All invited to the NSW Tourism Awards
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ALL INVITED TO THE 2021 NSW TOURISM AWARDS
The 2021 NSW Tourism Awards will celebrate the outstanding strength, resilience and achievements of the tourism industry in a virtual ceremony on 3 February 2022.
Winners will be announced in 30 categories, including three special awards: Young Achiever in Tourism, the Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual and the new Tourism Stars Award. The latter will acknowledge the resilience shown by the tourism industry during a year impacted by floods, bushfires, mouse plagues and COVID-19.
Gold award winners in the designated national award categories will represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on 18 March 2022.
The virtual event is free to attend and will include a live cross to each category winner as they are announced. Registrations for the event close on 2 February 2022 at 9am.
Destination NSW proudly supports the NSW Tourism Awards, which are presented by the Tourism Industry Division of the NSW Business Chamber.
PHOTO: 2021 NSW Tourism Awards finalist Beyond Ballooning.
THOUSANDS ENJOY AUSTRALIA DAY ACTIVITIES ON
SYDNEY HARBOUR
The Sydney Opera House shone brightly with a First Nations artwork by acclaimed Western Desert artist and elder Yadjidta David Miller during Australia Day celebrations this week.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said unity must be the nation’s goal during a speech at the WugulOra dawn ceremony at Barangaroo on Australia Day.
“WugulOra as we know means ‘one mob’ and that captures the heart and the spirit of what Australia must be about in 2022 as we rise to the challenges and the opportunities that face our nation in the short term and in the future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“In a nation that has become home to people from every corner of the globe and all walks of life, our strength is in our unity. Now this may not yet be a reality but it must be our goal and I do believe that the tide is turning.”
Yvonne Weldon, Deputy Chair of the Australia Day Council of NSW, and of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council said: "The First Nations events on Australia Day are not only about showcasing our culture but about educating and including all Australians on the journey of reconciliation."
Thousands of people flocked to Sydney Harbour on 26 January to watch events including annual maritime extravaganza the Ferrython. Four Emerald-class ferries - May Gibbs, Catherine Hamlin, Victor Chang and Pemulwuy - raced to the Harbour Bridge, with Pemulwuy taking the line honours.
There were many vessels competing on the harbour for either finish line honours or best dressed, with the majestic Soren Larsen winning the Tall Ships Race.
Festivities concluded with fireworks and the Australia Day Live music concert, featuring artists including Daryl Braithwaite and Casey Donovan.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED
The NSW Government has extended current COVID-19 restrictions for another month as the State continues to take a measured response to managing the pandemic.
Settings that will continue from 27 January 2022 until 28 February 2022 include:
- Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes, and nightclubs must follow the one person per two square metre rule indoors;
- Masks are required in all indoor settings (except residences). Masks are strongly encouraged where you cannot maintain a safe distance from others;
- QR code check-ins are compulsory at certain premises, including hospitality venues and retail shops;
- Singing and dancing is not permitted in hospitality venues, entertainment facilities, nightclubs, indoor music festivals and indoor major recreation facilities (except for weddings, performers, instructors and students).
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “We have always said we will respond to what is in front of us and tailor our approach as required and that is exactly what we are doing. We are transitioning to living with COVID and we will need to continually update our approach to ensure we are keeping people safe and protecting our health system."
As additional measures, people are encouraged to continue to work from home where possible and to reduce mingling when eating and drinking.
Requirements for reporting COVID-19 cases in the workplace have eased, with employers only needing to report to SafeWork NSW if a worker is hospitalised or dies as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard has urged those eligible for their booster shot to book one as soon as possible.
“The gap between your second jab and your booster is now just three months, so don’t waste time – the sooner we all get our boosters the sooner we will overcome this Omicron wave,” Mr Hazzard said.
CLAIM YOUR ALFRESCO DINING REBATE
Hospitality businesses across NSW can claim their $5000 Alfresco Restart Rebate next month.
More than 1,813 NSW businesses have already registered for the rebate, which is available to the first 5,000 eligible small or medium food and beverage businesses that register.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “Whether you’re a café in Western Sydney, a restaurant in a regional community or a pub on the coast, this is about providing businesses with more choice and convenience.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said: “The $25.5 million program will see the dreams of business owners of turning their courtyard into a café or expanding to serve a summer curbside chardonnay into a reality.
“Applying for the rebate can be done online and once the registration has been approved, businesses will be able to claim it through their Business Profile.”
Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said the funding was part of the NSW Government’s $66 million Alfresco Restart Package.
“We’ve removed the regulatory roadblocks, and now these grants will help outdoor dining flourish across the state with funds to make simple changes like better lighting or electrical connections,” Mr Stokes said.
Hospitality businesses can claim eligible expenses incurred from 14 October 2021 to 30 April 2022. Under the rebate, expenses such as temporary ground surfaces, traffic mitigation/ barriers, generators, installation of outdoor power points, weather protection for shade and rain, lighting, heaters, fans and misters, additional point of sale and more can be claimed.
Claims must be made by 30 April 2022.
