out from November include: 

  • The Festival of Place including the Long Summer Nights Program at The Rocks, Darling Harbour and The Domain; Streets as Shared Spaces Program; Summer Night Fund Program; and Open Streets Program 

  • Emergency temporary alfresco measures for outdoor dining in parks or on private land with the owner's consent 

  • $5000 grants for hospitality businesses to establish new alfresco settings 

  • Permanent outdoor dining as an exempt development for pubs and small bars state-wide. 

This package is part of the NSW Government’s efforts to slash red tape and support businesses and communities to recover from the pandemic. 

For more info, visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/alfresco-restart-package 

photo credit: Jeffrey Feng

Photo credit: Jeffrey Feng

MARDI GRAS PARADE RETURNS TO THE SCG IN 2022

Sydney Cricket Ground will be transformed by a dazzling display of LGBTQI+ pride and self-expression when Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras returns with its world-renowned Parade on 5 March 2022. 

The Mardi Gras Festival will make a grand return from 18 February – 6 March 2022. Promising to be bigger and better than ever, next year’s Festival will feature a packed program of events spanning theatre, visual arts, parties, community gatherings, panel discussions and more. The full festival program will feature a host of beloved events as well as some new surprises to be announced in November.   

A powerful protest and glittering celebration of diversity in the one event, the Parade is the centerpiece of the Mardi Gras season. The iconic event brings together LGBTQI+ people from all over Australia and the world to share their passion, champion equal rights and show their pride.  

The 2022 Mardi Gras theme is UNITED WE SHINE, signifying that LGBTQI+ communities shine brighter together, and by standing up against hate and inequality as a collective, the message of love and inclusion is heard louder.  

The 2022 Parade will see thousands of spectators cheer on as marchers take to the field in a display of colour, community and love. The event will be broadcast live so that audiences around the country can tune in to be a part of the celebrations.  

Mardi Gras organisers have decided that returning the Parade to Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 2022 offers it the best chance to go ahead, no matter what the COVID situation is early next year. Unlike delivering a traditional Mardi Gras Parade on Oxford Street – which attracts around 250,000 spectators – the SCG allows room to scale up or down the signature event according to the Public Health settings at the time.   

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras plans to return the Parade to Oxford Street for its 45th anniversary in 2023 as a feature of the much-anticipated Sydney WorldPride, the first WorldPride held in the southern hemisphere.   

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government’s support of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras underscored its commitment to make NSW a welcoming destination for all visitors.  

“Mardi Gras is a celebration of NSW’s pride, diversity and inclusion, and we are immensely proud that it has become one of the largest and most successful LGBTQI+ events in the world,” Mr Ayres said.  

“Since 2009, the Mardi Gras Parade is estimated to have generated approximately $390 million in total visitor spend from intrastate, interstate and international visitors. The event is watched around the world and continues to promote Sydney and NSW to millions of potential visitors into the future.”   

The 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is supported proudly by Principal Partner American Express; Government Partner and Sponsor of the Mardi Gras Festival, the City of Sydney; and Strategic Sponsor, the NSW Government through Destination NSW. 

Tickets for the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade will go on sale on Monday 15 November. To join the waitlist, go to  www.mardigras.org.au to receive notifications when tickets go on sale.  

 9 TO 5 IS BACK IN BUSINESS!
 

9 TO 5, Dolly Parton’s West End smash-hit musical is back in business in 2022.   

The Australian premiere will open in February next year at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney.  

A sensation on the West End and inspired by the hit film, the musical tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy, three enterprising workmates pushed to the edge by their mean-spirited boss Franklin Hart Jnr.   

Resorting to wit, comradery and cunning, they dream up a no-holds-barred scheme to kidnap and turn the tables on their controlling supervisor in the most hilariously defiant of ways. The only question is, will the feisty trio manage to change the office culture to reach their full potential – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?   

With a sparkling score by Dolly Parton and a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick, 9 TO 5 is the quintessential feel-good show for the times.   

The West-End production of 9 TO 5 was secured for Australia after it opened in 2019 to rave reviews from critics and the public alike.   

Due to its huge popularity, the West End production was extended from its original 16-week season to well over a year prior to closing due to COVID in 2020.   

