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NSW ON THE ROAD TO REOPENING
NSW will take its first steps towards reopening as the state this week passed the 70 per cent double vaccination target.
With the first vaccination milestone being reached, the NSW Government is also easing a number of restrictions as part of the Reopening NSW roadmap, which will allow fully vaccinated adults to enjoy more freedoms from Monday 11 October.
The changes to the 70 per cent roadmap will allow up to 10 visitors (not counting children 12 years and under) to a home (previously five); lift the cap on outdoor gatherings to 30 people (previously 20); and increase the cap for weddings and funerals to 100 people (previously 50).
Indoor pools will also re-open for swimming lessons, squad training, lap swimming, and rehab activities.
On the Monday after the state clears the 80 per cent double vaccination hurdle, further restrictions will be relaxed, with people able to have up to 20 visitors (excluding children 12 years and under) to a home (previously 10), and up to 50 people will be allowed to gather outdoors (previously 20).
Up to 3,000 people will be allowed to attend controlled and ticketed outdoor events (previously 500); nightclubs will be permitted to reopen for seated drinking only (no dancing); and masks will no longer be required in office buildings.
All roadmap freedoms at 70 and 80 per cent will continue to be for fully vaccinated people only.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the common-sense changes would help life return to normal as soon as possible.
“Vaccinations are the key to life returning to normal and the changes today will help family and friends reconnect, get kids back to school and get businesses back up and running sooner,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW is putting in the hard yards and it’s important people continue to turn out in droves to be vaccinated.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said workers in regional areas who had received one vaccination dose would be permitted to return to their workplace from 11 October and would be given a grace period until 1 November to receive their second dose.
Regional areas are those outside Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast.
“This move ensures we get businesses in the regions re-opened and local economies buzzing again. It's about ensuring we make this a roadmap that works for everyone,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said these changes would help get more people back into work, especially in Western Sydney.
“We're on the road back to normal and most importantly reaching these vaccination targets means people can reunite with family and friends, celebrate key moments in their lives and businesses can open their doors and get back to work in a safe way,” Mr Ayres said.
Business NSW said confirmation that businesses would be able to reopen was a cause for celebration within the business and broader community.
“We have reached the milestone quicker than initially expected, thanks to the community across NSW stepping up,” said Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter.
“We are encouraging people to use the hashtag #backtobusiness in their social media posts to share with us how they are going to celebrate on the day.
“The #backtobusiness campaign is about celebrating businesses of all shapes and sizes that have been decimated by the lockdowns – and showing the gratitude, strength and resilience of the community,” Mr Hunter said.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
Note that as the stay-at-home orders will be lifted Monday 11 October and replaced by the roadmap settings, the list of Local Government Areas of concern will cease to exist.
For the latest information visit: nsw.gov.au.
REGIONAL TRAVEL JUST WEEKS AWAY
People in Greater Sydney are just weeks away from being able to enjoy holidays and day trips to the regions as COVID travel restrictions start to ease.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the State had this week passed a major milestone, passing the 70 per cent double vaccination target.
“From Monday, we’ll see a number of restrictions ease across NSW and many businesses start to re-open. Travel will also be allowed between regional local government areas including for holidays for fully vaccinated people,” Mr Toole said.
“However, it will still be a few more weeks before people from Greater Sydney can travel out to the regions for holidays or recreation.”
Travel for holidays and recreation between Greater Sydney and Regional NSW (and vice versa) will not be permitted from Monday, 11 October.
Greater Sydney includes the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast.
Under the Reopening NSW roadmap, travel for holidays and recreation between Greater Sydney and the regions (and vice versa) will only be permitted for those who are fully vaccinated once the State reaches the 80 per cent mark.
“We know people are busting to get out and explore the best of the bush – and we look forward to welcoming fully vaccinated travelers, but this is not something we’re going to rush. It’s important we continue to push up vaccination rates before that happens and ensure we keep regional communities safe,” Mr Toole said.
Travel between Greater Sydney and the regions remains permissible for a range of reasons including for work, medical and caring reasons, and on compassionate grounds.
Image: Destination NSW, Barraba Silos, Barraba.
HOSPITALITY WORKERS VACCINATION DRIVE
A Super Sunday vaccination drive is being held on Sunday 10 October for hospitality workers across NSW.
