NSW Tourism Awards winners announced
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FULL LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR
GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS
Casey Donovan this week gave an electrifying performance at the NSW Government's announcement of the full program line-up for Great Southern Nights 2022.
The Australian artist joined Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres and Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) CEO Annabelle Herd on stage at the Metro Theatre in Sydney to celebrate the live music initiative.
Great Southern Nights has added more new artists to complete a stellar line-up of hundreds of acts that will perform from 18 March to 10 April across NSW.
Ball Park Music, Confidence Man, Illy, Kate Ceberano, Marcia Hines, Montaigne Sheppard and The Jungle Giants are among the headline performers added to an already star-studded line-up for the three-week program being delivered by Destination NSW and ARIA.
Donovan will appear at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, on 21 March 2022. She said she was thrilled by the opportunity to reconnect with a live audience.
Other talented artists taking to the stage during Great Southern Nights include Amy Shark, Baker Boy, Jimmy Barnes, Courtney Barnett, Jessica Mauboy, Peking Duk and The Veronicas.
“The live music scene makes a significant contribution to our social and economic wellbeing. As part of our roadmap to recovery it is vital that we get it back on its feet," Mr Ayres said.
“Great Southern Nights creates jobs for artists and crew, revenue for venues and drives visitation to large parts of regional NSW that have done it tough over the past few years.
“Hundreds of Great Southern Nights gigs will take place from Byron Bay to Albury and Sydney to Broken Hill. With almost half of the gigs in regional NSW there is good chance there will be one somewhere near you.”
Herd said: “Great Southern Nights was such a huge success in 2020 and is exactly what our industry needs right now, so we’re excited to see Australia’s best talent wanting to be involved in 2022. We’re proud to play an integral part in this vital project at this much needed time.”
To see the full line-up, visit the gig guide: www.greatsouthernnights.com.au.
AVIATION ATTRACTION FUND ENABLES
RUNWAY TO RETURN TO NSW
Applications have opened for the new $60 million Aviation Attraction Fund, which supports airlines to return to NSW airports.
The NSW Government initiative will secure international and domestic routes at airports across the state, from Sydney to Shellharbour, Moruya to Moree and Broken Hill to Ballina.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “This program facilitates a strong consumer and business-led recovery, providing a significant boost to consumer and business confidence."
Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said: “Twenty-one airlines stopped flying regular international services to Sydney during the pandemic and we are in a global race to get them back. We also want to support the carriers who stuck with us to keep on re-building - the NSW Government recognises this and should be applauded for their vision.
“Prior to COVID, Sydney Airport generated more than $42 billion in annual economic activity. That creates a big hole in the visitor economy when you consider that we have only recovered 15 per cent of our pre-pandemic international passenger numbers."
The Aviation Attraction Fund is open to all domestic and international airlines servicing or planning to service NSW airports and will support activity including route subsidies and incentives to deliver extra services and passengers, such as passenger service charge discounts; strategic marketing support; and establishment or re-establishment cost subsidies for airlines to operate in NSW.
Destination NSW is managing the Fund, applications for which are open until 30 June 2023.
NSW TOURISM AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The outstanding strength, resilience and achievements of the NSW visitor economy were honoured and celebrated at the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards this week.
Supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, the awards recognised finalists in 29 categories.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said: “I am immensely proud of all finalists of the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards, who have shown remarkable professionalism and dedication over an incredibly difficult period to deliver the best possible outcomes for the NSW visitor economy.”
Winners in the national award categories will represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held on 18 March 2022.
