Agenda of Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group

Meeting Date: Monday, 10 August 2020

Location: Email Meeting

Time:

The following members were present:

Mr Robert Crow - Chairperson

Clr Patricia White

Clr Joanna Gash

Mr David Goodman

Mr Neil Rodgers

Ms Brenda Sambrook

Ms Juliet Barr

Mr David Fleeting

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Clr Alldrick, Clr Gartner and James Lin.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Clr White / Juliet Barr)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group held on Monday 24 February 2020 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

TA20.11 Destination Marketing

HPERM Ref: D20/278162

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Destination Marketing Report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Destination Marketing Report for information.

CARRIED

TA20.12 Tourism Manager Update

HPERM Ref: D20/281159

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Tourism Manager’s Report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Tourism Manager’s Report for information.

CARRIED

TA20.13 Events Report

HPERM Ref: D20/281416

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Events Report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Events Report for information.

CARRIED

TA20.14 Visitor Services Update

HPERM Ref: D20/282214

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Visitor Services Report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Visitor Services Report for information.

CARRIED

TA20.15 River Festival Committee Update

HPERM Ref: D20/282222

A further update was provided and noted that the Festival as of last week has been formally cancelled as a ”Full Blown Event”.

We are however exploring the possibility of staging a supporting Covid Safe event, in the form of an Exhibition of Float art and supporting Artworks + Bridge lighting that may coincide with the CBD Rejuvenation efforts around Christmas New Year – watch this space.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Shoalhaven River Festival Committee report for information.

RESOLVED (David Fleeting / Clr White)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Shoalhaven River Festival Committee report for information.

CARRIED

TA20.16 Bushfire Recovery Update

HPERM Ref: D20/282228

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Bushfire Recovery Update for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Bushfire Recovery Update for information.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded.

Mr Robert Crow

CHAIRPERSON

Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group – Monday 26 October 2020

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TA20.19 Tourism Manager Update

HPERM Ref: D20/411847

Section: Tourism

Approver: Robert Domm, Director - City Futures

Reason for Report

To give a brief outline of the Tourism Manager’s activity over July–September 2020.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Tourism Manager’s Report for information.

Options

1. Receive the report for information.

2. Request more information from the Tourism Manager.

New Organisational Structure and Staffing Update

New Organisational Structure

On 6 August 2020, the Councillors voted in support of the CEO’s recommendation for a new organisational structure for Shoalhaven City Council. The new structure sees the retention of Shoalhaven Water as a separate reporting entity under the leadership of an Executive Manager, plus the creation of five (5) new directorates;

· City Services,

· City Development,

· City Futures,

· City Lifestyles and

· City Performances.

As a result of this, Coralie Bell is back in the Tourism Team after acting as the Section Manager of Community and Recreation for some time. The current Tourism Section, led by Coralie Bell, will move to City Futures and as the Tourism department.

Staffing

- Events and Investment Specialist:

o Shannan Perry-Hall moved back to the Events and Investment Specialist role. However, her last day with Shoalhaven Tourism will be on 9 October 2020. Shannan is moving onto the next challenge, and she is heading to Destination Sydney Surrounds South as their General Manager.

- Administration

o Emelie Einarsson is back in the Senior Administration role, now formally appointed in a full-time capacity.

- Tourism Infrastrucute Project Manager

o Michelle Green has been transferred (inc. associated project budget) to the Assets and Works team.

- Digital Marketing Assistant

o Sarah Chenhall worked her last day with the Tourism Team on 17 July 2020. The marketing team is currently undertaking recruitment for the vacant Digital Marketing Assistant role.

The Tourism team continue to work from home, with exception to the Visitor Services Team who are working from the Nowra and Ulladulla Visitor Information Centres.

General Updates

Visitor Economy Priorities

Work was recently undertaken in partnership with DSSS and Regional NSW to ensure Shoalhaven’s infrastructure and product development needs in relation to recovery and growth of the visitor economy where clear and links to strategies identified. This information will help when grant funding becomes available.

Hyams Beach

Works continue to progress to assist this small village in peak times.

