Lifeline for major events in NSW
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NSW GOVERNMENT PROVIDES LIFELINE
FOR MAJOR EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Major events and festivals that have been cancelled or significantly disrupted by COVID-19 Public Health Orders will be supported by funding through the NSW Government’s Event Saver Fund.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “Major events are a key economic driver that create thousands of jobs across the state. The Event Saver Fund will ensure that organisers aren’t left high and dry as we work through this latest phase of the pandemic and sends a strong signal that the Government is here to support business.”
Major event organisers will be able to pay suppliers, staff and recover other costs where an event is cancelled or significantly disrupted as a result of public health orders imposed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said: “As we look to rebound from the effects of the past two years, this funding will help support local jobs and ensure major event organisers can plan with confidence to safely deliver their events in 2022/23.”
Industry groups have welcomed the announcement. APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said the initiative was “an important first step in ensuring that the live music industry in NSW can survive this latest wave”.
The Australian Festivals Association chair Julia Robinson said the package was “really great for building confidence” and would help events recover some of the costs they have lost.
NEW VISA INCENTIVES TO BRING STUDENT
& BACKPACKER WORKERS TO NSW
The Australian Government has announced a series of visa measures to provide an incentive for fully vaccinated Student and Working Holiday Maker visa holders to return to Australia and help address current workforce shortages caused by COVID-19.
Working Holiday Maker visa holders who come to Australia during the next 12 weeks will be eligible for a refund of their Visa Application Charge. Any Student visa holder who comes to Australia during the next eight weeks will be eligible for a refund of their Visa Application Charge.
The Government has supported Australian businesses during the pandemic by allowing Student visa holders to work additional hours in critical sectors. Due to current workforce shortages, the Government is temporarily extending this arrangement by removing the limit on Student visa holders’ working hours across all sectors of the economy. This will be reviewed in April 2022.
Additionally, there is no limit on the length of time Working Holiday Makers can work for the same employer until the end of 2022.
The measures will also be supported by a $3 million Tourism Australia advertising campaign.
The Accommodation Association has welcomed the announcement. CEO Richard Munro said it was a "step in the right direction" to address workforce losses.
Business Council executive director Jess Wilson said: "We welcome the Government’s sensible changes to boost the workforce, keep businesses functioning and ensure Australians can access the products and services they need.
"Not only do critical labour shortages risk holding back our recovery, but they put serious strain on supply chains across the economy and force businesses to close their doors."
President of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australia Nicole Walker said: "To launch the program with such detail is warmly received and enables our members to make informed decisions around the support available as well as confidence to plan for exhibitions and events over the next 12 months."
CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA DAY ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
Sydney Harbour will be the vibrant hub for an array of Australia Day events and activities on 26 January 2022.
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said: “This Australia Day, everyone is encouraged to reflect, respect and celebrate our nation and our people — it is an opportunity to open our hearts, respect our differences, and celebrate our strength, our generosity and our strong sense of community.
“It’s a day where we can acknowledge the significant contributions that everyone makes to our nation, from First Nations Australians who have lived here for 65,000 years and everyday Australians doing extraordinary things to keep us safe, to our newest citizens who bring richness and strength from many cultures.”
As the sun rises on Australia Day, First Nations artwork will be projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House, while a WugulOra Morning Ceremony will take place at Headland Stage in Barangaroo Reserve. The event will honour the traditional custodians of the land, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
Among the must-see moments throughout the day will be a new-look Ferrython, celebrating our multicultural community and the vessels’ namesakes. The Tall Ships Race will also be a highlight, with the impressive fleet of historic and charter vessels starting their race from Bradley’s Head and finishing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The celebrations will culminate with fireworks and an Australia Day Live concert at Sydney Opera House, with projections on the sails, paying tribute to all Australians.
Australia Day Live will also be broadcast live on ABC TV and ABC iview from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
This event is produced by the NSW Government and The Australia Day Council of NSW.
RENT RELIEF EXTENDED FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The NSW Government has extended its rent relief regulations until 13 March 2022 to help small businesses that are continuing to face challenges due to COVID-19.
Treasurer Matt Kean said: “With staff shortages and reduced foot traffic, many businesses are struggling now, but the ability to negotiate rent will give them a buffer so they can keep the lights on and recover more quickly.
“We appreciate and acknowledge the constructive approach of commercial owners in working together with their tenants in these very challenging circumstances.”
Commercial and retail tenants are eligible for the rent relief if they have an annual turnover of less than $5 million and continue to meet the eligibility criteria for JobSaver or the Micro-business Grant, had those programs continued.
Landlords of tenants that have received protections for any period under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2022 are prohibited from evicting their tenants for certain breaches of the lease, without first attending mediation.
NSW landowners also have more time to apply for land tax relief, with applications extended until 28 February for eligible commercial and residential landowners.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3000 per month per property.
