The big news this week for businesses in NSW was the announcement of a $530m funding package for tourism and events that premier Dominic Perrottet said “would bring back tourists and supercharge the businesses and attractions that contribute $38 billion to our economy, making the state one of the world’s most popular destinations.”

NSW government announce recovery package for events

More than $530 million will be invested in reviving events across the state and getting tourism back on track as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

BESydney and DNSW to administer business events recovery funding

The more than $530 million support package includes $6 million for business events, conferences and conventions across Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, as part of a major COVID-19 recovery package designed to encourage people back into the Sydney CBD in particular, and support industry suppliers hard hit by COVID-19 restrictions.

Industry reaction to NSW plan for recovery of tourism and events

The announcement by the NSW government promising to “turbocharge the recovery of tourism and events” has been generally welcomed by the event industry; however, as usual, the devil will be in the detail. The big question will be how long this funding will be available for. Events are planned months and years in advance.

Victoria came out of lockdown today

However this will mean very little to the beleaguered event industry until the state reaches 80% double vaxxed. Daniel Andrews said today that what those restrictions will look like will be announced next week:

“I know everyone wants to know what’s happening next weekend, and they’d like to know today. Today’s not the day to make those announcements. But quite soon, just as we did last weekend – we clarified what would happen for people this week. We will be out quite soon to clarify what we hope can happen at the end of next week.”

However live music is coming back for Victorians

Outdoor music gigs for Victorians to celebrate end of lockdown

Victorian artists are set to take centre stage for close to 4,000 gig-goers as the joy of live music returns to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl as part of the Victorian Government’s vaccinated economy trial.

Meanwhile in New Zealand

While some jurisdictions in Australia are heading toward (or in the ACT case surpassing) the 90% vax rate in NZ that will be the standard for the whole country.

When the 90% targets are reached, the country will switch to a traffic light system. Even at a “red” setting – the highest levels of restriction – businesses will be able to remain open and vaccinated people will be able to move freely. Those without vaccination certificates will be limited to takeaway food, smaller gatherings and distance learning at universities, and will not be able to use “close contact” businesses such as gyms.

In other news

Australian Event Awards finalist and winner announcements have commenced

On Wednesday the broadcasts kicked off with three category announcements: Best Live or Hybrid Corporate Event at 6pm (AEDT), Best Online Event Delivery Platform at 7pm (AEDT) & Best Virtual Small Event at 8pm (AEDT). The remainder of October will see two categories announced per night, at 6pm (AEDT) and 8pm (AEDT).

Wedding bells tolling for venues throughout NSW

“It’s this amazing feeling of joy that we all get here at Navarra venues as we hit each milestone the government has put on the roadmap to recovery. Firstly it was a 50 cap, increased to 100 and now finally we are free from caps. My brides have the freedom to choose how many guests can attend their wedding and not feel guilty leaving anyone out,” said CEO Sal Navarra

Masks to remain in Sydney’s theatres until 31st December

This joint statement by theatres in Sydney acknowledges the significant and specific impacts that COVID-19 pandemic has had on the performing arts industry around the world, and specifically in Sydney during extended periods of lockdown. This impact extends to our artists, audiences, employees, partners, donors, funders and other stakeholders.

$86 million injection to kickstart arts, screen and culture in NSW

Artists, musicians, theatres, venues, festivals and cultural organisations in NSW will be supported with $86 million in funding from the NSW Government to reopen with confidence and welcome back audiences.

Have business events been singled out to be left out?

Gary Fitz-Roy reacted to the above announcement pre-empting the announcement two days later of a major funding boost that includes business events.

William Angliss Institute named Large Training Provider of the Year

Food, tourism, hospitality and events industries have a reason to celebrate with specialist training provider William Angliss Institute named the Large Training Provider of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards.

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