Current focus is on:

· Illowra Lane Temporary Roundabout road widening and drainage works in readiness for trial over October Long Weekend

· Hyams Beach Masterplan completed. Preparing to go out to Community Consultation – taking into consideration Sustainable Infrastructure Grant funding

· Planning and preparation for managing visitors over October Long Weekend

· Consultation with HBVA, Hyams community and businesses is ongoing

20/21 Adopted Budget Update

Project	Budget
Tourism Management + Tourism Grants	$614,983
Marketing	$775,741
VIS	$478,382
Events + Investment	$180,023
Grants and infastructure projects	$351,307
TOTAL	$2,400,436

Attended or presented at

- 59 Owen Street Stakeholder Meeting – 2 July 2020

- Airbnb, South Coast, NSW – 6 July 2020

- Small Business & Tourism Working Group – 7 July 2020

- Berry Showground PoM and MP - Inception Meeting - 8 July 2020

- PCG Meeting - Sustainable Tourism Grant Projects – 21 July 2020

- ISJO Visitor Economy Working Group – 23 July 2020

- PCG meeting - Nowra Showground Enhancements – 27 July 2020

- Blaze Aid - Milton Site Visit – 3 Aug 2020

- Business Events DMC Discussion - DNSW - 3 Aug 2020

- DSSS and Tourism Manager's Meeting – 4 Aug 2020

- Hyams Beach Tourism Project & Seamans Beach Carpark Meeting – 5 Aug 2020

- Ag Industry Assistance meeting 6 Aug 2020

- Nowra CBD Promotions – 11 Aug 2020

- Riversdale Site Visit 12 Aug 2020

- Business Australia - Shoalhaven City Council – 17 Aug 2020

- PCG - Sustainable Tourism Projects - 18 Aug 2020

- Pre-Recovery into Readiness Community Webinar Meeting 25 Aug 2020

- Councillor Briefings

- Interview - Digital Marketing Assistant – 2& 4 Sept 2020

- Presented at National Tourism Incident Communication Plan Communications – 8 Sept 2020

- Meeting with Senator Duniam to discuss ART related matters – 9 Sept 2020

- Sussex Inlet Tourism and Economic Development Forum – 21 Sept 2020

- National Tourism Incident Communication Plan Communications meeting - 22 Sept 2020

- Regions Rising Tourism Webinar - 23 Sept 2020

- Aus Chamber Tourism Committee Meeting – 23 Sept 2020

- Agritourism Interview for The Age and SMH – 23 Sept 2020

- Extra Ordinary LEMC – Shoalhaven – 24 Sept 2020

- Councillor Briefing – 24 Sept 2020

- NSW South Coast Centre of Excellence meeting - 30 Sept 2020

Shoalhaven Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure Projects

- Design work on the first four projects is progressing well.

- Community engagement has been undertaken in the form of Council’s Get Involved page which was activated in July, followed by radio advertising and a survey that closed on 14 September. During this time there were 929 visits to the website and 255 downloads of the plans. Twenty residents completed the survey and 90% of those were in favour of the proposed projects.

- Letters were sent to the residents of Sanctuary Point Road advising of the proposed footpath and requesting residents to visit the Get Involved Page

- Detailed design on the first four projects will be completed over the next three months with construction due to commence at Ray Brooks Reserve, Palm Beach in October.

Up Next

2020/2021 Planning

Development of annual action plan (from the Destination Management Plan) has been finalised. The annual Marketing Plan is strategic document that prioritises key focus areas and actions.

Australian Regional Tourism Convention - Online

Tourism Manager Coralie Bell will be presenting at the ART (Australian Regional Tourism) Convention on 27-29 October. This year’s virtual convention theme is ‘Building resilient and adaptive communities that thrive’.

Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group – Monday 26 October 2020

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TA20.17 Destination Marketing

HPERM Ref: D20/411758

Section: Tourism

Approver: Robert Domm, Director - City Futures

Attachments: 1. Winter Product Update - Shoalhaven (under separate cover) ⇨

2. Tourism Marketing Action Plan 2020 2021 (under separate cover) ⇨

3. Shoalhaven Wine Coast Print Brochure DL 2020 (under separate cover) ⇨

4. Shoalhaven Whale Watching Print Brochure DL 2020 (under separate cover) ⇨

Reason for Report

To provide a summary of Destination Marketing activity from July – September 2020.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Destination Marketing Report for information and endorse the Annual Marketing Plan 2020/2021.

Options

1. Receive the report for information

2. Request more information

Industry News

Overview

Business confidence picked up in this quarter due to travel restrictions lifting, many businesses reporting anecdotally an average increase of 150% year on year. June / July school holidays were very busy, which whilst helping business to recover, also created some tension for locals who were concerned with social distancing as well as a few scares with active COVID-19 cases visiting Bannisters by the Sea, Wild Ginger and The Cove. A lot of time was sent checking in with operators and seeing how they were going and offering support and resources.

New Product

Indoor Climb South Coast – new indoor climb facility in Woolamia from the owners of Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports

Ponte Bar and Dining – new restaurant where Wharf Rd was in Nowra

SUP With George – new shopfront

South Coast Heli Escapes – Chopper service from Sydney to Cupitt’s and Bannisters

Nowra Fresh opened a new Fish and Chips shops attached to their meat and fish grocer

Merribee – opening again on Wednesdays as an open garden + more workshops etc

Gwylo – Matt Upton from Tallwood has opened a new Asian focussed restaurant in the old Tallwood space, Mollymook (Gwylo was his nickname in Asia)

Closed Product

Attachment 1 shows the winter product report, prepared for Destination NSW and the Destination network. This indicates 47 products known to Shoalhaven Tourism that have closed permanently, many are holiday homes or eateries, some have reopened as other businesses. This is one of the tangible outcomes of the difficult year tourism businesses have had.

