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NSW TO BOOST TRANSPARENCY FOR TRAVEL INDUSTRY
The NSW Government is developing new regulations to improve and simplify travel provider terms and conditions.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson said NSW would develop a new information standard that will allow consumers to easily understand their rights if they need to cancel or defer travel.
“With the final COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and many of us booking travel across metropolitan and regional NSW, there’s never been a better time to ensure consumers are clear about what happens if they need to cancel or defer travel," Mr Anderson said.
“Nobody wants to wade through pages and pages of terms and conditions when booking a holiday but during COVID we’ve received thousands of complaints from members of the public who have unknowingly agreed to cancellation policies they weren’t happy with.”
Information standards will clearly outline key terms and conditions of the contract relating to cancellations, refunds and credits, processing fees and any other important exclusions.
“These changes mean that customers will be fully informed before they commit to a purchase helping them avoid an unexpected shock if they have to cancel or defer,” Mr Anderson said.
"NSW is proud to be leading the way with this important step to provide clarity and ensure continued consumer confidence in our travel industry."
The information standards are being developed in consultation with key industry players, including the Australian Federation for Travel Agents, and the NSW Government has launched a ‘Look Before You Book’ campaign to remind consumers to carefully consider the terms and conditions when making travel plans.
“The campaign includes a simple checklist that will help consumers plan their next holiday and ensure they are aware of their rights, especially when travel services have been cancelled, and what they need to consider before booking their next trip,” Mr Anderson said.
To find out more about the Look Before You Book campaign, visit here.
FREE TRAINING TO SUPPORT PUSH FOR THE BUSH THIS SUMMER
The NSW Government’s Summer Skills program is offering young people the opportunity to skill up and support the regions with 10,000 free training places across more than 800 courses delivered by TAFE NSW and 120 registered training providers.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in-demand short courses including hospitality, construction, agriculture, animal studies, shearing and wool harvesting, were available for free to people aged 16-24 years.
“We’re encouraging young people to go bush and combine learning with on-the-job experience this summer to support regional industries,” Mr Toole said.
“Now is the perfect time to get out, go and pick fruit in the regions, learn how to make a great coffee working for a local cafe or lend a hand to our farmers with free training funded by the NSW Government.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said it was a great opportunity for young people to take advantage of new freedoms in NSW.
“It’s been a challenging period especially for our young people, which is why we’re committed to skilling them up to take on a job anywhere in NSW ahead of a bumper summer,” Mr Lee said.
“This is about giving school leavers a leg up in their career and the opportunity to put their skills to use after what has been a challenging year.”
Celebrity Chef and Thankful4Farmers ambassador Matt Moran said encouraging young people to explore the regions and learn new skills was a great solution to the skills shortages the regions are facing.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to have a fun-filled adventure in our backyard, while also making a real difference in the community, learning valuable skills and forging new friendships along the way,” Mr Moran said.
Summer Skills program is funded under the joint Federal and State JobTrainer program and is available to people aged 16 to 24 who have left school and are living or working in NSW.
For more information and to enroll, visit here.
Young people looking for a gap year working in regional NSW can find out about work opportunities across the state by visiting here.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ASPIRING REGIONAL EVENT MANAGERS
The NSW Government will provide Diploma of Event Management scholarships to 20 up-and-coming event managers across regional NSW through a partnership with peak events industry body Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the scholarships would play an important role in stimulating new business event activity in regional communities.
“The business events sector presents a major opportunity for the visitor economy, particularly for regional NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
“We know that the best way forward is to help to create more jobs and these scholarships will do exactly that - giving people the tools and extra support needed to kick-start their careers.
“I congratulate the 20 scholarship recipients who are already making valuable contributions to their local communities and wish them every success as they begin their diploma studies and continue their journeys in the events sector.”
MEA Chief Executive Officer Peter McDonald said he was looking forward to welcoming the fourth intake of regional students at a time when creating skills is key to enhancing career opportunities in the regions.
"MEA's Diploma of Event Management is an events industry-built and delivered qualification. Our students gain an applied education by learning about sector concepts in real-world, real-time contexts. That regional NSW events are increasingly benefiting from the strong skillsets gained by the growing number of scholarship program graduates is testament to its quality and success,” Mr McDonald said.