2021 NSW TOURISM AWARDS WINNERS
- Major Tourist Attractions – Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
- Tourist Attractions – Oakvale Wildlife Park, Salt Ash
- Major Festivals and Events – Sydney Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow
- Festivals and Events – Deni Ute Muster 2019
- Ecotourism – Tweed Eco Cruises, Tweed Heads
- Cultural Tourism – Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, Port Macquarie
- Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism – The Giingan Experience by Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation, Coffs Harbour
- Tourism Retail & Hire Services – Sydney Harbour Kayaks, Mosman
- Visitor Information Services – Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
- Business Event Venues – Events at Taronga
- Major Tour and/or Transport Operators – Hughes - Australia's Chauffeur Service, Sydney
- Tour and/or Transport Operators – Tweed Eco Cruises, Tweed Heads
- Adventure Tourism – Lets Go Surfing, Bondi to Byron Bay
- Tourism Marketing and Campaigns – Mudgee Region Tourism
- Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services – The River Deck, Albury
- Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries – Heifer Station Wines, Orange
- Caravan and Holiday Parks – Ingenia Holidays, South West Rocks
- Hosted Accommodation – Blueberry Hills on Comleroy, Kurrajong
- Unique Accommodation – Sierra Escape, Mudgee
- Self-Contained Accommodation – Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga
- 3 – 3.5 Star Accommodation – Manera Heights Apartments, Dubbo
- 4 – 4.5 Star Accommodation – Byng Street Boutique Hotel, Orange
- 5 Star Accommodation – Mt Hay Retreat, Berry
- New Tourism Business – Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee
- Excellence in Food Tourism – Blue Ginger Picnics, Kingscliff
- Excellence in Accessible Tourism – Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga
- Local Government Award for Tourism – MidCoast Council: Destination Barrington Coast
- Young Achievers Award – Hugh Sutherland, Blue Mountains Climbing School
- Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual* – Ruth Sandow, Chair of Milparinka Heritage & Tourism Association
- Judges’ Tourism Star Award – Eden Visitor Information Centre, The Sapphire Coast; Port Macquarie-Hastings Council; Simpson Cottage, Bundeena
For a full list of winners and runners up, visit the NSW Tourism Awards website.
$1BILLION SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Small businesses across NSW will benefit from a major financial support package that provides more than $1 billion to help those that have been hardest hit by the Omicron wave.
The package includes financial support to buy rapid antigen tests (RATs) to help keep workers safe and a new Small Business Support Program to assist businesses to keep their workers employed.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “This targeted package provides support for businesses who experienced cash flow issues and the immediate economic impacts of the Omicron outbreak. NSW is tracking better than expected and confidence is returning. And as we did with earlier recoveries, we will come through this recent challenge stronger than ever. We’ve got the backs of businesses, as we have throughout this entire pandemic.”
The Small Business Support Program provides eligible businesses a lump sum payment of 20 per cent of weekly payroll with a minimum payment of $500 per week and a maximum payment of $5000 per week.
In addition, the existing Small Business Fees, Charges and RAT Rebate will be increased by 50% from the current $2000 limit to $3000 and employing businesses will be able to use the rebate to obtain RATs. This will support worker availability by helping reduce costs to small businesses and enabling healthy staff who have been exposed to COVID-19, but test negative, to return to work.
Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter said: “The NSW Government has done a great job in designing a package that will help a wide variety of business owners who’ve suffered a downturn in their operations through no fault of their own, and now what’s important is that the money gets out the door and into the hands of those most in need."
Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group Innes Willox said: “The NSW Government has consulted widely on the measures to support industries to get through what has been a particularly tough period for our city and regional centres. Businesses in other states will now be looking for similar support from their state governments. The focus now also needs to be on rebuilding consumer and business confidence."
BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO SIGN UP FOR
STAY NSW VOUCHER PROGRAM
Eligible accommodation providers across the state can register to take part in two new NSW Government voucher programs - Parents NSW and Stay NSW.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “Eligible customers will be able to redeem their $250 worth of Parents NSW vouchers and $50 Stay NSW voucher with registered Stay NSW businesses, which is a huge win for the accommodation and tourism sectors which have been especially hard hit by the pandemic.
"The voucher programs will have a multiplier effect on the economy – and this will encourage families to spend a night or a weekend exploring Sydney or a regional town, while also spending on sightseeing and other activities.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said: “To take part in the two programs, businesses only have to register once through Service NSW. Once approved, all accommodation providers need to do is simply download the Service NSW for Business app and start scanning vouchers."
Customers can pool multiple Stay NSW vouchers with friends or family for the same booking at registered accommodation providers, big or small. Parents NSW vouchers can be combined and used to redeem $250 off accommodation accounts. Bookings made through third party providers such as online booking platforms and travel agents are not included in the program.
Participating businesses will be able to redeem vouchers seven days a week, including public holidays. Customers will be able to search for participating accommodation providers on the easy-to-use hotel finder. Businesses will be paid within 10 days after redeeming a voucher.