Find out more about land tax relief here and the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund here.
CENTRAL COAST MAKES
ITS BEACHES MORE ACCESSIBLE
Central Coast Council has provided beach wheelchairs at 13 beaches and installed beach matting at four popular locations to improve access for people with limited mobility or living with a disability.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said: “With an abundance of beautiful beaches on the Coast, heading to the beach is a major part of our community’s lifestyle and these natural assets attract hundreds of tourists to our region each year.
“Providing beach wheelchairs and beach matting improves access and inclusion and ensures everyone can join in and enjoy our coastline.”
Following a successful trial last summer, beach matting has also been installed at Toowoon Bay, Umina Beach, Ocean Beach and Terrigal Beach this season. The bright, blue matting is rolled out and secured over the sand and usable by all beach goers providing a stable, non-slip, cool surface particularly for people who may use wheelchairs, mobility aids, or prams to have easier access across the sand.
SYDNEY REVS UP FOR MOTORSPORT
CHAMPIONSHIP
Sydney Motorsport Park will host one of the biggest rounds of this year's Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships on 27-29 May 2022.
Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “We are proud to be able to showcase Sydney’s world-class motorsport facilities following the NSW Government's upgrade to Sydney Motorsport Park.
“We are focused on delivering high-quality events like the Motorsport Australia Championships to reaffirm Sydney’s position as the sporting capital of Australia.”
Eugene Arocca, CEO Motorsport Australia, said: “This event will provide motorsport fans with plenty of variety and competitive action, along with the opportunity to visit the pit paddock.
“Sydney Motorsport Park offers up some of the best facilities in the country, thanks to the NSW Government’s continued investment in the circuit.”
NEW CEO APPOINTED
FOR SUPERCARS
Supercars and Racing Australia has appointed its long-serving Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard as its new CEO.
His remit is to continue to drive the growth and success of Supercars both domestically and internationally into 2022 and beyond.
Mr Howard has spent nearly 20 years within Supercars management, having first worked with the organisation at the 1997 Bathurst 1000. He is the key liaison with various government organisations.
Supercars Chairman Barclay Nettlefold said: “As an incredibly talented businessman, Shane brings many great qualities and experience to the leadership role within the organisation.
"He has a deep understanding of the sport, teams, key stakeholders and fans.
“With Gen3 hitting the track in 2023 and international borders beginning to reopen, he has a clear strategic vision for the future of Supercars."
HELP TAKE MANLY COVE INTO THE FUTURE
A new vision for Manly Cove is taking shape, with plans for an upgrade to Manly Wharf 3 and the removal of the former Manly Sea Life site.
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Manly Wharf upgrade would improve access for mobility impaired customers and those with prams, and offer better protection from wind, rain and sun.
“The community has overwhelmingly shared a view that the former Manly Sea Life building is not suitable and should be removed, returning the area to the community and expanding public waterfront access," Mr Griffin said.
“This project is planning to reunite the beautiful heritage buildings on the West Esplanade with the waterfront, while expanding the boardwalk with space for recreation and outdoor dining options.
"We are encouraging residents, businesses and commuters to jump online and ensure your voice is heard as we move forward with these projects.”
FUNDING FOR REGIONAL TOURING PERFORMING ARTS
The latest round of the Australia Council’s Playing Australia touring program will provide $5.5 million in funding to help music, theatre, circus and dance productions visit 151 locations across rural and regional Australia.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the funding would support 16 creative projects.
Recipients include Critical Stages Touring and Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People. There is also a large focus on First Nations representation, with Archie Roach to perform across regional NSW.
The closing date for the next round of the Australia Council's Playing Australia funding is
1 March 2022.
NEW NSW MEMBERS JOIN DISCOVER ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCES
Burrawa Indigenous Climb Experience and Firescreek Botanical Winery Aboriginal Experiences have joined Discover Aboriginal Experiences, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia program.
Each member of the program is considered a world-class leader in Aboriginal tourism.
Burrawa Indigenous Climb Experience sees guests climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the
company of an Aboriginal storyteller, who shares fascinating cultural insights on the journey.
The Firescreek Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience takes guests on a sensory adventure blending bush foods, music and Dreaming stories.
DON'T MISS OUT ON FREE SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING
Presenters from Facebook and the Destination NSW social media team have created five free webinars to help tourism businesses improve their social media skills.
The 60-minute webinars feature tips on driving bookings and engagement through social media, plus how to make the most of Destination NSW social channels and initiatives such as the Feel New brand campaign.
Topics covered include: 'Inspire Action on Instagram', 'Optimising Your Facebook Presence', 'Capturing Social Content on Your Phone', 'Engage Your Audience on Social Media' and 'Create Stories on Social Media'.
The webinars are online until 11 February 2022.