“I am beyond excited that we can finally bring this show to Australia,” said Dolly Parton.  

“The response to 9 TO 5 from around the world has been incredible. The overwhelmingly positive fan reaction to this universal story tickles every rhinestone on my body!  

“I can't wait for more people throughout Australia to have a good ole singalong, and the time of their life.”  

The Australian premiere, secured exclusively for Sydney by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, will be a major drawcard for visitors to NSW.   

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said securing the Australian premiere of 9 TO 5 was a coup for Sydney and would give the state’s visitor economy a welcome boost by creating jobs and attracting visitors to the Harbour City after the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.   

“The NSW visitor economy stands to benefit significantly from hosting Dolly Parton’s 9 TO 5, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to Sydney to see this upbeat, high-energy production come to life and bring some rhinestone sparkle to our stages,” Mr Ayres said.   

“The NSW Government is focused on investing in world-class events to deliver on our goal of becoming the premier visitor economy in the Asia Pacific, and securing this production for Sydney will bring welcome positivity as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic.”   

The Australian Government is supporting 9 TO 5 through its $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, a program that is providing financial assistance to arts and entertainment companies affected by COVID-19.   

COMMUNITY VOICES VITAL IN AEROTROPOLIS EXHIBITION 

The final planning package to unlock the potential of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis is a step closer to completion, with proposed changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) on public exhibition.  

The changes include large reductions to the size of the Aerotropolis’ open space network and environment and recreation zone, responding directly to community feedback and following a comprehensive review of open space needs.  

“Planning a new city is an incredibly complex task, and this process proves that nothing is finalised without community consultation,” Mr Stokes said.  

“We’ve listened to the community and the recommendations of the Independent Community Commissioner Professor Roberta Ryan and reduced the amount of land earmarked for open space or an environment and recreation zoning.  

“We will still achieve our vision for a Western Parkland City under these proposed changes, while allowing landowners to continue using their property as they do now.   

“This means fewer properties needing to be acquired while still ensuring 95 per cent of homes in the Aerotropolis will be within five minutes’ walk of open space.”  

The revised open space network will see 16 per cent of land in the initial precincts (869 hectares) acquired for parks and public spaces.  

Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the vision included an exciting network of green spaces.  

“The future Aerotropolis won’t just be a great place to work and do business, it will also be home to some of Sydney’s best parks,” Mr Ayres said.  

“The feedback from the community has created a better balanced Aerotropolis plan that will create more jobs closer to where people live and ensure a green network of parks in the parkland city.” 

Previously permitted land uses would also be reintroduced in the Aerotropolis, and the Government will consider options for the future of Luddenham.  

For more information, visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aerotropolis 

 

NSW ABORIGINAL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE LAUNCHES  

Leading Aboriginal businesses have gathered to identify priorities for Closing the Gap implementation at the NSW Government’s inaugural NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the commencement of regular Roundtables with the Aboriginal business community reflected the importance of economic opportunity as part of the NSW Government’s Closing the Gap agenda.

“NSW is the only State to have a specific, additional priority reform on Employment, Business Growth and Economic Prosperity,” he said.

“We recognise that in addition to their economic contribution, Aboriginal businesses are important vehicles for self-determination and better social and educational outcomes, and we want to develop an investment environment they can succeed in,” he said. 

Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the event recognised the important role of Aboriginal businesses, as well as their diversity.

“I look forward to further hearing from Aboriginal businesses from across different sectors as we discuss how to better involve them in NSW Government work.

"Central to this is our Aboriginal Procurement Policy, which makes it easier for Government agencies to consider an Aboriginal business when procuring goods and services and will also see more jobs created and more opportunities for Aboriginal businesses,” he said.

The MC for the Roundtable is distinguished journalist and author Stan Grant, who noted the importance of consultative processes that enable Aboriginal organisations to identify priority areas for government action.

“As MC, I’m looking forward to connecting the voices of Aboriginal business leaders with NSW Government, particularly in the context of planning a COVID-19 recovery.”

Founder, Director and Program Manager of Aboriginal-owned ICT delivery and consultancy firm Patonga Projects Brett Chamberlain said he was looking forward to working with the government and Aboriginal peak bodies on Closing the Gap actions to drive change in communities.

