Insights Newsletter July – December 2021

15 January 2022
Issue Articles
23 December 2021 Christmas message from the Destination NSW CEO
Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres expands his portfolio
NSW wins race to host National Athletics Titles
Flying Kangaroo delivers jobs bounce to NSW
NSW rides high on wave of surfing tourism
Key koala habitat secured for Port Macquarie
Nationally significant wetlands added to National Parks
Cars rev up at new Eastern Creek Speedway
Mudgee Classic early bird registrations open
Family-friendly line-up for Tamworth Country Music Festival
NSW Visitor Information Centres join Driver Reviver
Hunter Valley Semillons take top honours
Free school holiday fun in rural & regional NSW
Service NSW app adds COVID-19 push notifications
$19.5 million boost for Australia’s creative sector
Australia’s first art library for children
Australian Tourism Exchange registrations open
AHA seeks mature-aged workers to save Christmas
Setting aviation industry’s recovery course
17 December 2021 Bumper January event line-up for Sydney
Is it time for your COVID-19 booster shot?
Free tourism training on offer for holiday season
Curtain rises on special entertainment precincts
New $5000 alfresco rebate goes live in time for Summer
Hospitality businesses wanted for Parramatta Heritage Precinct
Hunter Valley semillon triumphs at 2021 NSW Wine Awards
Buy regional this Christmas and get the bush buzzing
More international students return to NSW
Helping hand for country shows
Natural disaster planning strengthened
Boating Now launches new multi-million dollar round
NSW economy bouncing back for 2022
Call goes out for shoppers to support Mogo
Trade & Investment Commissioners appointed
EOIs closing for State Significant Event Fund
Destination NSW releases online bookings webinars
Service NSW toolkit helps travellers stay COVID safe
Travel safe & be bush fire ready this Summer
10 December 2021 All-star line up for Great Southern Nights 2022
Penrith set to roar with Panthers Stadium upgrade
Changes to State Significant Event Fund to support events industry
NSW takes centre stage at Australian Tourism Exchange 2022
New outdoor music festival to rock the Snowies this Easter
Australian Fashion Week puts Sydney on the runway as a style capital
Killalea Reserve gets Parks protection
Draw announced for ATP Cup in Sydney
Sydney Manufacturing Hub to accelerate the innovation state
2022 UCI Road World Championships courses unveiled in Wollongong
Cultural festivals funding boost
First glimpse of future Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp
Global spotlight on Sydney Harbour
NSW Superyacht Guide to attract lucrative market
Jagged Little Pill’s triumphant premiere in Sydney
$6 million to support 60 NSW cultural infrastructure projects
Aboriginal artists sought to create Shellharbour signage
Bonville Golf Resort voted as Australia’s favourite tee off
NSW sets the bar for world’s best public spaces
3 December 2021 Sydney’s Open for Lunch a success
Sydney in the spotlight and on the charts for new tourism campaign
Central Sydney soaring to new heights
Final Kosciuszko wild horse plan released
One giant step for CBD with plans afoot to create iconic Sydney Great Walk
World Surf League heads to Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Designs for Fernhill Estate unveiled
Orange Medieval event puts regional NSW on ye map
IMG announces winners of the 2021 Australian Fashion Laureate
Marrickville’s Philter named 2021 NSW Independent Brewer of the Year
Theatre Royal Sydney now open
Harvey Norman All Stars expected to light up Sydney
New SFS to kick off Matildas’ cup campaign
Accor signs seven-year stadium deal
Australian Reptile Park named NSW Business of the Year
Business events funding available
Blak Markets open for Christmas shopping
Supporting the return of Australian live music
EV chargers for all regional hotels and motels
26 November 2021 Sydney set to Elevate the world’s most spectacular stage
New Destination Network structure to grow regional visitor economy
Further steps to reopen Australia and secure our economic recovery
Sydney Modern project reaches new heights
It’s oh-fish-ial! Work underway on new Fish Markets
Bradfield City Centre’s first building reaches major milestone
Reimagining the visitor economy
