News & Views No 133 - Destination North Coast
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News & Views No 133
DNC - Business Health Survey Results
Destination North Coast (DNC) conducted a Business Health Survey across North Coast tourism stakeholders
from the 11-17 January. Unsurprisingly the survey highlighted a variety of issues and demonstrated that the
industry is highly stressed and fatigued. A summary of key results is included below;
Bookings Dec-Jan compared to 'normal years' - 9% stated bookings were better, 26% stated they
were the same, 28% stated worse and 37% stated they were much worse than 'normal years'
Bookings Dec-Jan compared to last year - 14% stated that bookings were better, 32% stated the
same, 27% stated worse and 28% stated they were much worse than 'last year'
Respondents advised the greatest impacts to their business were due to 'booking cancellations' and
'reduced trade' (both 25% of respondents), 'availability of staff due to exposure to COVID or illness'
(19%), 'lack of available staff' (14%), 'supply chain issues' (9%) and 'other or a combination of the
above' (7%)
The measures that businesses took to cope with COVID impacts were 'reducing services' (25% of
respondents), 'reduced hours and/or days of operation' and 'temporary closures' (both 15%) and
'temporary closure' (14%). Some businesses found the trading conditions positive with 18% stating
they made 'no changes' and 7% 'increased hours of operation'
Unsurprisingly businesses remain concerned about the ongoing impacts of COVID over coming
months with 52% of respondents being 'extremely concerned', 34% 'somewhat concerned', whilst
7% selected 'other' and sited aspects such as border restrictions and consumer confidence.
The most sought after support from government was 'tourism specific funding/support' and 'more
one-off disaster payments' (both 25% of respondents), 'tax relief' (16%) and 'skilled staffing support'
(15%)
In regards to what stakeholders were seeking from DNC the overwhelming favourite answer was
'advice on available funding' (45% of respondents), 'mentoring and other programs' (23%), followed
by 'business resilience and other operational training' (14%) and 'wellness and mental health support'
(8%).
Taking on board the above results, DNC will continue to monitor existing and potential new government
funding opportunities and if more become available will look to conduct a webinar breaking the support
down. For those businesses seeking 'mentoring and other programs' or 'business resilience and other
operational training' the DNC Business Accelerator and Mentoring Program sounds tailor made for you
and we have one final round to conduct so click through for more information.
Lifeline For Major Events In NSW
Organisers of major events and festivals that have
been cancelled or significantly disrupted by COVID
Public Health Orders will be supported by funding
through the NSW Government's Event Saver
Fund.
Major event organisers will be able to pay suppliers,
staff and recover other costs where an event is
cancelled or significantly disrupted as a result of public
health orders imposed as a response to the COVID-19
pandemic.
Read Media Release.
Business NSW - Vaccination Guidance
With the changing requirements of a number of COVID-19 related public health restrictions, it can be hard
to keep on top of what is required from your business. Recent changes have included, amongst others, the
removal of density limits in a lot of businesses as well as the removal of requirements for persons to be
vaccinated to enter most NSW workplaces. The changes help NSW get back to business.
The focus now shifts on businesses to ensure that they do what they can to keep their workplaces safe. This
is important to protect employees and customers alike and to ensure business continuity as we learn to 'live
with COVID-19'.
Vaccination Guidance from Business NSW provides valuable information following these changes. It is
important as always to stay updated to stay safe.
New Visa Incentives To Bring Student & Backpacker Workers To NSW
The Australian Government has announced a series of visa measures to provide an incentive for fully
vaccinated Student and Working Holiday Maker visa holders to return to Australia and help address current
workforce shortages caused by COVID-19.
Working Holiday Maker visa holders who come to Australia during the next 12 weeks will be eligible for a
refund of their Visa Application Charge. Any Student visa holder who comes to Australia during the next eight
weeks will be eligible for a refund of their Visa Application Charge.