Discover NSW registered businesses do not have to re-register to accept Parents NSW vouchers, but can still register if they have yet to do so.
NSW WELCOMES THE YEAR OF THE TIGER
The Sydney Opera House sails were bathed in brilliant red, signifying luck, prosperity and happiness to mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Tiger.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “For a decade now, NSW has celebrated the Lunar New Year by lighting up the sails of the Sydney Opera House in a wonderful tribute to one of the most important dates on our cultural calendar.
“Multiculturalism is key to what makes NSW great, and as one of the biggest celebrations outside Asia, this festival has a special place in Sydney and NSW. And with international borders opening, we look forward to welcoming back our friends, families and visitors from Asia."
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the Lunar New Year was about celebrating new beginnings with family and friends.
“No matter who we are, or where we come from, celebrating new beginnings with family and friends is something we all do,” Mr Coure said.
This year’s Lunar New Year festival includes fireworks over Darling Harbour, the Lunar Lanes street festival in Haymarket, Chinatown Bloc Party and arts, food and culture events.
ATTRACTING MORE WORKERS TO NSW
A new $7 million marketing campaign has launched to attract young people from overseas to work and holiday in Australia.
The Work and Play the Aussie Way campaign encourages the uptake of Working Holiday Maker visas in the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan and Republic of Korea, by giving young travellers a glimpse of the adventures that await them while working and travelling Australia.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said: “Working Holiday Makers largely spend what they earn in Australia, which is why in 2019 they contributed $3.2 billion to our visitor economy, representing seven per cent of total visitor spend.
“These young travellers generally stay longer, spend more and visit two or more destinations around the country as they combine work with travel.
“Importantly, more Working Holiday Makers in Australia in the immediate term will help to ease some of the current workforce pressures that are being felt by businesses in tourism, hospitality and other sectors.”
Since the reopening of international borders to fully vaccinated skilled workers, International Students and Working Holiday Makers a total of 28,000 Working Holiday Maker visas have been approved.
There was a 17 per cent increase in the arrival of Working Holiday Makers in the last week. From 24 to 30 January the number of Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417 and 462) applications has surged, with 2600 visa applications lodged by overseas backpackers.
Australia has also welcomed the arrival of almost 7000 International Students between 24 to 30 January 2022. Since late November 2020 a total of 56,000 International Students have arrived in Australia. More than 50,000 overseas students have lodged via applications since late 2021.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke MP said: “We are building back healthy pipelines of Working Holiday Makers, and we are processing these visas very quickly. The Government is seeing a surge in demand from backpackers and we are ready to welcome them to our shores.”
$85 MILLION TO BOLSTER PERFORMING ARTS & LIVE MUSIC
The NSW Government has announced a further $85 million in funding to support the performing arts and live music sector.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said: “As we continue to work through this current phase of the pandemic, the $80 million extension of the Performing Arts Relaunch package will support our performing arts and live music sector to continue to confidently return to the stage and deliver the vibrant, diverse and inspiring works we have missed so much.
“The additional $5 million grant that we are providing to Support Act as part of this package will help to bridge the gap for assistance for those not eligible under other Government funds and ensure our state’s artists are not left behind as a result of disruptions caused by the pandemic.
“The arts are crucial to helping communities across NSW heal, unite, and inspire as well as being essential to our state’s economic recovery.”
CEO of Support Act Clive Miller said: “These funds will ensure that those hardest hit will be able to access crisis relief through Support Act to help pay the rent, put food on the table, pay urgent medical bills and stay connected with family and community."
Chief Executive of Live Performance Australia Evelyn Richardson said: “The arts and entertainment industry are a critical part of rebooting the economy which has once again been acknowledged by the NSW Government. This package will enable companies to keep shows on stage and people in work and provide much needed business confidence to continue investing."
The $85 million package is on top of $125 million in funding announced in 2021 to support the performing arts and live music sector. Applications are open to eligible NSW venues, promoters and producers to relaunch performing arts activities.
NSW IS AUSTRALIA'S BEST BEACH STATE
Six of the best beaches in Australia are found in NSW according to Brad Farmer's Best Australian Beaches 2022 list.
The Australian coastal veteran and Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador has focused on nature-based locations this year, featuring many quirky spots within easy reach of cities and also celebrating the significant cultural value of the coast to First Nations peoples.