All hospitality workers are eligible for a priority first-dose Pfizer vaccination appointment on Super Sunday.
Workers across all hospitality sectors are encouraged to come forward including:
- Club workers
- Restaurant workers
- Hotel workers
Appointments are available now at more than 3,000 locations across the state with a choice of vaccine, including pharmacies, GPs and NSW Health clinics.
Hospitality workers across NSW are encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible.
Check the Vaccine Clinic Finder to find the next available appointment at a nearby location.
NSW MINISTRY TO DELIVER SAFE, STRONG RECOVERY
The new Premier of NSW, Dominic Perrottet, this week announced his new NSW Cabinet team to continue the Government’s work to keep people safe, open up the economy and secure a strong recovery.
Mr Perrottet said minimal changes had been made to Cabinet, to ensure stability and continuity for the people of NSW as the state rapidly approaches its reopening targets.
“Despite the challenges of recent days, our Government has not stopped working for the people of NSW, and the Ministry sworn in this week will hit the ground running,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our undivided focus is getting the people of NSW back on their feet, getting kids back in school, people in jobs and businesses open, so we can reclaim the freedoms we have all had to sacrifice for so long.”
A small number of necessary changes in Ministerial portfolios include the appointment of Paul Toole as Deputy Premier; Matt Kean as Treasurer and Minister for Energy and the Environment; and Rob Stokes as Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Minister for Transport and Roads.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres takes on the additional portfolio of Trade and Industry.
“This is a team with the energy and experience to lead our state out of lockdowns to a safe, strong, successful recovery, and then get back to building a better future for NSW, Mr Perrottet said.”
The new Cabinet was sworn in at Government House on 6 October. To view the full Ministry, go to:
SHOWCASING SYDNEY IN NEW IMAGE COLLECTION
The Destination NSW Content Library houses a comprehensive collection of images, videos and editorial content showcasing destinations and experiences across Sydney and NSW.
The Content Library provides visitor economy stakeholders, travel media, government agencies and select commercial partners with a range of assets that can be used to promote NSW as a travel destination.
The Destination NSW team has recently produced a suite of video, photography and editorial content, highlighting a huge variety of experiences on offer in Sydney.
The engaging imagery and video plus complementary editorial features can be accessed through the website.
With summer around the corner and the NSW Government relaxing restrictions in October, this fresh content showcases the best our vibrant Harbour City has to offer. From yoga beside an ocean pool to world-class art galleries, the activities captured in the new suite of content demonstrate Sydney's natural beauty and rich cultural offering.
With a spotlight on the nightlife scene, as well as arts and culture experiences, the visual assets were captured during a number of shoots, including Sydney Solstice and LGBTQI+ lifestyle content shoots.
The Destination NSW editorial team has written bespoke features to accompany the new visual assets, for content inspiration or to publish on stakeholders’ own channels.
The Destination NSW ContentED newsletter is available to all registered Content Library users. To access the Content Library, please register here.
Contact: content.library@dnsw.com.au.
AMEX SIGNS AS PRINCIPAL PARTNER OF MARDI GRAS
American Express has commenced an exclusive three-year principal partnership with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Additionally, the company will partner with Sydney WorldPride in 2023 - tipped to be the largest event held in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games, and a southern hemisphere first.
As principal partner, American Express will work alongside Sydney Mardi Gras and Sydney WorldPride teams to bring to life a festival of events across Greater Sydney that reflects and celebrates our diverse LGBTQI+ communities.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said they were very proud to have American Express join the Mardi Gras family as principal partner.
“As a global brand, they have the capacity to help spread the Mardi Gras message of equality far and wide. While locally, American Express will help us immensely as we work with LGBTQI+ businesses to re-ignite the vibrancy and economy of our valued gaybourhoods across Australia,” he said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney said Sydney was the undisputed events capital of Australia.
“This commitment from American Express will support three years of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, as well as Sydney WorldPride 2023 – helping to reinvigorate our night-time economy and arts and culture scene as we emerge from the pandemic. We can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the world back to Sydney.”
Stephen Maoudis, co-lead of American Express’ colleague PRIDE+ Network said being able to show up as your true self to work was pivotal at American Express.