Summer of seafood plates up State’s best
Funding boost for National Parks
New cycling strategy open for consultation
$9.37 million boost for arts and culture programs
New Sydney Culture Trails released
Coffs the ultimate eco destination
International tennis returns to Sydney
LGA arts and cultural projects funding round
Social media for tourism
Two $25 Dine & Discover vouchers for summer
New chopper to boost bushfire response
Airport award winners
Celebrating sustainable tourism
19 November 2021 NSW Government serves up Sydney’s Longest Lunch
NSW Government invites visitors to Renew
Gardens of Stone and the Lost City Adventures
Vaccinated international students to return quarantine-free
Heritage landmarks at heart of Bays West future
Australia’s largest 360-degree ‘pop up’ cinema coming to Sydney
Sydney to host Men’s T20 World Cup semi
Matisse: Life & Spirit
Ben Boyd National Park to be renamed
New Western Sydney outdoor music festival is on its way
George Street set to rock with permanent pedestrian proposal
New program for Sydney’s premier international arts festival
New event set to transform Manly’s North Head
New fleet of drones to protect surfers
More events for NSW in 2022
ASVO 2021 Winemaker of the Year
Funds help event take flight
Virtual jobs fair
New Regional Arts Fund
12 November 2021 NSW to boost transparency for travel industry
Free training to support Push for the Bush this summer
Scholarships for aspiring regional event managers
Give the gift of travel this holiday season
NSW National Parks commits to net zero by 2028
Opera house glows gold for Diwali
Stay and Rediscover voucher on its way
Kids get a kick out of discounted tickets
Business advisory support for Western Sydney
New frog species ‘hopping’ into protection
EOI sought for RGB creative
Cockle Bay development on exhibition
Government review to ensure best practice in grants
Blak Markets is back
Ready to raise the curtain at Walsh Bay
$105 million for EV fleets
Byron Way Pledge
Winning Hawkesbury photos
COVID Vaxx Practicing Businesses
5 November 2021 NSW gets the jab done
Landmark music and technology festival for Western Sydney
NSW Government support to reignite visitor economy
2021 NSW Tourism Awards finalists revealed
Free hospitality training caters for skills gap
Red tape slashed for more fun, food, festivals and filming
Socceroos return to Sydney
New digital one-stop-shop for Visitor Signposting
Quarantine-free travel from all of New Zealand
Watershed moment for the Baaka and Bidgee
First new Emerald Class ferry now in service
Draft Marine Park Management Plan released
NSW secures another blockbuster series
First regional gallery for Southern Highlands
Historic $30 million commitment to Powerhouse Parramatta
A weekend for foodies
29 October 2021 New tourism campaign to make you ‘Feel New’
Qantas Group brings forward international flying
NSW tourism towns take home crown
Grants for Small Business Month events
Skills shortage hinders recovery
Get bush fire ready
Caring for country in Western Sydney
Aboriginal businesses up share of Government spend
Art gets boost for agritourism
Big boost to National Parks in Western NSW
New Chair of Tourism Australia
Luna Park reopens with nine new rides
22 October 2021 Tourism and events recovery turbocharged as visitor economy bounces back
$2.8 billion package to accelerate NSW recovery
$86 million injection to kickstart arts, screen and culture in NSW
Multi-million-dollar support to boost Sydney’s COVID recovery
Opera House lights up for vaccination milestone
Four new venues call The Rocks home
Sydney Roosters come home to roost
Parramatta’s Eat Street open for business
Sydney’s Tech Central set to boom
Reminder to register short-term rentals
Tourism Australia’s outgoing Chair
Inaugural music event to drive tourism
2021 Sydney City Business Awards
Green light for electric vehicles
Cowra’s video campaign lures Chris Hemsworth
15 October 2021 Destination NSW new tourism campaign
NSW flying towards 80 per cent double dose target
Regional Recovery Package to kickstart economy and create new jobs
Property Council welcomes the end of hotel quarantine
Doubling down on Dine & Discover
Integrated vaccination certificate opens to all on Service NSW app
$66 million Alfresco Restart package
Mardi Gras Parade returns to the SCG in 2022
9 to 5 is back in business!
