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BUSINESS NSW UNVEILS TOP TOURISM TOWN
AWARD WINNERS
Berrima and Mudgee have been named NSW’s Top Tourism Towns, voted by the public and an industry panel as the top destinations for an outstanding visitor experience.
The Southern Highlands and country NSW favourites were crowned winners of the inaugural awards by Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres at the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in Port Macquarie this week.
“There’s a real buzz about regional NSW right now and with incredible destinations such as Berrima and Mudgee to visit it’s easy to understand why,” Mr Ayres said.
“These vibrant communities with unique visitor experiences, authentic hospitality and world-class tourism operators make NSW the envy of all other states, and the place to be when it comes to regional Australian escapes.
“Regional visitor economies are on the road to recovery and the Destination NSW and Roy Morgan Weekly Visitor Tourism Tracking Index shows that the total number of visitors across regional NSW is approximately 20 per cent above the where we were at mid-October last year.
“The data also tells us that in the last six weeks alone, interstate travel has risen and 36 per cent of visitors to regional NSW are interstate visitors, up from 23 per cent in mid-February.
“These awards showcase NSW’s strengths, and with the ‘visitor-first’ approach shown by the 52 entrants, the program is a great platform to demonstrate our State is in a fantastic position to be the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific by 2030.”
Mudgee was praised for its great community spirit and the way it welcomes visitors from far and wide to sample its wines, food and warm hospitality. Historic Berrima was admired for being a beautifully preserved Georgian town with amazing food and friendly people.
The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council and celebrate towns with a population of less than 5000, and a population of more than 5000.
“Tourism Associations, Councils, Local Chambers and Visitor Information Centres collaborated to enter their towns in the awards,” said NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Manager, Greg Binskin.
“Entrants submitted a short video, itinerary and editorial article which was reviewed by a judging committee of 14 industry experts and it was always going to be very competitive with a field of 52 nominations.
“The public then had their say, with more than 15,000 people casting a vote for their Top Tourism Town.”
Mudgee and Berrima will represent NSW at the inaugural Australian Top Tourism Town Awards to be held Wednesday 25 August at Parliament House, Canberra.
Full list of award winners:
Top Tourism Town population less than 5000 residents
Top Tourism Town population greater than 5000 residents
Judges Choice Awards
- Most Inspiring Editorial: Oberon
- Most Captivating Video: Tumbarumba
- Most Compelling Itinerary: Ettalong Beach
NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO PRESERVE AND CELEBRATE HERITAGE
Aboriginal organisations, local councils, community groups and owners of heritage items from across the state will share in a $5.5 million investment into NSW heritage.
More than 220 projects are being funded under the NSW Government’s NSW Heritage Grants Program. This latest round of funding is to protect, manage, and celebrate the rich and diverse heritage in NSW.
The grants are awarded to heritage owners and custodians, local government and the community, enabling the delivery of a broad range of heritage outcomes including conservation and repair works, education programs, and heritage interpretations.
Minister responsible for Heritage Don Harwin said our heritage enriches our lives, helps connect communities, enhances our wellbeing and supports local economies.
“These grant projects will help ensure that our heritage is conserved and maintained for future generations. We want to actively engage communities in understanding and promoting the fascinating stories of our state.
“This funding will bring an important boost to the parts of the state hit hard by drought, bushfires, storms and floods,” Mr Harwin said.
In this 2021-23 round, funding has been prioritised to support recovery and preparedness for natural disasters, with more than $4.6 million invested in 182 projects in areas affected by declared natural disaster.
Some of the projects supported include a virtual tour of the former Kinchela Aboriginal Boy’s Home Training Site in Kempsey, conservation of woolsheds in the south and north-west of the state, and conservation of the Lady Denman ferry in Shoalhaven.
To learn more about heritage search the NSW State Heritage Inventory.
2021 NSW SOMMELIER’S WINE LIST AWARDS ANNOUNCED
NSW’s top sommeliers – and wine lists – were celebrated at a ceremony hosted by the Governor of NSW Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC on Monday.