Mr Farmer named Horseshoe Bay as the best beach in NSW.
“Surrounded by towering Norfolk Pines, with idyllic picnic spots and holiday cabins, it’s just a casual stroll from the quaint coastal village of South-West Rocks,” he said. “Horseshoe Bay features a grassy, naturally sloping amphitheatre to enjoy. You could not find a finer place to relish a quintessential Aussie beach experience from sunrise to sundown.
“You can’t overlook the variety of beaches that NSW offers – it’s a place where you don’t have to travel far to find magnificent nature-based locations, quirky hot spots and the beaches and waterways are so accessible."
The NSW beaches on this year's list were Horseshoe Bay at South West Rocks, Depot Beach in the heart of Murramarang National Park, Murrays Beach at Jervis Bay, Dudley Beach at Lake Macquarie, Sydney’s Congwong Beach and the Blue Mountains’ Jelly Bean Pool.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said: “NSW’s beaches, coastal destinations and particularly our beach lifestyle, have always been major drawcards.”
AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK: THE EXPERIENCE ANNOUNCES PROGRAM
Runway shows and programming have been announced for Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW): The Experience, AAFW’s integrated consumer offering.
AAFW is supported by Destination NSW and will take place from 9 -13 May 2022 at Carriageworks in Sydney. AAFW: The Experience gives consumers a gateway to engage with the designers they love.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment, Trade and Tourism, Stuart Ayres, said: “The NSW Government is proud to support Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, which not only contributes to the cultural offering of Sydney but also helps ignite growth in our state’s creative and retail industries by providing opportunities for designers to showcase their creativity and forge new pathways to market.
“This signature event puts a spotlight on Sydney as the fashion capital of Australia and underscores the importance of retail tourism to the visitor economy.”
FUNDING MAKES NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY EXPANSION A REALITY
The Australian and NSW Governments are providing $10 million in funding to help make the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery a reality.
The $40 million project will add 1600 square metres of exhibition space, allowing more iconic works to be on permanent display.
Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said: "Newcastle is known for its beautiful beaches, ocean baths and coastal walks, but the art gallery’s expansion will ensure it remains a premier cultural destination as well, giving tourists even more reasons to visit."
Newcastle Art Gallery boasts the most valuable art collection in regional Australia, housing over 7000 works of art valued at $115 million. Construction work is expected to take two years. During construction, the gallery will be closed to the public and some of its famous works will tour Australia.
FUNDING BOOST FOR MAITLAND GAOL REDEVELOPMENT
A major redevelopment of the iconic Maitland Gaol will be supported by a $10 million funding injection from the Australian and NSW Governments.
The funding will enable Maitland Gaol to expand and improve its facilities and services, ensuring it continues to attract visitors into the future, while supporting jobs and driving economic growth.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said: “The first stage of the redevelopment will include an upgraded entry, a new destination café with interior access to the gaol, and boutique accommodation in the historic on-site residences, transforming and activating the gaol both day and night.
“On top of injecting tourism dollars into the local economy once completed, the redevelopment will support more than 30 jobs during construction and provide opportunities for local businesses, delivering an important economic boost to the region.
“Maitland Gaol is already an iconic tourist attraction, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in history, and this investment will help take it to the next level.”
SNOWY MOUNTAINS TO HOST ULTRA TRAIL RUNNING EVENT
The NSW Government has partnered with Ironman Australia to bring the prestigious Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) World Series to Mt Kosciuszko in December.
The three-year partnership, secured through Destination NSW, will see the world’s largest and most gruelling trail running series navigate the pristine NSW High Country on its worldwide 24-stage championship.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said: “This is an event that pushes some of the world’s toughest competitors to their absolute limit and setting it in our spectacular High Country will ensure it is an event to remember.”
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said: “The Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko joins Ultra-Trail Australia in the Blue Mountains as the nation’s only UTMB World Series Events in the new series, reaffirming NSW’s position as the adventure sport capital of Australia.”
The Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB will offer distances from elite level to leisure runners seeking a unique natural experience.
FREE RSA COURSES TO EASE STAFF SHORTAGES
The NSW Government will fund 5000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses to support new workers to enter the hospitality industry and help ease the staffing pressure on licensed venues.