Community voices vital in Aerotropolis exhibition
NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable launches
Confidence guaranteed as we get back to work
$25 million to ensure shows go on
Huge crowd boost for Matildas blockbusters
Surry Hills ranks in World’s Coolest list
Qantas to fly kangaroo route to London via Darwin
$250 million gain for growing NSW communities
Funding boost for regional arts and culture
Local sport scores $4.6m boost
First River Class ferry in service
Industry survey to support pandemic recovery
Crystalbrook Sustainability Month
11 October 2021 - NSW reopens Ready, set, go - NSW reopens
Freedom never tasted so sweet
Regional pilot vaccination certificates announced
Vaccination the ticket to reopening venues and events
Regional racing back on track
Return of international students
8 October 2021 NSW on the road to reopening
Regional travel just weeks away
Hospitality workers vaccination drive
NSW Ministry to deliver safe, strong recovery
Showcasing Sydney in new image collection
AMEX signs as principal partner of Mardi Gras
16 teams inch closer to Basketball World Cup
Australian premiere of ‘Girl from the North Country’
Digital games industry powered up in NSW
Record funding for arts in regional NSW
Captain Cook Cruises wins the prize for pivoting
Royal Randwick welcomes back fans for Everest
Funding boost for travel agents
New COVID-19 financial support for businesses
Expo 2020 Dubai takes NSW to stage
Central Coast spotlight on sustainability
Big Bass to wash up in Carramar
5 October 2021 - New public health advice for re-opening NSW Australian Government announces next steps to reopen to the world
Three stages for NSW to open up
COVID-Safe business advice
Vaccination compliance
JobSaver support package extended
Contact risk assessment for business
Hospitality venues - advice on reopening
Three COVID-19 vaccines available across NSW
Where to find out more
1 October 2021 Accommodation Support Grant goes live
JobSaver extension to boost business recovery
Matildas bring international sport back to Sydney
New Western Sydney National Park to lead fight against extinction
Two world-class shows to take over Sydney Harbour in 2022
Don’t be alarmed - it’s time for daylight saving
Destination Northern Beaches: visitor plan gets approval
Supercars confirms return to racing under lights in October
NSW First - disaster resilience guides
COVID restrictions bring domestic airline industry to a standstill
Storm season is coming
Summer of fun - three-stage certainty for tourism industry
Trees to cool one of Sydney’s hottest suburbs
Foreshore precinct almost complete at the waterfront Shell Cove
24 September 2021 Time to look ahead this World Tourism Day
Businesses unite to bring Australia one shot closer and local government backs vaccination
New $5 billion WestInvest Fund and CommBank partnership to rejuvenate Western Sydney communities and boost jobs
$60 million to make NSW the Creative Capital
2020 MEA Award winners announced
New group to ramp up Central River City delivery
Sydney’s West to boom with $139 million in new infrastructure
Moore Parkland for people as cars moved off the grass
$4 million for more green spaces in Sydney
New Director for Sydney Theatre Company
Wollondilly welcomes funding boost for tourism and rail heritage
World’s largest shark management program deployed to NSW beaches
Support for food relief, vaccination services and cultural case workers
International student PIEoneers awards
More cash to fix local roads
New protections for high value conservation areas
17 September 2021 NSW to run home quarantine pilot program
COVID support payments expanded for workers and vulnerable communities
New digital platform to support reopening of the international border
Seven business events secured for Sydney and ICC to reopen for in person events
Commonwealth launches next phase of COVID-19 vaccination communications campaign
Australia Council invests in performing arts tours across Australia from 2022 onwards
ACCC finds Qantas and Japan Airlines alliance not in public interest
New era for Pacific Australia labour mobility
Historic Blue Mountains tunnel a step closer
Tourism Australia relaunches Aussie specialist program and partners with The Wiggles
NSW fast charging network to be number one in the nation
Call out for Blue Plaque nominations to celebrate our state’s heritage
‘Get Ready’ for bush fire season
Tamworth Monopoly approved to pass ‘Go’