“MEA is delighted to partner with the NSW Government and Destination NSW once again to welcome a new cohort of scholarship recipients and looks forward to supporting their event management learning and career journeys."
The scholarships are an initiative of the NSW Government’s $6 million Regional Conferencing Strategy and Action Plan.
The 20 recipients were selected by a panel, which included representatives from Destination NSW, MEA and the state’s six Destination Networks.
The list of recipients for 2021 can be found here.
GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Australians are being encouraged to give The Gift of Travel this holiday season and support the visitor economy, which has been doing it tough throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Gift of Travel campaign, which is the next phase of Tourism Australia’s push for people to Holiday Here This Year, features ambassadors Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster-Blake as they plan the perfect meaningful gift.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said the campaign was sure to get people excited and thinking about visiting new places, trying new things and visiting friends and family.
“The pandemic has left people wanting to make up for lost time and giving a travel experience will help people do just that,” Ms Harrison said.
“The Gift of Travel is about encouraging Australians to give more meaningful gifts this holiday season and in doing so give back to tourism operators and communities who have been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Last year, Australians spent, on average, $770 on gifts during the holiday season equating to $16 billion in total. If we can encourage people to spend just a fraction of that on travel instead, it would be a multi-billion-dollar boost for the tourism industry.
“Whilst the uncertainty around state borders can make booking challenging, the wonderful thing about giving a travel or experience voucher is that they will be there ready for use when restrictions allow and people are ready to go.”
“We know from our research that there are high levels of pent-up tourism demand in Australia, so by giving the gift of travel, people can be sure they are giving a gift that people will want. So, rather than giving socks give a surfing lesson or a walking tour,” Ms Harrison said.
Tourism Australia Chief Marketing Officer Susan Coghill said the latest travel sentiment data showed the majority of Australians were either thinking or dreaming about their next holiday and now was the time to convert that into gift vouchers and actual holiday bookings.
“There is a travel gift for everyone at every price point, so for a last-minute gift that will last a lifetime, get inspired at Australia.com.”
More information on the campaign can be found here.
NSW NATIONAL PARKS COMMITS TO NET ZERO BY 2028
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will become the first national parks agency in Australia to commit to being carbon positive, with the NSW Government’s release of the NPWS Carbon Positive Plan.
Minister for the Environment Matt Kean said it was another great first for NSW.
“By 2028 the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by our national parks will exceed the emissions generated by NPWS in managing those parks,” Mr Kean said.
“This is a visionary plan that highlights the importance of the national parks in combatting climate change alongside the critical role they already play in the conservation of biodiversity, providing home to 85 per cent of threatened species in the state.
“It’s all designed to position NPWS at the forefront of global environmental efforts.”
NPWS will implement actions to reduce its carbon footprint including switching to 100 per cent renewable energy, electric passenger vehicles, installing onsite solar PV, reducing waste and updating refrigeration and air conditioning assets with high efficiency models.
NPWS will also trial electric vehicle charging stations in key park areas to support the community to continue to visit national parks using electric vehicles.
National parks also represent one of the largest carbon stores in the state, protecting over 40 per cent of all forest carbon. NPWS will protect these existing carbon stores through effective fire management and invest in a suite of biodiversity-friendly carbon sequestration projects.
One of these is at Koonaburra, recently registered with the Clean Energy Regulator, where a regeneration project will boost investment in carbon and conservation works (enhanced feral animal management across the park) to remove around 900,000 tonnes of CO2 in the next 25 years.
The launch of the Plan coincides with the tabling of the Protected and Conserved Areas Joint Statement in Climate Change and Biodiversity at the recent United Nations climate meeting (COP26) in Glasgow, a declaration by protected area managers from around the world, including the NPWS.
“In signing this Statement the NSW Government acknowledges the critical importance of national parks and the commitment the NPWS has to implementing global nature-based solutions, such as revegetation, to managing our twin environmental crises: the accelerating destruction of nature and climate change,” Mr Kean said.
NPWS will also be one of the first government agencies to report biennially on climate-related financial risk, as part of the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosure and rigorous carbon accounting in alignment with national and international accounting standards.
NPWS is investigating the level of annual carbon sequestration by national parks, and additional data once analysed, may demonstrate a carbon positive position achieved before 2028.
The Carbon Positive by 2028 Plan is available here.