“We’re particularly interested in supporting digital inclusion and improved access to data, and the Roundtable is a chance for government to listen to and act on our feedback while growing relationships with the Aboriginal business sector,” he said.

 
 
 

CONFIDENCE GUARANTEED AS WE GET BACK TO WORK 

The NSW Government has committed to providing a Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and will expand the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate for all eligible small businesses.  

Small and medium business owners will be able to open with confidence thanks to a suite of support measures from the NSW Government, as part of the Economic Recovery Strategy.   

Under the SME Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee, eligible businesses with an annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million will be able to apply for a grant of up to $20,000 to compensate for loss of perishable stock or claim $10,000 for reduced capacity to sell non-perishable items if a local lockdown occurs and they are impacted.  

The expanded Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate will be eligible for use until 30 June 2022.  

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Stock Guarantee of up to $20,000 would be available if non-essential SMEs were forced to shut their doors between 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022 due to public health orders.  

“It’s devastating for businesses and their employees when they have to shut due to COVID, but the grants will make it easier for businesses to manage their stock with confidence,” Mr Kean said.  

Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the Government wanted to ensure businesses could open with confidence and certainty.  

“Small businesses will now be able to claim road user tolls under the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate, which is being increased from $1500 to $2000,” Mr Tudehope said.  

“The rebate can be used to offset NSW and local government fees and charges and adding tolls to the list of claimable charges is going to make a massive difference to many small business owners who use vehicles for work.” 

 

$25 MILLION TO ENSURE SHOWS GO ON

The Australian Government is providing a further $25 million to help agricultural shows and field days bounce back post-pandemic and continue to deliver ongoing benefits to their communities. 

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said Round 2 of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program would open soon and the Supporting Showmen and Women Program would be extended for an additional year.

“COVID-19 has forced more than 700 agricultural shows and field days to cancel since the pandemic began,” Mr Littleproud said.

“As a result, our show societies and field day organisers have incurred significant financial losses for two consecutive years. Without these events they’ve got no way to cover their costs.

“Our travelling showmen and women – often small, independent, sole-traders or family-based operations – are particularly hard hit. The flow-on effects to local communities will be felt for years.

“Under Round 1 of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program the government provided $34.5 million to 378 show societies and field day organisers who cancelled in 2020.

“We are continuing to back these iconic events with a further $25 million to help ease cash flow pressures for event organisers and provide rent relief to our showmen and women who bring life and colour to the shows.

“Agricultural shows and field days contribute more than $1 billion to the economy annually, attract more than 6 million patrons, and are supported by more than 50,000 volunteers and more than 4,000 showmen and women.

“They deliver significant social benefits to rural and regional Australia, bringing heart, soul and a sense of pride to towns across the country. I am proud to support these events and will continue to encourage the states and territories to do likewise.”

 

 
 

HUGE CROWD BOOST FOR MATILDAS BLOCKBUSTERS

A crowd of more than 22,000 fully vaccinated fans will be able to experience firsthand the return of international sport to Sydney, after the capacity limit for the showdown games between the Matildas and Brazil was increased to 75 percent.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said an exemption was signed off this week, allowing the crowd to be boosted from 5000 to 22,500 for the matches on 23 October and 26 October at CommBank Stadium.

“We’re all desperate to see Sydney regain its rightful crown as the sporting capital of Australia and I can’t think of a better showcase than the upcoming Matildas versus Brazil blockbuster games,” Mrs Ward said.

“Robust COVID-safe plans mean crowd numbers can be more than quadrupled from our original expectations, which is a fantastic result for our football fans.

“We’ve all missed the roar of the crowds and I can’t wait to hear the sound of Matildas fans cheering on their heroes.

“Sydney is sending a message to the world - we are back.”

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said this new arrangement paved the way for international sport in Australia.

“This is a groundbreaking announcement for Australian football, following the NSW Government’s approval of our submission to host these matches in Sydney within the 14-day mandatory quarantine period,” Mr Johnson said.

“The Commonwealth Bank Matildas are also presented with an opportunity to break their last attendance record set at the same venue back in November 2019, when 20,029 fans attended.”