Council credit card management under the microscope
10 September 2021 Roadmap to freedom unveiled for the fully vaccinated
Lockdown lifted in parts of regional NSW
Great Southern Nights returns to reboot live music in 2022
New guides to bolster natural disaster resilience in the tourism industry
Upcoming NSW First webinar – engage your audience on social media
$20 million to support Australia’s creative sector to rise
Big names continue to roll in for 50th Toyota Country Music Festival
A first for 20 local councils joining forces to protect Sydney Harbour
Targeted COVID-19 support for international students
Look after your mental health during lockdown
New video with first responders released for Rural Road Safety Month
Saving Australian fauna from extinction in NSW National Parks
Free help to encourage shoppers to buy locally
Applications open for NSW Disability Council
3 September 2021 ‘Let’s Do This’ campaign launched to encourage NSW to get vaccinated
COVID-19 economic support measures extended
Sydney stars in ABBA’s global music release
CLIA outlines four-phase pathway for cruising’s revival in Australia
Nominations open for 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards
Lock in the perfect lockdown gift on the NSW Government’s Buy Regional website
Acknowledging the importance of country in a new harbour walk
NSW Government leads the way with leadership boom in regional NSW
Archibald Prize 2021 ANZ People’s Choice Award winner announced
$10 million upgrade for Penrith’s Tench Reserve
Missing Eastern Suburbs cycling link on the way
Commencement of bushfire danger period for coastal NSW
National Flag Day today
NSW calls for East Coast agriculture labour task force to be established
Rebuilding fire-damaged fauna homes
27 August 2021 New freedoms for vaccinated first step on state roadmap out of COVID
Sydney WorldPride 2023 reveals festival dates, new logo and official theme
Qantas unveils vaccine reward campaign and strategy to restart international flights
Supporting more small and medium sized businesses to access funding
Over $388k to fund six priority services for NSW arts and cultural sector
Mandatory risk management a step closer for NSW councils
New research evaluates impact of COVID-19 travel bans
$200 million support package for not-for-profits
Community at heart of Aerotropolis
MEA hosts COVID webinar
Free TAFE short courses available
Big savings on new electric vehicles will be backdated
20 August 2021 A message from Destination NSW
New protections and compliance rules to carry NSW through to vaccination targets
Hospitality and social media skills boost for NSW visitor economy
NSW Government extends Dine & Discover and support for tenants and landlords
Penrith set to become Australian film and TV capital
Tourism Australia launches initiative to promote vaccination
The 2021 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Award winners revealed
Design Sydney Harbour Bridge’s new bike ramp
Reformed planning panels key to NSW recovery
Business events and tourism industry seek JobKeeper support
RFDS stars on silver screen
Targeted emergency support for arts sector
Take off from home with Qantas
Slim Dusty centre secured as a Kempsey community asset
13 August 2021 $3.5 million boost with 20 new advisors to help businesses and improvements made to COVID-19 check in system
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia
Hayden Quinn unearths Australia’s global city in Taste of Australia: Sydney Edition
Get to know the team behind Get Connected
$35 million additional support for arts workers and companies
Land tax relief to help landowners and tenants affected by COVID-19 restrictions
Vivid Sydney 2021 cancelled, planning underway for 2022
Transport plan to transform Illawarra-Shoalhaven travel
Decade first event for Menindee lakes
Opera Australia announces new CEO
Last call for coastal and estuary funding and council jobs preserved
NSW the state of volunteering
ICC Sydney maintains connections through virtual event delivery
6 August 2021 Vaccination the priority for August
National Plan to transition COVID-19 Response released
Stay at home orders for Hunter and Upper Hunter regions
$40 million boost for Australia’s creative sector to rise
WSL Sydney Surf Pro returns to Manly in May 2022
Commonwealth support for domestic aviation, Qantas stands down staff
Western Sydney smart future turbocharged
Supercars unveils revised 2021 calendar
New Emerald Class ferries arrive in Sydney