OPERA HOUSE GLOWS GOLD FOR DIWALI
The iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House shimmered in gold this week to mark the Diwali festival, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains around the world.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet joined Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward in watching the spectacular illumination and wishing those celebrating Diwali a safe and happy festival.
“Lighting up the Opera House is our chance to share in the joy of Diwali, an occasion that celebrates freedom, the triumph of good over evil and the renewed hope of a brighter future," Mr Perrottet said.
“The pandemic affected our ability to gather with loved ones and observe religious and cultural traditions as we normally would, so this year’s event is extra special.
“I wish all those celebrating the festival a safe and happy Diwali as they enjoy precious time with family and friends while staying COVID safe.”
Mrs Ward said Diwali brought together more than a billion people of Indian and South Asian heritage around the world.
“Diwali showcases our rich multicultural society here in NSW and is celebrated across various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism,” Mrs Ward said.
“By illuminating the Sydney Opera House, we are projecting the Diwali message of peace and hope across not just our state, but to the world.
“The projection of the brilliant hues of yellow and gold symbolise the traditional ceremonial candles lit during Diwali.”
STAY AND REDISCOVER VOUCHER ON ITS WAY
NSW residents aged 18 years and over will be able to apply for a $50 voucher to spend on accommodation including hotels,caravan parks, backpacker hostel and camping grounds across the state.
The $250 million expansion of the Stay & Rediscover voucher scheme is part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and investment of more than $500 million in support for tourism and events.
The registration process for all eligible businesses across NSW will open early in 2022 to ensure they’re ready to welcome guests as soon as the scheme launches in March 2022.
Eligible accommodation providers with a physical location in the City of Sydney local government area are invited to register now for Service NSW’s closed pilot program.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the much needed investment will help revive shuttered businesses and bring tourism providers back to their vibrant best.
“This was a one in one hundred year event which severely damaged our tourism industry, operators barely hung in there as they lost bookings, customers and staff, now as we rebuild we can do so with confidence,” Mr Ayres said.
For further information on the scheme or to register for the Sydney pilot visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/stay-rediscover.
If you need help with registration you can call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or book a call with a Business Concierge.
KIDS GET A KICK OUT OF DISCOUNTED TICKETS
Children who play football will have an opportunity to be front and centre at the upcoming games between the Matildas and world number one team the United States, with $5 tickets going on sale.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said kids aged 12 years and under, who are registered to play in Australia’s largest club-based participation sport, will be able to access the discounted tickets with an accompanying adult or concession ticket purchase, thanks to the Football Australia initiative.
“This is an exciting era in Australian women’s football and it’s great our sports-loving kids can witness world-class action right here in NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said this is another great coup for NSW and will help to get the state’s visitor economy back on track.
“NSW has kicked another goal bringing out the world champion US team to face-off against our mighty Matildas and is again leading the return of international sport as the nation’s home of football,” Mr Ayres said.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the upcoming blockbuster games were just a taste of what’s to come ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our kids who play football to cheer on their heroes right here on home soil,” Mrs Ward said.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said providing an occasion for the next generation of footballers to see their heroes live was essential for the game’s future.
To purchase tickets visit: Commonwealth Bank Matildas v USA tickets | Stadium Australia | Ticketek Australia
BUSINESS ADVISORY SUPPORT FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
A selection of events aimed at businesses in Western Sydney are being offered over the next two months, including webinars and face-to-face events, to help set up business owners for post-lockdown success.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres encouraged owners of small businesses across Western Sydney to attend the Business Connect events.
“The webinars are free of charge, and they provide a wealth of information for small business owners,” Mr Ayres said.
“As Western Sydney gets back into gear after lockdown, now is the perfect time for business owners to take stock and set plans in motion for a prosperous 2022.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the webinar topics included social media strategies for business, e-commerce and how to start a business, and some of the webinars would be in languages such as Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese.
“There will also be four face-to-face events on topics such as resilience and marketing, in Korean and Arabic.
“Western Sydney businesses were particularly hit hard by COVID and they made plenty of sacrifices in order to keep the community safe.”
Mr Tudehope said Business Connect, which offered a raft of other support for small businesses, had more than 70 events taking place across NSW until the end of the year to support businesses to bounce back.
For more information, visit here.
NEW FROG SPECIES ‘HOPPING’ INTO PROTECTION
A new frog species, discovered in Wollumbin National Park in northern NSW, is one of only two known species that store their tadpoles on their bodies.