AMY BROWN TO LEAD NEW DEPARTMENT OF
ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Amy Brown has been appointed Secretary of the newly formed Department of Enterprise Investment and Trade.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said: “The establishment of the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade is at the heart of the NSW Government’s commitment to economic development, embracing science, innovation and emerging technology while setting up the NSW economy for sustained success into the future.
“Amy Brown has already made great progress as CEO of Investment NSW, a role she will continue in while taking on responsibility as the department secretary. She has a proven ability to attract investment to NSW and drive collaborative partnerships between government and non-government organisations.
“By bringing together enterprise and trade, tourism and hospitality, sport and arts in the same department we are in the prime position to make NSW the best place in the world to live, invest, visit, study, grow and play.”
Prior to becoming CEO of Investment NSW, Ms Brown was Deputy Secretary and head of the Strategy and Delivery Group at the Department of Premier and Cabinet – responsible for providing expert commercial, strategic and economic advice to the Premier on major and complex whole-of-government policies, programs and projects.
“Our economic strength and liveability are deeply intertwined and can’t succeed without each other,” Ms Brown said.
“We are positioning NSW nationally and globally as a safe and attractive place to do business; where innovation, trade and tourism work together to create great jobs and an even better lifestyle.”
Additionally, Kate Foy has been announced as the Group Deputy Secretary of Tourism, Sport and Arts within the Department.
“Kate brings over 20 years of experience in the NSW public service in portfolios including senior executive roles in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the NSW Telco Authority and Transport for NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
Amy Brown and Kate Foy will commence their new roles on 31 January 2022.
SYDNEY LIGHTS UP FOR T20 WORLD CUP
Sydney will host more matches than any other Australian city during the 2022 Men’s ICC T20 World Cup tournament.
Seven matches will be held at the SCG, including the opening game of the Super 12 stage featuring Australia, plus three other Super 12 matches, a semi-final and a Super 12 Double Header Match Day.
To celebrate the announcement, the faces of some of the world’s biggest cricket stars, including Australia’s Mitch Marsh, England’s Jos Butler, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and India’s Virat Kohli were projected onto Sydney Harbour Bridge on 21 January.
Minister Damien Tudehope said excitement was building for the tournament, where Australia would defend the world title it won recently in Dubai.
“Australian cricket is on a high at the moment following the 4-0 men’s Ashes victory and the men’s and women’s team current ICC T20 World Cup champions,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The opportunity to watch our world champs defend their title and witness some of the biggest names in world cricket right here in Sydney will be an amazing spectacle.
“The selection of Sydney to host more games than any other city reinforces NSW’s major events credentials and I encourage NSW cricket fans to register for tickets now and guarantee their part in one of the biggest sporting events in the world in 2022.”
PHOTO: Getty Images/ICC
STADIUM AUSTRALIA TO HOST SOCEROOS QUALIFIER
Australia’s Socceroos will take on Japan at Stadium Australia in Sydney on March 24 in their quest to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Their return to Stadium Australia for the first time in four years has been made possible through the support of the NSW Government, which has partnered with Football Australia to bring the contest to Sydney.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said: “We recognise and thank the NSW Government for partnering with us on this showcase match which will attract significant visitation to the State and promote Sydney to a massive broadcast audience of millions of football fans in Australia and Japan, across Asia, and around the world.”
Minister for Tourism and Sport, Stuart Ayres, said: “Sydney and Stadium Australia have a proud history of providing a strong home ground advantage to lift our Socceroos to the FIFA World Cup.
“Sydney has led the return of international sport in Australia and this will be another opportunity to create an electric atmosphere across the city, showcasing Sydney as one of the best cities in the world to watch sporting events of the highest calibre.
“The NSW Government and Football Australia have worked closely on an impressive program of international football matches as we lead up to hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, delivered through our 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative.”
Exclusive pre-sale tickets for Football Australia account holders will go on sale from 10am on 2 February 2022. Tickets to the General Public will go on sale from 10am on 7 February 2022, via Ticketek.
FUNDING FOR MARDI GRAS PARADE PARTIES
Applications are now open for Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Events Grants.
30 grants up to the value of $3,350 are on offer to venues around Australia that plan to host COVID-Safe viewing events for the world-renowned LGBTQ+ Mardi Gras Parade. Applicants must also show they intend to support and employ queer performers or artists as part of their event.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said: “The Parade Viewing Events Grants give us the opportunity to bring Mardi Gras celebrations to regional and interstate communities during a time when traveling to Sydney may not be an option.”
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on 5 March. The Mardi Gras party has been cancelled for 2022.
Grant applications close at 11:59pm on 30 January 2022.
CONSULTATION CLOSING FOR MARINE PARKS MANAGEMENT PLAN
The public consultation period for
the NSW Government's Marine Parks Management Plan 2021-2031 ends
this month.
NSW has five mainland marine parks - Cape Byron, Solitary Islands, Port Stephens-Great Lakes, Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay - which are being investigated in the review.
Building on pilot work that started in Batemans Bay and Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Parks in 2018-19, the plan aims to conserve environmental, social, cultural and economic values.