Business Chambers and Industry Support

Kangaroo Valley Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has appointed a new President Lindy Pitt. The Tourism team has offered to do a presentation to members and guests on the Tourism activities ‘the Valley’ has been included in last financial year, and present the strategy for the current financial year.

Sussex Inlet Business Chamber has requested support to design signage and banners to promote the town, as well as assistance designing their visitor and business guides, which are underway.

Please let us know if you would like to be included in industry briefings.

Publicity

Overview

Publicity earned from July to mid-September sits at over 35 million reach. This is a great result, and can be attributed to our ‘Wine and Whales’ campaign activity and famils, as well as much general interest from media due to travel restrictions lifting in New South Wales. Along with famils and articles, there has a large demand for filming such as Subaru, Mitsubishi, Audi, Lexus.

Highlights

Publication	Reach	Links / Update
Canberra Times + 163 syndication in regional press	2.7milion	Deeply personal whale encounter in Jervis Bay https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6822261/your-complete-guide-to-winter-holidaying-in-jervis-bay/
SBS TV	7.5million	How the kindness of strangers is helping these businesses bounce back after coronavirus. Featuring: Island Sushi, Nura Gunyu. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/how-the-kindness-of-strangers-is-helping-these-businesses-bounce-back-after-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR3oRI70eJfh1IjTDf1hEjNP-cJuV96D3kCikolYJ281lLQfBEmansUarq8
Grazia Magazine	150K	Where the wild Things Are. Wine and whales famil https://graziamagazine.com/articles/shoalhaven-wine-region-travel-guide/
Delicious Magazine	783K	21 unmissable foodie experiences on the NSW South Coast https://www.delicious.com.au/travel/australia/gallery/eat-drink-stay-shoalhaven-food-wine-lovers-guide/7623i9g1
NRMA Open Road Magazine	2.6million	My Big Backyard, featuring Sussex Inlet, Booderee, Jervis Ba.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t7WtQFjY3-Mv5j6MmL_I3942gyzJu5c1/view
SMH Traveller	739K	Kiama and the South Coast, NSW things to do: Nine must-do highlights, featuring Coolangatta Estate, Bangalay Villas, Seven Mile Beach, Kangaroo Valley Kayaks. https://www.traveller.com.au/kiama-and-the-shoalhaven-region-nsw-things-to-do-the-nine-mustdo-highlights-h1p7ip In Print: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I6Az0Ip68dmb3n2Y_Zv3Op5QMRuYyrSu/view
7 News	3.3million	Shoalhaven region NSW: A weekend getaway in our own backyard https://7news.com.au/travel/shoalhaven-region-nsw-a-weekend-getaway-in-our-own-backyard-c-1271168
New Idea Magazine	212K	Girls’ Weekends – Shoalhaven’s foodie scene https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OnCr_WeVwrIY862b69RJISVMthK-IZ3z/view?usp=sharing
Sky News Australia	235K	Rosie Cupitt interview on Wine and Whales Clip N/A
Pedestrian	452K	Empty Esky Travel Map featuring Hayden’s Pies, Bangalay Villas etc https://www.pedestrian.tv/travel/empty-esky-maps/
Medianet	1.4million	Australian Traveller Magazine – 100 issue Featuring Shoalhaven, Nowra, Kangaroo Valley https://www.medianet.com.au/releases/188713/

Wine and Whales Campaign

Wine and whales are combined as our feature off-season campaign for the Shoalhaven. Whales are migrating from May to November and it is a perfect time to visit cellar doors for wine, great food, and on-site experiences. Both areas have very strong product offerings in the Shoalhaven yet very low brand awareness in the greater market.

Key to the campaign strategy was the creation of a landing page, link here and two new brochures, both DL size that fold out to A3. The wine brochure was created in consultation with the Shoalhaven Wine Coast Association as their current brochure was out of date. The whales brochure is a brand-new initiative featuring whale watching operators and flagship land-based viewing locations. This campaign is set to run again next year from Autumn through to Spring, due to missing out on key promotional timings due to COVID-19.

Partnerships

Broadsheet

Editorial partnership to create two pieces of evergreen blog content on Broadsheet’s website, promoted across onto their social media channels also. Broadsheet has a reach of 146,000 unique users per month, targeted toward the young and affluent city market.