The Government has supported Australian businesses during the pandemic by allowing Student visa holders to work additional hours in critical sectors. Due to current workforce shortages, the Government is temporarily extending this arrangement by removing the limit on Student visa holders' working hours across all sectors of the economy. This will be reviewed in April 2022. Additionally, there is no limit on the length of time Working Holiday Makers can work for the same employer until the end of 2022. Find more information at the Department of Home Affairs. Rent Relief Extended For Small Businesses Small businesses that are continuing to face challenges due to COVID-19 will benefit from an additional two months of rent relief, with the NSW Government extending its rent relief regulation until March 13. Commercial and retail tenants will be eligible for the rent relief if they have an annual turnover of less than $5 million and continue to meet the eligibility criteria for JobSaver or the Micro-business Grant, had those programs continued. Landlords of tenants that have received protections for any period under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2022 are prohibited from evicting their tenants for certain breaches of the lease, without first attending mediation. Find more about land tax relief and the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund. Read Media Release. Images courtesy of Destination NSW Scoot Recommences Singapore To Gold Coast Flight Schedule Queensland opened to international vaccinated travellers last week without the need to quarantine and Scoot Airlines has been quick to announce a return to their Singapore to Gold Coast service commencing 15 February 2022. These services will operate 3 times per week with 335 seat capability per flight. Scoot has an extensive international network through Asia and Europe, which provides even more opportunities for your businesses beyond Singapore. Read Gold Coast Airport Media Release.
Join Our Team - DNC Business Events Business Development Executive
The lovely Beck Morley who has been DNC's Business Development Executive in the Business Events space
looking after our regions from Coffs Harbour to the south for the past three years, is moving into a new job
that is closer to her home and is full-time. There'll be time to acknowledge her vast contribution before she
finishes up on 17 February but meanwhile, DNC is actively recruiting for this role.
The primary aim of the Business Events Business Development Executive is securing Business Events
for the North Coast. In addition, they will increase collaboration within sub-regions, improve the bid success
ratio, represent the region and deliver initiatives that will lead to upskilling of industry.
Working with professional conference organisers, corporate organisations, meeting planners and directly with
business clients, they will assist in bidding for and delivering these events.
The Business Development Executive will be employed on a 12-month contract based on 20 hours per week.
The role is suitable for a 'work from home' candidate who can travel throughout the Mid North Coast Region
on a regular basis.
Applications close 14 February 2022.
Around The Region
The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Seeks Input On Plans Of Management
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is currently exhibiting a draft plan of management for
Goolawah National Park, Goolawah Regional Park and Limeburners Creek National Park on the Mid North
Coast.
View draft plan with submission to be received by 11 March 2022.
Live And Local Music Development Project - Port Macquarie Hastings
This program responds directly to the need to increase participation in Australia's local live music scene and
provides a platform for delivering live music activity that is innovative, flexible and sustainable.
Find details and sign up for FREE master-classes being held late January - early February.
EOI's for Lismore Council's Advisory Groups
Lismore Council are seeking passionate locals who want to make a difference in their community to join and
participate in Advisory Groups:
Aboriginal Advisory Group (AAG)
Access and Inclusion Advisory Group (AIAG)
Nimbin Advisory Group (NAG)
More information on each group and nomination forms can be found online. Applications are open
until 4 March 2022.
Input requested to Lismore Tourism & Events Strategy Industry Survey - Closes 31 January 2022.