“An inclusive environment that thrives on individuality and acceptance is at the heart of our culture. Our dedicated PRIDE+ Network is committed to raising awareness and advancing changes that allow all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, to be respected and valued. Through this new partnership, we look forward to bringing these values and actions into the wider community.”
Photo by James D Morgan/Getty Images
16 TEAMS INCH CLOSER TO BASKETBALL WORLD CUP
Following the conclusion of the FIBA Women’s Continental Cups, 16 national teams are a step closer to securing one of 12 available spots at FIBA's flagship competition, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022, set to take place in Sydney next September.
With the competition returning to Australian shores for the first time in 27 years, the Australian Opals have secured their ticket as the host nation and reigning World Cup champions Team USA join them as automatic qualifiers by winning the recent Tokyo Olympic Games.
The remaining nations will fight it out at the February tournaments for the last 10 spots of the 12-team field for the main event in Sydney from 22 September to 1 October 2022.
Minister for Investment, Jobs, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said, as Australia’s home of global sporting contests, Sydney was the perfect city to host the prestigious World Cup next September.
“Sydney will provide a spectacular backdrop for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 - from our world-class sporting facilities to our beautiful landscapes, enviable lifestyle and wealth of attractions, our Harbour City has so much to offer visitors and viewers from around the globe,” Mr Ayres said.
"With less than one year before we welcome to Sydney the world's best basketballers, their support crew and fans, we're eagerly awaiting the qualifying tournaments to learn which nations will battle it out in what will be the best ever Women's Basketball World Cup."
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward congratulated the 16 teams who have taken an important step towards qualifying for World Cup glory.
“It’s now less than a year to go before the world’s best basketballers take to the court in Sydney and I have no doubt these incredible athletes will do their countries proud,” Mrs Ward said.
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and the Office of Sport.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE OF 'GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY'
The NSW Government has locked in another huge win for Sydney by securing the Australian premiere of the critically acclaimed musical Girl from the North Country, starring celebrated television and theatre actor Lisa McCune.
Girl from the North Country, by playwright Conor McPherson, boldly reimagines 25 legendary Bob Dylan songs including Hurricane, Lay Lady Lay and Like a Rolling Stone, in the modern masterpiece.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said securing the Australian premiere of the Broadway and West End prodigy was a major coup for Sydney and would drive economic benefit for NSW through job creation and visitor expenditure.
“Securing innovative, world-class productions for Sydney adds exclusivity and variety to our events calendar, while supporting key priorities of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030,” Mr Ayres said.
“Musicals are a major contributor to the NSW visitor economy, and we look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to see this musical come to life on the stage and enjoy all that Sydney has to offer.
“Staging the Australian premiere of Girl from the North Country in Sydney’s newly refurbished Theatre Royal is fitting as Australia’s creative industries epicentre, and we look forward to welcoming guests to this unique, critically lauded production.”
Based on a book by Conor McPherson, Girl from the North Country is an uplifting and joyful story of American life in 1930s Minnesota and fuses multiple storylines with Bob Dylan’s music and has received two Olivier Awards.
Girl from the North Country has been secured by Destination NSW in partnership with GWB Entertainment, Damien Hewitt and Sydney Festival by arrangement with Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment.
The production will play at the Theatre Royal Sydney as part of Sydney Festival for a ten-week season from 6 January to 20 March 2022. For information and tickets go to northcountry.com.au
DIGITAL GAMES INDUSTRY POWERED UP IN NSW
NSW is set to become the leading destination for digital game designers, creators, and innovators thanks to a competitive Digital Games Development Rebate that will bolster the state’s strength across the creative industries.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, said that, from 1 October, the NSW Government would widen its current 10 per cent post, digital and visual effects (PDV) rebate to eligible digital games projects in NSW.
“ThIs incentive will help create jobs in NSW and boost export potential in this fast-growing field which is valued at more than $250 billion globally,” Mr Ayres said.
The announcement is on top of recent Commonwealth Government incentives in the sector and positions NSW at the forefront of attracting and fostering game developers.
“Our world-renowned universities and technical talent were already drawcards for the industry, and this incentive is the level-up that will make NSW the most desirable place for digital games companies to set up and export to the world,” Mr Ayres said.