Researchers from University of Newcastle and the South Australian Museum recently identified the species as distinct from its close relation, another ‘hip-pocket’ or pouched frog Assa darlingtoni, after genetic analysis.
Minister for Environment Matt Kean said the NSW Government took immediate action to protect the tiny frogs, declaring their habitat an Asset of Intergenerational Significance under the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
“This incredible discovery shows just how much we don’t know about the world around us, with this tiny 16mm frog found on just one isolated mountain in the Wollumbin National Park,” Mr Kean said.
“The small population size makes this frog more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which is why the NSW Government moved quickly to protect its habitat within days of being formally described.
“A conservation action plan will be developed to ensure the survival of this fascinating frog species, which has been living undiscovered high in the cool forest.”
The tiny frog population is confined to around 2,000 ha on Wollumbin Mountain (Bundjalung name for Mount Warning) in the Wollumbin National Park and is within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
The new species has been named Assa wollumbin sp.nov. in consultation with Aboriginal Elders of the Wollumbin Consultative Group.
Assets of Intergenerational Significance are areas of exceptional value that warrant special protection and are part of our commitment to zero-extinction within NSW national parks.
The research also revealed the new species will likely meet the criteria for listing as critically endangered due to its specific habitat needs and restricted distribution.
EOI SOUGHT FOR RGB CREATIVE
The NSW Government is calling for expressions of interest from arts, culture and screen organisations to apply for office and creative development spaces in RGB Creative – a short-term activation of the Registrar General’s Building within the Sydney CBD’s Macquarie Street East Precinct.
A diverse range of office and creative spaces are available in RGB Creative for up to 14-month tenancies from January 2022, with potential for a holding over period.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the NSW Government was committed to supporting arts, culture and screen organisations by providing affordable, centrally located spaces for them to operate and develop new content and performances.
“The arts, screen and cultural sectors were among the hardest hit during the pandemic. RGB Creative will provide much-needed new space for them to re-establish and re-engage with partners and community as the state reopens,” Mr Harwin said.
“The NSW Government is committed to activating the Registrar General’s Building by making it a shared space where organisations can work, collaborate and develop new ideas, creative content and performances for audiences to enjoy.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said opening up the Registrar General’s Building to arts, culture and screen organisations would activate the historic building in the short-term while long-term planning on the Macquarie Street East Precinct continued.
“I look forward to seeing this treasured building brought to life to deliver cultural, social and economic benefits to NSW,” Mrs Pavey said.
Applications are sought from organisations who can contribute to a creative environment and demonstrate effective use of the available spaces. Proposals should address existing sector or industry needs and support creative development and activity within NSW.
Applications close at 5pm on 29 November. For more information and to apply, visit www.create.nsw.gov.au
COCKLE BAY DEVELOPMENT ON EXHIBITION
A new public park spanning the Western Distributor and connecting Sydney’s CBD to Darling Harbour is part of a $891 million retail and office tower proposal currently on public exhibition.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the Cockle Bay development proposal, by a consortium of GPT, Brookfield and AMP Capital, brought together new waterfront offices, shops, restaurants and bars with the creation of new public space.
“The Western Distributor rips through the heart of Sydney, but this proposal seeks to resolve that with significant new public space to create new pedestrian connections between the city centre and one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations,” Mr Stokes said.
“Darling Harbour contributes $1.2 billion a year to the NSW economy and before COVID, hosted over 15 million visitors every year.
“This project is a huge vote of confidence in the future of the Sydney CBD. It will create 3,500 construction jobs and once completed will be home to 7,000 jobs.
“There will be new waterfront shops, restaurants and bars that will inject new life into this beautiful part of the city for future generations to come.”
Key features of the proposed development include the construction of a land bridge across the Western Distributor between Darling Harbour and Darling Park with two parks – one with more than 5,500 square metres and the other with over 1,000 square metres. It also includes a new 43-level office tower with four publicly accessible podium levels and 35 levels of commercial office space.
The proposal reflects renowned Danish architecture firm Henning Larsen’s winning entry in the proponent’s design excellence competition held in March 2020.
The community is invited to have their say on the project from 9 November to 6 December 2021. For more information on the proposal visit here.