Input requested to Lismore & Villages Visitor Perception Survey - Closes 31 January 2022. Free Grant Writing Workshops - Barrington Coast Sign up and secure your place at one of these important Grant Writing Workshops across the MidCoast (7 - 10 February 2022). These free and informative sessions will help you identify funding opportunities, learn language specific to grant applications, and provide tips to improve the chances of receiving funding. Industry Development & Other Opportunities Get Involved - North Coast Festival of Flavour The North Coast Festival of Flavour (26 - 27 March 2022) is a weekend of heightened event activation in the food, beverage and agri-tourism space supported by a six-figure marketing campaign to attract visitors. It's time to get involved and capitalise on this amazing opportunity. Calling farmers, producers, restauranteurs, brewers, distillers, and foodie event managers to take these small steps to get involved and support this fabulous initiative… Step 1 - Plan a foodie event or special deal/offer at your place of business (restaurant, café, bar, farm etc) for the weekend of 26-27 March 2022 so it can be included in the Festival of Flavour Step 2 - Immediately load your event or special deal/offer in ATDW with the date range of 26-27 March 2022 so it will populate through as part of the Festival of Flavour on the North Coast Flavour Trails platform Step 3 - Attend the North Coast Festival of Flavour Marketing Campaign webinar (9.30am-10.30am, 9 February) to learn how to amplify this opportunity North Coast Tourism Business Accelerator Workshops Destination North Coast will deliver industry development workshops across the North Coast as part of DNC's Business Accelerator & Mentoring Program. Available to all tourism businesses, these workshops will cover important content including; navigating the tourism ecosystem; your customer journey; developing your experience; distribution; cost structures and price setting. Register for a workshop near you; Northern Rivers - 9.00 am - 11.00am, Monday 14th February 2022 Port Macquarie & Surrounds - 9.00 am - 11.00am, Wednesday 16th February 2022 Barrington Coast - 9.00 am - 11.00am, Thursday 17th February 2022 Coffs Coast & Beyond - 9.00 am - 11.00am, Thursday 24th February 2022 Northern Rivers Rail Trail Product & Experience Development & Mentoring Program Mentoring Program - Apply Now! Tourism businesses interested in gaining support with developing new or existing Rail Trail-focused products or experiences are encouraged to apply for the free of-charge Destination North Coast Mentoring Program. Byron Bay - Rail Trail Product & Experience Development Workshop - Register Now Become 'Rail Trail ready' at this interactive workshop - 9am - 12pm, 2 February 2022. Northern Rivers Rail Trail: Collaboration Workshop - Register Now
Learn how to best work together to maximise the opportunity of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail - 2pm - 5pm, 22 February 2022, followed by networking. Destination North Coast Business Event Famil Program The very popular Destination North Coast Business Event Famil Program has opened for 2022 and has been well received by stakeholders and clients alike with over 70 registrations to date. The famil series is highly regarded by our Business Event clients and provides a wonderful opportunity for Event Managers to experience the North Coast firsthand, discover new products and services and meet key personnel in region. This year the series will help Event Planners explore The Tweed, Byron Bay/Ballina, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie as potential conference destinations as well as showcasing neighbouring destinations for pre- and post- touring options. DNC encourages stakeholders to share this opportunity with Event Managers that you deal with directly and look forward to showcasing your destination to this important market sector. Registrations are open until the end of January. Please contact Beck or Heath directly with any questions. Visit Pacific Coast The team at Visit Pacific Coast bring a one-day 'Tourism for a Connected World' workshop to support businesses of the visitor economy in their digital journey. Enquire now. REMINDER: Don't Miss Out On Free Social Media Training Presenters from Facebook and the Destination NSW social media team have created five free webinars to help tourism businesses improve their social media skills. The 60-minute webinars feature tips on driving bookings and engagement through social media, plus how to make the most of Destination NSW social channels and initiatives such as the Feel New brand campaign. Topics covered include: 'Inspire Action on Instagram', 'Optimising Your Facebook Presence', 'Capturing Social Content on Your Phone', 'Engage Your Audience on Social Media' and 'Create Stories on Social Media'. The webinars are online until 11 February 2022. Funding & Other Opportunities Register Now For The $5000 Alfresco Restart Rebate The NSW Government is offering a rebate of up to $5000 as part of its $66 million Alfresco Restart Package to help the hospitality, arts and music sectors recover from the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions. This is a two-step process so businesses are encouraged to Register Now to confirm eligibility with the rebate available to the first 5000 eligible small or medium food and beverage businesses that register. Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital Aims to give the thousands of small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia an opportunity to access funding to support broad community needs. Closes 22 February 2022.