Treasurer Matt Kean said: “The hospitality sector makes up over 2 per cent of total gross value added to the NSW economy and supports more than 300,000 jobs, which is why we are committed to supporting this critical industry."
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said refresher RSA courses would also be available free of charge from 7 February until the end of June.
“We are encouraging former hospitality workers to return to the sector by allowing anyone whose RSA competency card has expired within the past two years, or will expire before 30 June, to complete a short online refresher course to renew their certification for free,” Mr Henskens said.
The courses will be available through TAFE NSW and private providers who already offer government subsidised programs.
REGIONAL JOB CREATION FUND ROUND TWO OPENS
Businesses can now apply for Round Two of the NSW Government’s $140 million Regional Job Creation Fund, which is set to create at least 2000 new jobs in regional NSW over a three-year period.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Round One of the Regional Job Creation Fund provided funding to help businesses expand, attract investment, and relocate to regional NSW, supporting more than 100 regional projects and creating nearly 5000 new jobs in key engine industries.
“Round Two will continue to build on this support, and enable economic recovery across our agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism and resource industries, ensuring they continue to thrive now and into the future,” Mr Toole said.
Grants will range from $100,000 to $5 million to help fund projects such as replacing plant equipment, upgrading technology and developing iconic tourism experiences.
Applications are open until 14 March 2022.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA CAST ANNOUNCED
Opera Australia has announced that Joshua Robson will play the Phantom and Georgina Hopson will play the role of Christine Daaé in the first major outdoor production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hugely successful Phantom of the Opera.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said: "The return of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will tell the world the Harbour City is open and welcoming visitors."
Phantom of the Opera opens on March 25 at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point. It is supported by Destination NSW and Dr Haruhisa Handa through the International Foundation for Arts and Culture.
CONSUMERS URGED TO AVOID VIAGOGO
A new public warning has been issued by the NSW Government regarding ticket reseller Viagogo.
Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said: “I urge consumers to heed our warnings and refrain from doing business with companies such as Viagogo that refuse to comply with Australian law. Since June 2018, consumers have lodged 510 complaints against Viagogo, with many involving tickets being sold at hugely inflated prices.
"There have also been complaints that Viagogo issued consumers with fraudulent or fake tickets, failed to supply tickets purchased and issued tickets that differed to those advertised or purchased.”
NRL ALL STARS TEAMS ANNOUNCED
The NRL All Stars squads have been named and will feature Premiership, Test and State of Origin stars, as well as some of the brightest men’s and women’s representatives.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said: “As the birthplace of rugby league in Australia and the greatest rugby league city in the world, Sydney is going to provide the best possible NRL season opener. Having the best Indigenous and Maori players – both men and women – coming together is going to spark a mighty battle for cultural and national honour, providing an epic show for spectators."
The matches will be held at CommBank Stadium on 12 February.
AIRBnB & AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL TOURISM RENEW PARTNERSHIP
Airbnb and Australian Regional Tourism have extended their partnership, which aims to enhance and grow agritourism in regional Australia.
The two organisations joined forces in 2020 to develop a bespoke toolkit for farmers who were looking to earn extra income through farm stays.
Research by Airbnb shows nights booked between July and September 2021 by Australian guests for domestic stays in rural areas grew 34 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2019.
The new collaboration will fund a National Agritourism Sector Development Plan to support the sector.
RECORD INTEREST IN SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
More than 200 organisations have been awarded almost $700,000 in NSW Government funding to host events as part of Small Business Month in March.
Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said: “The small business sector has done it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic so it’s great to see this level of interest in hosting events to help small businesses bounce back and build a stronger future.
“The month will feature a wide array of in person and online events that teach small business owners new skills and inspire them with new ideas, and also offer advice and support for people seeking to start a small business.”
RARE FROG SPECIES JUMPS FOR JOY IN NEW HOME
The future of an endangered frog species is looking hoppier thanks to a new, purpose-built facility that supports a captive breeding program at Taronga Zoo.
Environment Minister James Griffin said: “Booroolong frogs are usually found in streams in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, and they were badly affected by the 2019 drought when many waterways dried up.
“Experts from the Saving our Species program and Taronga Zoo joined local ecologist Phil Spark and the Australian Museum’s Dr Jodi Rowley to develop a captive breeding program. The frogs are thriving in their new home following a $178,000 NSW Government-funded upgrade.”