The 2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards are run by NSW Wine with strategic partners Destination NSW, WINEDEPOT and the Restaurant and Catering Association.
A fantastic range of wine lists were entered this year by sommeliers/beverage managers from across the state.
After much evaluation by judges Dane Richards (GM Australia for Gault&Millau), Ned Goodwin MW (wine educator and critic) and Mark Baulderstone (MD Riedel Spiegelau Nachtmann Australia), 38 finalists were crowned 2021 NSW Wine Stars and then whittled down to the top six lists.
The winners are:
- David Lowe from The Zin House, Mudgee (Best NSW Wine List in a regional NSW venue – small)
- Pete Cutcliffe from Bill’s Fishhouse, Port Macquarie (Best NSW Wine List in a regional NSW venue – large)
- Matt Underwood from The Newcastle Club, Newcastle (Best NSW Wine List in a regional NSW accommodation venue)
- Louella Matthews from bibo wine bar, Double Bay (Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney venue)
- Matthew Brooks from TWR, Crown Sydney (Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney accommodation venue)
- David Collins from Charred Kitchen & Bar, Orange (NSW Wine President’s Award for Outstanding Support of the NSW Wine Industry)
Subsequently, Matthew Brooks from TWR, Crown Sydney, claimed the title of 2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List of the Year.
Judges commended Mr Brooks for featuring almost 100 per cent of wines-by-the-glass from NSW, as well as the “bold and impressive” list of wines by the bottle.
FUNDING BOOST TO HEAT UP DARLING HARBOUR AND THE ROCKS THIS WINTER
Sydney’s most-loved CBD entertainment precincts will come to life with dedicated alfresco dining, fireworks, live music and an outdoor cinema to ensure the CBD is this winter season’s hottest spot.
The NSW Government has committed almost $850,000 to support a range of activities in The Rocks and Darling Harbour as part of the CBD Revitalisation Program – which received a $20 million boost as part of the second successful CBD Summit.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said revamping these initiatives for the winter months was vital to build on the success of the September CBD Summit and would ensure the economic recovery continues.
“Sydney has the best restaurants, shopping, cultural institutions and lifestyle in the country and this exciting series of initiatives will encourage people to spend more time in Australia’s best CBD, with more events and activities than ever before,” Mr Perrottet said.
The Rocks Hidden in Plain Sight program includes a new pop-up speakeasy, art installations, weekend street games and a dinner series which showcases the best of The Rocks dining.
In Darling Harbour, people can enjoy socially distanced lunchtime picnics with live music and $10 lunch deals right through until July.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said as The Rocks was NSW Government land, new agency Placemaking NSW was embarking on a program to revitalise hidden courtyards and laneways that have been forgotten for decades.
“It’s been really encouraging to see foot traffic at The Rocks hit 75 per cent of pre-pandemic numbers but we’re keen to draw more people back to this part of Sydney which is one of the most historic and beautiful parts of the CBD,” Mr Stokes said.
VIVID SYDNEY 2021 PROGRAM SHINES AND LOCAL BUSINESS PROGRAM OPENS
The Vivid Sydney 2021 program launched on Tuesday and has received widespread support from domestic and international media.
Vivid Sydney 2021 will transform the Harbour City into an extraordinary playground of the unexpected from Friday 6 August to Saturday 28 August, with more than 200 events celebrating Sydney's diversity, resilience, Aboriginal culture and vibrant creative community.
To date, the launch has generated almost 700 pieces of media coverage, reaching more than 100 million people.
Media have showcased the creativity and innovation featured in the program, with The Australian stating “Sydney’s thirst for big events will be quenched” when Vivid Sydney opens in August. “(Sydney’s) iconic harbour prepares to transform into a megawatt wonderland with the return of the city’s favourite winter festival, Vivid,” the article said.
The Sydney Morning Herald previewed Vivid Sydney coverage on the front page, while Broadsheet claimed the festival is “returning to its roots – as a celebration for Sydneysiders. But that’s not to say its line-up is in any way parochial.”