“As an export-focused sector, this initiative will help NSW-based digital games developers showcase their skills and innovation to a global audience. It will also help them create more jobs as they look to take on the world in this highly competitive industry.”
Minister Ayres said that the skills developed by digital games companies in NSW would also benefit other industries, including robotics, health, space, and defence.
“Great game developers push technology and innovation to its limits and the skills used by these programmers, engineers and developers means they are at the forefront of innovation and the jobs of tomorrow.”
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said that the PDV rebate had already delivered strongly to keep NSW competitive as the location of choice for the film industry.
“The NSW PDV rebate has attracted major international visual effects studio Industrial Light & Magic to Sydney, bringing a pipeline of work, exposure to revolutionary work methods and creating highly skilled jobs.”
RECORD FUNDING FOR ARTS IN REGIONAL NSW
Audiences in regional NSW will have more access to quality arts and culture experiences thanks to NSW Government’s commitment of $12 million over the next four years for small to medium and major arts organisations to take their shows on the road.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said audiences, artists and regional economies wreap the rewards and assist the state’s COVID-19 recovery with the $24 million Arts and Cultural Funding Program uplift secured through the 2021/22 State Budget.
“We are more than doubling the total level of funding for the Create NSW Regional Arts Touring Program, which also includes a 171 per cent uplift for the small to medium arts sector competitive open rounds and capacity building for arts companies to tour in regional NSW. This will enable many of the state’s most vibrant orchestras, ensembles, theatre productions, contemporary musicians, and gallery collections to reach every corner of NSW,” Mr Harwin said.
“Following extensive industry consultation, we will now offer two rounds of Regional Arts Touring funding each year, a new multi-year round, and we have removed barriers to applying to help more arts companies tour their programs and projects across regional NSW.”
The increase in funding to the Create NSW Regional Arts Touring Program is part of the NSW Government’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP) commitment of $271 million from 2021-2025.
Applications for Round 1 of Regional Arts Touring project funding are now open.
Visit the Create NSW website for more information and to apply here.
CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES WINS THE PRIZE FOR PIVOTING
Captain Cook Cruises Sydney has been named one of five winners in the Klook Pandemic Pivot Awards 2021 from hundreds of travel operators across Australia. The award celebrates travel operators that have adapted to the uncertainty and unpredictable nature of the past 12 months.
Captain Cook Cruises received the award from Klook for the development of the Harbour Bar, Sydney’s first hop-on, hop-off floating bar for Sydneysiders.
“Working with Klook has been an absolute pleasure. They were one of the first OTAs to support our new Harbour Bar & Restaurant range and the response from their clients was fantastic.” said Richard Doyle, General Manager Global Sales for SeaLink, the parent company of Captain Cook Cruises Sydney.
“Being recognised with this award highlights both the ability of the travel industry to adapt and the vital role building strong relationships with distribution partners continues to play,” said Mr Doyle.
The Harbour Bar & Restaurant will re-open to the public from 22 October 2021. For further information and bookings, contact Captain Cook Cruises on (02) 9206 1111 or visit captaincook.com.au
ROYAL RANDWICK WELCOMES BACK FANS FOR EVEREST
The NSW Government has confirmed that Royal Randwick will host 5,000 fully vaccinated spectators for The TAB Everest, on Saturday 16 October, with the state having passed the 70 per cent double-dose vaccination target.
Minister for Better Regulation and Minister responsible for Racing Kevin Anderson said the racing industry in NSW stood above the rest when it came to operating in a COVID-safe way, contributing more than $3.5 billion annually to the NSW economy and acting as a significant employer for almost 14,000 people in metropolitan and regional NSW.
“Spring wouldn’t be spring without The Everest and the prospect of having crowds trackside at Royal Randwick for the world’s richest race on turf is very exciting,” Mr Anderson said.
“The thoroughbred industry stood tall throughout the worst of the pandemic, keeping thousands in work and even more entertained with some sensational racing already taking place this year.”
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said the NSW Government had led the way in seeing vaccination rates substantially increase, allowing Sydney to prepare to open up major events such as The Everest again.