GOVERNMENT REVIEW TO ENSURE BEST PRACTICE IN GRANTS
The NSW Government will conduct a review into the administration of grants programs in NSW to ensure that public money is spent fairly, effectively and transparently.
The review will also update the 2010 Good Practice Guide to Grants Administration.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said a review of grant procedures and systems would help to ensure the fairness and probity of current grant systems.
“Taxpayers expect the distribution of funds will be fair, I share that expectation,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Every dollar from NSW taxpayers is important. I am committed to making sure grant programs are fair, robust and follow best practice when those dollars are put to work in the community.”
Department of Premier and Cabinet will lead the review in partnership with the Productivity Commissioner.
Treasurer Matt Kean said grants programs were a key way the NSW Government invests in the productivity and prosperity of our state.
“The public expects us to deliver value for money and that we are investing in things that improve our quality life, our productivity and set our state up for the future,” Mr Kean said.
The review will consider:
- Guidelines from other jurisdictions that have been identified as best practice
- Recommendations made by NSW parliamentary, integrity and oversight bodies
- Best practice risk assessment and frameworks for grants administration and assurance and adopt key principles
- The existing NSW policy and legislative context.
The final report and any recommendations will be delivered to the Premier and Treasurer in April 2022.
BLAK MARKETS IS BACK
Blak Markets is back live on Bare Island on 13 November 2021 from 11.30am through to 5.00pm.
The markets will feature authentic Aboriginal stallholders selling arts, crafts and bushfoods.
Visitors can also enjoy a bushfood cooking demonstration by Indigenous Executive Chef, Matthew Atkins of Plate Events who will profile some of the amazing native ingredients developed by First Nations Businesses around Australia.
There will also be performances by Marcus Corowa and Traditional Aboriginal Cultural group Milan Dhiiyaan.
Blak Markets attendees are required to register here.
All proceeds raised will go towards employing local Indigenous youth.
BYRON BAY PLEDGE
With the restart of intrastate travel and the progressive re-opening of state and territory borders, visitor economy stakeholders in the Byron Shire are encouraging visitors to consider the Byron Way Pledge.
The Bryon Way Pledge is a set of tourism principles visitors can sign to pledge respect for the local environment and community.
The pledge was created by Byron Youth Theatre members in collaboration with ecotourism operators, local Arakwal woman Delta Kay and other groups in the community.
For more information on the pledge and to sign up, visit here.
READY TO RAISE THE CURTAIN AT WALSH BAY
The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is almost complete and opened this week for a sneak peek of what will soon be a hub for Sydney’s performing arts and culture.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin visited Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay to inspect progress at the precinct.
“The team is now completing the final touches on the building and fine-tuning the performance and rehearsal spaces, before the resident companies move in and start rehearsals in their new studios in early 2022,” Mr Harwin said.
For more information, visit here.
WINNING
HAWKESBURY PHOTOS
Daniel B. from Hornsby has taken out the Our Hawkesbury Riverphoto competition with his winning shot titled Blue Bobbin Bioluminescence.
Hornsby Shire Council’s General Manager Steven Head said the competition’s photos were so exceptional, they are looking to showcase them in a range of ways starting with a 2022 calendar.
“It was extremely tough judging this competition, and while there were only three winners, 14 finalist photos will be featured in the calendar to thank entrants for participating,” Mr Head said.
The competition was a collaboration across six local councils. Subscribe for updates on the calendar here.
$105 MILLION FOR EV FLEETS
The NSW Government has announced $105 million worth of new incentives to drive up electric vehicle (EV) purchases for commercial and council fleets.
Fleet operators will be able to reduce their emissions by an average of five tonnes of CO2 per vehicle and save up to $3,100 on annual running costs compared to an internal combustion engine.
The first round of the EV fleets incentive will open on 30 November 2021. The incentives will be delivered through a reverse auction process, with bidding rounds open approximately every six months until the end of 2024.
For more information, visit here.
COVID VAXX PRACTICING
BUSINESSES
A new COVID Vaxx Practicing Business module is now available for businesses who want to communicate that they have initiated policies and procedures regarding vaccinations within their workplace.
This new module can be completed in under 15 minutes and is available to tourism businesses accredited through the Quality Tourism Framework.
If not accredited, businesses can apply for accreditation and complete the COVID Vaxx Practicing Business requirements via a combined process within the Quality Tourism Framework. To register, visit here.