The draft includes a range of actions to conserve values and manage threats, including research, education, on-ground rehabilitation, infrastructure, compliance, policy, partnerships and regulation.
The public consultation period closes on 31 January 2022.
REGIONAL SENIORS TRAVEL CARD EXTENDED
The NSW Government's successful Regional Seniors Travel Card will be extended for another two years.
The card is designed to help ease the burden of travel costs for eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW by providing them with a $250 prepaid Visa card to be used towards pre-booked NSW TrainLink, regional train and coach services, fuel, and taxis.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said: “We know what a difference this is making to the lives of our regional seniors, so we’ve committed $246 million to continue the program until the end of 2023, as well as expand the eligibility to include seniors who are carers and those with disabilities.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the initiative had injected more than $131 million into regional economies.
More than 691,000 Regional Senior Travels cards have been issued since the program launched in 2020.
Applications are now open and close on 20 November 2022.
INTERNATIONAL AAACTA WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) has announced
the winners of the 2022 AACTA International Awards.
The Power of the Dog, written, produced, and directed by Jane Campion, won three awards, including Best Film, Best Lead Actor in Film for Benedict Cumberbatch, and Best Supporting Actor in Film for Australian actor Kodi Smit-Mcphee.
Nicole Kidman won her 7th AACTA Award for her role in Being the Ricardos.
The NSW Government is a strategic partner of the AACTA Awards.
NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said: “Sydney and NSW are home to some of the world’s best filming locations and have proven to be world-class destinations for screen production.
"The AACTA International Awards underscore the importance of the screen industry to the NSW visitor economy, which we look forward to providing continued support.”
View the winner acceptance speeches via AACTA’s YouTube Channel.
NEW WORLD-CLASS ART MUSEUM AT BUNDANON
Bundanon will open the doors to its new Art Museum and Bridge for Creative Learning on 29 January 2022.
The museum will present a year-round program of exhibitions of modern, contemporary and First Nations art, as well as new commissions.
The Bridge houses a creative learning centre with break out spaces. It offers accommodation for up to 64 guests and café and dining facilities offering sweeping views over the Shoalhaven River.
The project has been funded by a $22.5 million investment from the Australian Government, $10.3 million from the NSW Government and philanthropic support.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the NSW Government was proud to be involved in the funding of the Art Museum, which will ensure the protection of its Arthur Boyd art collection for the public.
Bundanon CEO Rachel Kent said: “This expansion will widen public access, deepen engagement in creativity and the landscape, and position Bundanon both nationally and internationally."
SYDNEY GETS READY FOR YEAR OF THE TIGER
The City of Sydney will unleash a fun-filled Lunar Festival to mark the Year of the Tiger and welcome people back to the city centre and the heart of Chinatown.
Central Sydney will light up for Lunar New Year festivities from 29 January to 13 February, with more than 80 events, exhibitions, concerts, outdoor displays and celebrations planned across the town day and night.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “There’s no doubt the past two years have been incredibly tough for our residents and local businesses, who have endured endless lockdowns and seen trade suffer.
“But in the Year of the Tiger, Sydney is ready to roar again, and we’re going to make sure there’s lots to celebrate, from Haymarket to The Rocks, from Cockle Bay to the CBD.
“At the heart of our celebrations this year is a strong desire to give Sydneysiders something to celebrate and give local businesses an opportunity to bounce back, especially in Chinatown, where restaurants continue to suffer the economic fallout of the pandemic."
MURRAY COD STOCKS SURPASS ONE MILLION
More than 5,000 Murray Cod fingerlings have been released in the Macquarie River at Dubbo, taking the total number of Murray Cod stocked in NSW waterways in 2021-22 to 1.27 million, eclipsing previous records.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said it smashed the previous state stocking record of 780,000 back in 2006-07.
“Stocking over a million fingerlings into NSW waterways is crucial to strengthening the Murray Cod populations,” Mr Saunders said.
The fingerlings were the progeny of fish rescued during the 2019 drought, as part of the NSW Government’s Native Fish Drought Response.
ACCOR ANNOUNCES NEW PACIFIC CEO
Sarah Derry has been appointed CEO of Accor Pacific, replacing Simon McGrath who is heading to Crown Resorts. She is currently Senior Vice President Talent and Culture at Accor.
Accor Chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin said: “Sarah's strategic expertise, gained over an impressive career in hospitality, will no doubt prove invaluable as our growth in the region continues.”
Ms Derry said: “Providing memorable world-class experiences for our guests and loyalty members while bringing our teams on the journey will continue to be a priority and I am looking forward to working closely with our owners, partners and industry colleagues."
BUILDING BETTER REGIONS FUNDING ROUND CLOSING
The Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund Round Six closes on 10 February 2022.
The Infrastructure Projects Stream supports investment-ready projects that provide economic and social benefits for regional and remote areas. Grants of $20,000 to $10 million to cover 50 per cent or more of eligible project costs are available.
The Community Investments Stream supports new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans or leadership and capability strengthening activities that provide economic and social benefits to regional and remote areas. Grants of $5000 to $1 million are available.