Sydney's broadcasters also covered the launch with extensive news coverage on all major networks Channel 7, 9 & 10, with Studio 10 filming a live interview with Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres that aired nationally.
This coverage is just one example of the outcomes achieved by Destination NSW’s award-winning PR and Visiting Media team, which received another industry accolade in the 2021 Mumbrella CommsCon Awards this week. Destination NSW’s PR team was shortlisted in two categories in this year’s awards, receiving a Highly Commended for Best In House Team of the Year, as well Finalist in the Best Use of Owned Media category for the Destination NSW Media Centre.
Meanwhile, applications are now open for the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program. The initiative will provide CBD businesses with free assets to dress city shopfronts with the Vivid Sydney spirit. Local retailers and businesses are also invited to promote exclusive experiences and offers during the festival. Applications close on 21 June.
To view the full Vivid Sydney program, go to www.vividsydney.com.
PILE YOUR PLATE WITH LOCAL SEAFOOD
A grassroots-driven campaign to put NSW seafood on more plates in more restaurants and at more events has been unveiled by the State Government and industry.
The NSW Government will deliver $500,000 in grants, under the Eat More NSW Seafood 2021 program, for industry stakeholders to promote their fresh, local produce.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said after the industry was impacted by the recent floods it was now more important than ever to buy local seafood and that this program would put NSW produce front and centre for both businesses and customers.
“Our produce is world-class, so today we have launched a campaign to support local businesses and see plates piled with fish, oysters, mussels and more caught from NSW waters.
“The Eat More NSW Seafood 2021 program will mean fishing businesses can apply for grants from a $500,000 funding pool to make sure their sea-sourced grub is the first choice for hungry locals and visitors.
“I am excited the NSW Government has partnered so closely with the NSW Seafood Industry Council which will administer the program,” Mr Marshall said.
Applicants are encouraged to organise an event, run a marketing campaign or just focus on selling more local catches.
Funding will be delivered in two streams, including grants for small scale projects (under $10,000) and grants for large scale projects ($10,000-$100,000).
NSW Seafood Industry Council Chair Bryan Skepper said close collaboration with government was the best way to ensure the future of the NSW seafood industry.
“If our seafood businesses can better promote their produce, they will be able to get more local seafood on NSW plates.
“That’s why we’re excited to be working hand-in-hand with the NSW Government to showcase our world-leading seafood," Mr Skepper said.
Seafood businesses, industry association and commercial fishers can apply. Applications are open until Wednesday, 30 June 2021. For more information or to apply, visit the Department of Primary Industries.
SEAWALL TAKING SHAPE AT NORTH WOLLONGONG BEACH
Wollongong City Council has commenced work to build a seawall at North Wollongong Beach, ensuring the beach is protected for generations to come.
The project has been supported by $4.2 million in funding from the NSW Government.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the funding from the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants program was part of more than $11.6 million announced for Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils to undertake several important coastal works in the region.
“You don’t have to be a sunbaker, surfer, or lifesaving volunteer to get happy about seeing this exciting new development come to life at North Wollongong Beach.
“The North Wollongong seawall was identified as a high priority project in the Wollongong Coastal Zone Management Plan, and I am confident the people of the Illawarra will be pleased to see both the NSW Government and Wollongong City Council getting on with the job and building quality community infrastructure.
“The improved seawall will ensure both locals and visitors have a safe and enjoyable time at this much-loved South Coast beach,” Ms Hancock said.
For more information about the North Wollongong Beach seawall project, visit www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au.
SYDNEY SOLSTICE PROGRAM HEATS UP FOR WINTER
Ministry of Sound, Kasey Chambers and more have joined the line-up for Sydney Solstice, the new event bringing food, drink, arts, entertainment and creative industries together in the Harbour City this winter.
