A late wrap this week – I went out for lunch today for an actual face to face business meeting.

The new NSW premier is determined to make his mark and is certainly more gung ho than Gladys. Dom had this to say on future lockdowns

Look, our intention is not to go backwards. But as you say, there will be challenges that come our way which we may not foresee.

We’re committed to the national plan and from time to time, it may be the case that we need to target restrictions in certain places at certain times. And we will look at that and work through the health issue that arise going forward.

But with the higher vaccination rates that we’ve seen in our state, the enormous efforts that people have made, that’s been the key to opening up our state as safely and as freedom as possible.

And you know, we to go back to a situation of statewide lockdowns and our intention is to target restrictions going forward. But the key to that is still getting that vaccination rate up.

So next Monday Sydney goes to the next phase as we reach 80% vax. But that won’t really affect most events because capacity will still be capped at 1 person per 4 sqm. It is only bigger events like horse racing that are getting more leeway (have I ever mentioned how events that involve gambling seem to get what they want?). But we can stand up to have a drink in a pub.

What is encouraging though is the push to allow street closures and the use of car parks for outdoor dining with entertainment – at least musos can get some work at last.

Sydney’s alfresco summer: The $66 million plan to revive outdoor dining – SMH

Now to this week’s stories in ASE

All articles are posted to social media – some are included in an email and all are then linked via the weekly wrap

Will Sydney events suffer staff shortages as venues reopen?

There has been quite a bit of talk about a shortage of casual workers in hospitality (in particular, along with cleaners and security) as Sydney retail reopens. So what does this mean for Sydney’s event venues? We asked them.

Local events kick start the reopening of ICC Sydney

 There has been a lot of chatter about bars and restaurants reopening in Sydney this week, but how are things looking at Sydney’s biggest venue? ASE checked in with ICC Sydney CEO, Geoff Donaghy.

What’s the difference between country and city expos?

Federal Agriculture Minister, David Littleproud was in Brisbane on Tuesday to announce a second round of funding to support agricultural shows and field days around the country. Gary Fitz-Roy is asking why country expos are getting assistance but not city ones.

Regional arts network receives vital funding boost

 Regional Arts NSW is thrilled with the recent announcement of $3.4 million in funding from the NSW Government for the Regional Arts Network after campaigning for increased funding over many years. 

Virtual will never replace face to face

 The resilience of exhibitions and events cannot be under estimated. It wasn’t so long ago the sector’s long term existence was in question when the internet and various social media platforms were touted as cost effective replacements for all traditional media, and exhibitions were certainly singled out 

One more thing – are you confused by the different rules in each state? – well you’re not the only one

And yes it is real: COVID-19 restriction tracker: Implementation progress towards COVID normal