NAIDOC Local Grants
Provides funding to Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations to contribute to the costs of local and
regional NAIDOC activities across Australia. Closes 2 February 2022.
Coles Nurture Fund
Helps small to medium Australian producers, farmers and manufacturers to innovate and grow their
business. 25 Closes February 2022.
Funding For Regional Touring Performing Arts
The latest round of the Australia Council's Playing Australia touring program will provide $5.5 million in
funding to help music, theatre, circus and dance productions visit 151 locations across rural and regional
Australia.
The closing date for the next round of the Australia Council's Playing Australia funding is 1 March 2022.
REMINDER: Building Better Regions Fund - Round Six Closing Soon
The Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund Round Six has $250 million available for the
Infrastructure Projects and Community Investment streams of the fund.
The Round Six Infrastructure Projects Stream supports investment-ready projects that provide
economic and social benefits for regional and remote areas. Grants of $20,000 to $10 million to cover 50%
or more of eligible project costs are available.
The Round Six Community Investments Stream supports new or expanded local events, strategic
regional plans or leadership and capability strengthening activities that provide economic and social benefits
to regional and remote areas. Grants of $5000 to $1 million to cover 50% or more of eligible project costs
are available.
Incorporated not-for-profit, local government agencies or bodies and non-distributing co-operatives are
encouraged to apply across both streams with applications closing 10 February 2022.
North Coast Product And Experience
Development
The National Cartoon Gallery - Coffs Harbour
The National Cartoon Gallery recently produced a
short video tour of the Cartoon Gallery which helps
bring alive this national treasure.
Blue Water Motel - Kingscliff
Blue Water Motel reimagined by renowned designer, Mr Jason Grant, is a nod to the cool and relaxed coastal
vibe of Kingscliff, but with a hint of retro. It honours the peach / lemon vibes of the 60's and the nostalgic
motel stay with casual and comfortable accommodation whilst still having a touch of subtle and
sophistication. Luxury stays, without the premium price tag.
The reimagined coastal motel is centered and inspired by the colours of the Northern NSW beach and a feel
good summer stay.The Wave Bowl, Port Macquarie Port's newest bar, eatery and entertainment venue, The Terrace at Wave Bowl. Barrels Pizza - Murwillumbah Combining a love of surfing with delicious Italian fare, Barrels Pizza is a family-orientated pizza bar serving a range of traditional Italian pizzas with some unique twists. Jetty Beach House - Coffs Harbour Situated on stunning Corambirra Point, Jetty Beach House is about kicking back with family and friends, overlooking the ocean in a relaxed al fresco atmosphere whilst enjoying a wide range of live music and entertainment. There's also a versatile event space overlooking the ocean and hinterland peaks so ample room and flexibility to host weddings, meetings, business events, private parties and ticketed shows. Making the most of the iconic location, amazing food and beverage offerings and award winning event production, Jetty Beach House has all you need. North Coast Events To aid in your planning, please note upcoming events (and event cancellations) across the region. Lismore Women's Festival - Cancelled
Northern Rivers Women and Children's Services Inc (NORWACS) has made the decision to cancel the Lismore Women's Festival for this year, due to the current COVID situation. Great Lakes Pro Kicks Off NSW Pro Surf Series The opening event of the Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series - the 2022 Carve Great Lakes Pro - will kick off at Boomerang Beach, Barrington Coast on 22 February which will be the first of four World Surf League Qualifying Series events that will run from February to May, All events will be webcast through worldsurfleague.com and the WSL App. All event news, images and highlight clips will be available at surfingnsw.com.au. COVID-19 Resource Centre The DNC COVID-19 Resource Centre makes it easy to access relevant information and find links to appropriate Government and other resources.
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