FUNDING BOOST FOR TRAVEL AGENTS
Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan, has announced a funding boost for eligible Australian travel agents and tour arrangement service providers with multiple shopfronts or retail premises.
Effective from 6 October, they are being invited to apply for a one-off $10,000 funding boost for each of their outlets.
The additional funding is on top of support provided to travel agents via the $258 million Consumer Travel Support Program, JobKeeper program and business support grants,” Mr Tehan said.
"When Australians can travel again, our travel agents will be busy people, and our Government is supporting them to be prepared to meet that demand," he said.
Applicants for the additional funding must have already received a grant under Round One or Two of the Consumer Travel Support Program, and their outlets must continue to operate at the time of the grant application.
Applications are now open until 3 November with details at austrade.gov.au.
NEW COVID-19 FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
The NSW Government has established a new Hardship Review Panel to consider support for businesses experiencing financial hardship that do not qualify for COVID-19 business support measures.
The panel will assess on a case-by-case basis businesses which did not meet the eligibility requirements for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant, Micro-business Grant and JobSaver payments.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the Review Panel would help those businesses experiencing genuine financial hardship that were ineligible previously for support payments and grants.
“COVID-19 has affected so many businesses in NSW and even though we have a number of support measures in place, there are still some businesses under severe financial strain that aren’t eligible for assistance for a number of reasons. We want to plug that gap as much as we can,” Mr Tudehope said.
The Review Panel will include representatives from Revenue NSW, NSW Treasury and Service NSW and will make recommendations on businesses’ eligibility for relevant support payments and grants.
More information here.
EXPO 2020 DUBAI TAKES NSW TO STAGE
Expo 2020 Dubai is officially underway, with the NSW Government offering businesses across the state the chance to take part in the international platform and embrace the opportunity to showcase NSW goods and services to the globe.
Running from October 2021 to March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to be hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region and is expected to attract more than 25 million visitors both in person and virtually from 192 countries.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said Expo 2020 Dubai was a unique opportunity to connect NSW businesses with global audiences, especially as the world navigates a path out of COVID-19 restrictions.
“Expo comes around only once every five years and presents us with a global platform to showcase NSW’s strengths as a source of high-quality goods and services, a great place to visit and study, and also as an attractive investment destination and partner in innovation,” Mr Ayres said.
Investment NSW is a major partner in the Commonwealth Government’s ‘Australia Pavilion.’ To find out more: World Expo in Dubai - Investment NSW.
CENTRAL COAST SPOTLIGHT ON SUSTAINABILITY
The Central Coast has been selected as a finalist in the international Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories Competition for 2021.
Every year, the competition collects outstanding innovative Good Practice Stories from destinations worldwide to inspire travellers, as well as tourism professionals.
This year, five Australian destinations made it onto the Top 100 List - the largest number to date - but the Central Coast was the only destination in NSW to be awarded a finalist position.
The competition recognises the hard work involved in creating a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry, while also creating good experiences for local communities and travellers.
The opportunity to enter the Top 100 was made possible through a partnership between Destination Central Coast and Ecotourism Australia, as part of the ECO Destination Certification program, funded by WWF-Australia.
The Central Coast’s winning story focused on the ‘Love Central Coast’ campaign, which recognises the intrinsic value of the Central Coast’s natural and cultural assets. More information: Lovecentralcoast.com
BIG BASS TO WASH UP IN CARRAMAR
A giant 25-metre, fish-shaped playspace known as ‘The Big Bass’ will soon be reeled-in at Carramar in Sydney’s south-west.
The new playspace is part of a $2 million upgrade of the eight-hectare Carrawood Park, inspired by the park’s location near the Prospect Creek and a celebration of First Nation’s culture.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the upgrades included new barbecues, picnic facilities and the preservation of Cumberland Plain Woodland.
“Goulburn has the big merino, Ballina has the big prawn and now Carramar has the big bass,” Mr Stokes said.
Carrawood Park is one of eight open spaces including George Kendall Riverside Park, Kempt Field, Tench Reserve, Carrawood Park, Frenchs Forest, Appin Park, Belrose and Leppington to be created or upgraded as part of the NSW Government’s $50 million Parks for People program.
Upgrades to Carrawood Park are set to begin early next year for completion by the end of 2022. More information can be found here.