Ministry of Sound will host a three-night music event – Ministry of Sound: Testament – A Warehouse Experience – over 11-13 June, in celebration of the global entertainment company’s 30th birthday. Across the three nights at Campbell’s Stores warehouse in The Rocks, more than 70 DJs, split into a number of rooms, will play across a range of ’90s, ’00s and EDM genres. Artists set to perform are PNAU, Bag Raiders, Crooked Colours, Yolanda Be Cool and Anna Lunoe, among others.
Meanwhile Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox, Tex Perkins and Andy Golledge have been announced as part of the inaugural Country & Inner Western festival as part of Sydney Solstice. Describing itself as one of the most original country music festivals on the calendar, the two-day event will take place across various venues in Newtown and surrounding suburbs in Sydney’s Inner West.
For food lovers, Sydney's newest food and drink precinct, South Eveleigh, will showcase its impressive slate of restaurants, bars and community activities during a two-day pop-up street party for Sydney Solstice.
On hand will be Kylie Kwong's brand new lunch spot, Lucky Kwong, and Matt Whiley (Scout) and Maurice Terzini's (Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Ciccia Bella) groundbreaking new sustainability-focused bar, Re, as well as RaRa Chan, Eat Fuh, Whitton, Steve Costi's Famous Fish, Fishbowl, Bekya, Pepper Seed Thai, Sushi Hon, North Sandwiches and Yoho Loco.
While you're venturing around looking at the new eateries, you can head up to the South Eveleigh Community Rooftop Garden where Aboriginal Australian cultural and landscape design firm, Jiwah will be running workshops educating the public on native flora integral to the land's Indigenous heritage.
Explore the full program at www.sydneysolstice.com.
NEW MEET IN REGIONAL NSW OPERATOR PORTAL IS COMING
Applications for the additional round of the Regional Business Event Development Fund remain open and eligible business event planners, councils and local tourism organisations are encouraged to apply for the grants. Securing these conferences, exhibitions, meetings and events will benefit local visitor economies through increased awareness and visitation from corporate travellers. The four streams of the program are: creation of a new business event; attraction of an existing business event; support for an existing business event ; and support for a business event project to assist rural and regional NSW implement business event projects or initiatives such as an event series or roadshow; a specific element of a business event where the main event is being held in a capital city or interstate; or a small-scale infrastructure project specifically designed to support growth in business events. For information and to apply, visit MeetinNSW.
INDUSTRY DISCUSSION WITH ATEC
On Wednesday 19 May, the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium hosted a lunch for ATEC NSW Branch sub-committee, Sydney Visitor Collective. The event saw leaders from the attraction, accommodation and leisure industry come together for a positive discussion with Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres to discuss Sydney’s challenges and measures to assist the tourism industry and the visitor economy. Topics of discussion included enticing Sydneysiders and interstate visitors back to Sydney CBD, keeping the accommodation sector afloat, an extension and increase of funding to the successful Dine and Discover voucher scheme, the development of a world class Visitors’ Centre at Circular Quay and the opportunity to invest in a new cultural institution devoted to interpreting the past, present and future of Aboriginal Australia. The Sydney Visitor Collective’s prime focus is to ensure Sydney maintains its rich and vibrant offering and retains its enviable title as the ‘Gateway to Australia’. To find out more about ATEC visit www.atec.net.au.
VITAL ROLES RECOGNISED FOR RECONCILATION WEEK
The integral role of Aboriginal participation on the state’s major infrastructure projects is being recognised by Transport for NSW to mark this year’s Reconciliation Week. Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the traditional Songlines, trade routes and ceremonial paths followed by First Peoples for tens of thousands of years are now the basis for many of our modern transport routes. Mr Constance said: "Transport is deeply committed to helping build inclusive and diverse communities. A major focus is implementing the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) which requires infrastructure contracts of more than $7.5 million to award at least three per cent of goods and services contracts to Aboriginal businesses." In the last financial year, 34 Aboriginal trainees and apprentices were employed, and 16 Aboriginal cadets as well as 13 Aboriginal employees were welcomed into Transport’s Scholar and Graduate programs.