 

SURRY HILLS RANKS IN WORLD’S COOLEST LIST

The leafy streets of Surry Hills lined with chic cafés, boutiques and some of Sydney’s most revered restaurants and bars, have been voted one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods in the 2021 Timeout Index.

The anonymous survey was completed by 27,000 city-dwellers worldwide who were asked to rank the greatest places for food, fun, culture and community.

Surry Hills was commended for its fine dining establishments with exquisite service and culinary pioneers. The mix of world cuisines on offer in the area made Surry Hills a stand-out contender. 

The inner-city suburb caters to all tastes with an abundance of choice including Middle Eastern, Japanese, French and American barbecue. Fans of Italian food are particularly well-served by multiple restaurants where authentic wood-fired pizza and pasta dishes are deliciously plentiful.

People flock to the inner-city suburb to get next-level brews at Single O, Artificer and Sample Coffee, while people will queue for up to 45 minutes on a Saturday morning to taste the scrambled eggs and corn fritters at Bills or to snag a table at Four Ate Five.

A thriving café culture has also made Surry Hills one of Sydney’s most popular weekend brunch destinations, where many of the city's best and hippest baristas ply their trade.

The annual ranking by Timeout of the world’s 49 coolest neighbourhoods switched up priorities this year because of the pandemic. Food, drink, nightlife, culture were in the mix, but this year so was community spirit, resilience, and sustainability.

 

 
 
 

QANTAS TO FLY KANGAROO ROUTE TO LONDON VIA DARWIN

Qantas has confirmed it will operate its direct route from Sydney to London via Darwin when international flights resume next month with the reopening of Australia’s international borders. 

The national carrier has reached an agreement with the Northern Territory Government and Darwin Airport to temporarily reroute its flights from Sydney through Darwin.

The Darwin hub arrangement will be in place in time for borders reopening from 14 November 2021 until at least April 2022 when London flights are scheduled to operate via Perth again. 

The passenger transit arrangements will be split into two stages to reflect COVID-safe arrangements in the Northern Territory. 

In stage one, transiting passengers from all Australian states, or returning from London, will be able to visit the international lounge and shops at Darwin Airport. 

Passengers travelling from London to Sydney via Darwin and wanting to travel onwards to other Australian cities may also be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements. 

In stage two, transiting passengers will have the option to leave the terminal and visit Darwin, providing a tangible tourism boost for the city. 

QF1 will take off from 14 November 2021, departing Sydney five times a week at 6.30pm, land in Darwin at 9.25pm for a brief refuelling stop ahead of the 13,800km, 17-hour, 20-minute direct journey to London’s Heathrow airport. 

All passengers on Qantas’ international flights will be required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved or recognised vaccine (with some exemptions for medical reasons and children).

They will also be required to return a negative PCR COVID test at least 48 hours prior to departure and home quarantine for seven days on arrival in New South Wales. 

 
 
 

$250 MILLION GAIN FOR GROWING NSW COMMUNITIES

Growing communities are set to benefit from the most significant reform to council rates in decades, with more than $250 million in additional revenue to be delivered to local councils across the State.

The NSW Government last week accepted IPART’s recommended rate peg methodology, which will now account for population growth, seeing growing communities particularly in the south-west and north-west of Sydney benefit from additional revenue for council services.

“The NSW Government is aligning rating income with population growth to ease growing pains for councils and communities while still protecting residents from dramatic rate rises through the rate pegging system,” Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said.

“From July next year onwards, a population growth factor will be added to the overall annual rate peg for each local council based on their increase in residents. This will result in much-needed additional revenue for fast-growing local government areas, meaning better services and infrastructure.

“New residents moving into these communities will primarily cover the extra rating incomes, aligning their rates with the rest of the community, and existing residents will not be impacted by dramatic rate increases. Importantly, no council will receive less income under the new rate peg arrangements including local councils with slow or declining population growth.”

IPART estimates that this population growth factor would have generated an additional $287 million in rates revenue for local governments in NSW over the past four years, or up to $86 million in extra income for individual councils.

“As we reopen the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic, this major reform will help councils turbocharge local infrastructure development, including roads, parks and public spaces,” Mrs Hancock said.