Youth Tourism Association NSW Inc rebrand
Support for Native Title and Aboriginal land rights
Ideas and innovation funding to accelerate NSW economic bounceback
Free COVID rapid response courses to build skills during pandemic
Registrations open for COVID-19 business support webinar
NSW stars in Qantas magazine
Aboriginal workers engaged for Snowy 2.0
Rebranded Hunter Farm launched
Australian Regional Tourism Convention 2021 postponed
30 July 2021 Major JobSaver boost to expand COVID-19 support
Restrictions extended, vaccines ramped up and NSW Police boost compliance measures
Commonwealth Government boosts Indigenous tourism sector
Free advice for businesses affected by lockdown
COVID-19 disaster payments increased for individuals
An extra $7 million to support regional arts and entertainment
Western Sydney Airport Metro gets green light
Digital health pass will be the ticket to fly for Qantas and Jetstar flights
New Director for the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)
Sydney WorldPride 2023 appoints CEO
Local government elections postponed
Mundi Mundi Bash postponed to April 2022
Council rates relief for bushfire victims extended for another six months
23 July 2021 State’s visitor economy primed to drive future demand with NSW Government support
Smart Places funding available for communities
Providoor expands to New South Wales
Payroll tax reductions and deferrals to support businesses
New content showcasing North Coast regions
Delivering more live music for Australian communities
Vision Walks Byron Bay’s new virtual offering
Destination North Coast Business Accelerator & Mentoring Program
Workshops inspire women to run for local government elections
Applications open for inaugural Sydney Awards
Business Connect available to support businesses
20 July 2021 Accelerated 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant now open
New restrictions for Greater Sydney in fight against COVID-19 - plus two vaccination hubs open
Increased compliance operations for COVID-Safe workplaces
Head of new Regional Housing Taskforce named
16 July 2021 Vivid Sydney rescheduled to September – October
Vital support for NSW visitor economy
Support for commercial tenants and landlords under COVID-19 fighting fund
Wallabies confirm 2021 domestic Test schedule for eToro Rugby Championship
More funding support for coastal councils now available
Online portal speeds up planning in NSW
Hunter Valley Zoo joins Featherdale Wildlife Park and Mogo Zoo
New CEO to join AFTA
Night sky dive now available in Byron
Get the latest from the Neon Grid
14 July 2021 COVID-19 fighting fund to protect businesses, save jobs and support NSW through lockdown
Lockdown extended for Greater Sydney and new requirements for COVID-19 testing
Support package backs NSW businesses
Key components of the 2021 COVID-19 package
Visitor economy stakeholders welcome vital support
Lockdown lifeline: Mental health support package for NSW
Grant programs here to help residents and the community
9 July 2021 Restrictions tightened and extended plus covid check-in mandatory from Monday
New online home for natural disaster support
NSW Government welcomes banking industry support for businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19
Newcastle to host Ampol State of Origin III
Latest infrastructure grants funding open
New grants empower Aboriginal businesses and employees
Asia-Pacific’s leading pathologists to meet in Sydney
Mice plague household and small business rebates now available online
Support available for new Dubbo event organisers
Applications still open for event management scholarship program
NSW Tourism Award nominations close today
Condobolin reaches for the stars with Condo Skyfest Miima Warrabinya
2 July 2021 Covid check-in mandate expanded
Have your say on the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct
Construction begins on Australia’s largest bike hub
Businesses encouraged to share stories with Destination NSW
$283 million for NSW bushfire recovery projects
Emerging artists shortlisted for the Incubator NSW Theatre Fellowship
Bangalay Dining on track for a Hat
Mass vaccination rollout boost
Rex secures two additional Boeing 737-800NGs
Accommodation Association GM steps down
Overseas agricultural workers hotel quarantine subsidy extended
Registrations open for the Australian Regional Tourism Convention
Byron Bay’s iconic watering hole sells
Community tennis benefits from ATP Cup Legacy Fund