IPART’s final report was released last week including estimated additional incomes for individual councils, which can be accessed here.

 

 
 
 

FUNDING BOOST FOR REGIONAL ARTS AND CULTURE

Audiences and creatives in regional NSW will benefit from increased employment opportunities and exciting community initiatives as Regional Arts Development Organisations receive a funding boost from the NSW Government.

The NSW Government, through Create NSW, will invest over $3.4 million in the Regional Arts Network in 2021/22 that includes $200,000 per annum to each Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) across the State, which is an increase from $168,000 in core operational funds in 2020/21.

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the increased investment would help to stimulate employment and increase access to arts and culture for audiences in regional NSW.

“We know that regional communities do well when they run their own show, and I am delighted the NSW Government is delivering an additional $32,000 per annum in core funding to each member of the Regional Arts Network,” Mr Harwin said.

In addition to the funding uplift, a Regional Arts Development Organisation is set to be established for the South Coast, covering Shoalhaven City, Shellharbour City and Kiama Municipal Council areas.

The new RADO will join the established Regional Art Network of 14 RADOs across regional NSW.

 

LOCAL SPORT SCORES $4.6M BOOST


Initiatives which focus on increasing participation in sport through events, development programs and facilities are the focus of the latest round of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said more than $4.6 million was available to local sporting clubs to make their ideas to boost participation a reality, as COVID restrictions eased.

“We know sport has great health, social and economic advantages and we’re looking to strengthen our local sporting communities as we plan for the future,” Mrs Ward said. 

“This funding will support projects at grassroots sporting clubs which are driving participation opportunities, so that more people in NSW can enjoy the benefits of being involved in sport.”

The NSW Government funded more than 930 projects across the state through the last round of the Local Sport Grant Program.

Successful clubs can receive funding of up to $20,000, with up to $50,000 available for each electorate throughout NSW.

Applications close on Friday 19 November.

For more information visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

 

 
 

FIRST RIVER CLASS FERRY IN SERVICE 

The first of 10 new River Class vessels is now in passenger service after it was given the green light to operate during the day.

Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the new River Class ferries were designed for conditions along the Parramatta River but would also serve customers right across the ferry network.

“The new ferries have already completed many hours of successful day-time operation during water trials and have passed the strictest of safety standards to get to this point, and it is great to now have the first vessel in service,” Mr Stokes said.

“Birdon employed 54 people working on the project locally at Port Macquarie, with Australian suppliers benefiting from 70 per cent of the total program of work.

All the design work was also undertaken right here in Australia.”

Until the new River Class ferries are available for nighttime operations, the existing fleet will continue to be used to ensure continuity of services for customers. 

 
 

INDUSTRY SURVEY TO SUPPORT PANDEMIC RECOVERY 

In line with the NSW Roadmap to recovery, the visitor economy is preparing to reopen.

An upcoming challenge will be attracting and skilling staff to provide quality visitor experiences, that will return the travel, tourism and events industry to prosperity.

To assist, TAFE NSW is conducting an industry-wide survey to identify the future job roles, skills and training requirements of the travel, tourism and events industry.

The travel, tourism and events industries’ nationally recognised training package is currently being updated, with new training programs due for release in 2022/23.

The survey will inform the development of new TAFE NSW courses and will help ensure training meets the changing needs of the industry during recovery and into growth.

The survey takes 10 minutes to complete.

For information on the TAFE Survey, contact Janet Hanlan at
janet.hanlan1@tafensw.edu.au .

 
 

CRYSTALBROOK SUSTAINABILITY MONTH 

Crystalbrook Collection is offering $10,000 in resort credits for ideas that will foster sustainability in the hospitality industry.

The scheme is part of a month-long environmental initiative which started on 1 October 2021 and includes bonuses for footprint-free stays and paid leave for staff to advocate for the planet.

Your Moment for Change invites entrants to design a sustainable initiative, big or small, that can be implemented at Crystalbrook venues.

The winner will receive $5000 in resort credits that can be used across its portfolio, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and spas.

The two runners up will each receive $2500 in credits.

For more information visit: 

www.crystalbrookcollection.com/responsible-luxury/sustainability-month


 

 
 

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