Guide: Wineries along the Shoalhaven Coast

Article: Whale Inspired Trip along the Humpback Highway

Gourmet Traveller

Selected as our print partner to target the older affluent foodie market. Showcasing our wine and whales artwork, brochures, and link to landing page.

- Full page ad in September print edition
- Email newsletter to Gourmet Traveller audience
- Editorial mentions in October print edition

Publicity & Famils

Throughout late July, several media outlets came to the Shoalhaven on a group famil experiencing a guided wine and whales tour, placed across locations in Jervis Bay and Mollymook. Publications hosted included: Australian Women’s Weekly, Grazia Magazine, Seven News, Take 5 Magazine, Sydney Expert. So Where Next, Statement Life.

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Rejuvenate and Spend Here This Year campaign continuation

As travel restrictions eased in June, the Rejuvenate landing page was updated to reflect COVID-19 information and guide people through their travel plans for the Shoalhaven. The overall message was welcome back, however please tread lightly, book ahead, social distance, and be a conscious traveller. A second wave of COVID-19 in some of our target markets also had many potential travellers nervous, therefore the Spend Here This Year campaign was also activated throughout this period to stimulate voucher and online sales. Marketing channels were via selective targeting across social, search and digital marketing.

October Holidays - Local Messaging

After a long stretch of travel restrictions, peak season has come early in the Shoalhaven with the October school holidays set to be busier than usual if the July school holidays were anything to go by. Radio ads across PowerFM and 2ST will run through the October School Holidays educating people on how to be a ‘Conscious Traveller’ and reminding them they can Spend Here This Year.

Two sets of sponsored posts on social media go live during the school holidays, one with ‘Conscious Traveller’ messaging targeted to people within the entire region, and another encouraging dispersal from hot spots such as Hyams Beach reminding people of the 16 equally beautiful white sand beaches and the 100 Beach Challenge, targeted to the Jervis Bay area.

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Walking on Country Video Launch

Tourism has been working with Council’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer for the last two years on the Walking On Country short film, designed to capture the unique experience of what connection to country means to various individual Aboriginal community members. The video highlights a strong message that cultural heritage is a vital element of Aboriginal people’s identity, spiritual beliefs, and affinity to the cultural landscape. This short film celebrates the cultural vibrancy and rich heritage of the film participants who share their ‘living culture’ with us.

Walking on Country Featured Participants: Matt Simms, Shane Carriage, Raymond Timbery, Noel Butler, Deidre Martin, Paul McLeod, and Julie Freeman, all of which also offer tours and experiences.

Due to COVID-10, the short film’s both 2- and 4-minute versions, were digitally launched across Shoalhaven City Council and Visit Shoalhaven social media. Within the first week, 90,000 people had viewed the video, with an enormous amount of positive feedback shared.

The project will have a physical launch in November, will be showcased on screens throughout council and visitor centres, and has already been utilised by schools, correctional centres and many organisations to share culture and foster positive relations.

View the videos here:

2 minute version

4-minute version

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Destination Think! Tourism Sentiment Index Tool

Destination Think! created a Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI), measurement system a few years ago and invited select Destination Marketing Organisations to be part of a trial. Shoalhaven was selected and has received reports on sentiment, positive, neutral, and negative surrounding tourism pillars across news, review, and social media sites. These reports have been helpful in identifying areas for potential promotion or areas with negative sentiment that need to be addressed. However, these reports have always happened in retrospect and have often reinforced decisions we have made in the past as opposed to informing future decisions.

In 2020, Destination Think! released their live version of the TSI platform which we now have access to in real time. There is also a new module for COVID-19 sentiment where we can compare our region to others around the world, and understand the ‘feeling’ of sentiment toward several other areas, not just tourism. For example, we may look at education, hospitals, transport and see if the sentiment is joy, anger, or fear etc.

Below is a diagram that shows a snapshot of the dashboard comparing Shoalhaven to the Hunter Valley showing the overall sentiment score and what topics are driving the positive and negative sentiments. Here it displays that the overall driver of conversation surrounding Shoalhaven is fear being driven by natural disaster. A full demonstration of this dashboard can be provided on request.

Any STAG members interested in a demonstration of the platform please let us know.

Visitor Services Assistance

In preparation for the busy season, the marketing team are updating and reprinting the Pets on Holidays Guide, followed by the Producer Guide and Art and Culture Guides early next year. As mentioned in the previous report, the 2020 Visitor Guide stock will continue to be distributed throughout 2021 until September, when the 2022 Guide will be released. Advertisers in the current guide will get a longer run, and advertising for the 2020 guide will be launched in March 2021, when businesses may be in a better position to afford advertising.

Live Chat was launched in August, with Visitor Services and other staff set up to chat directly with visitors to shoalhaven.com.

Marketing Plan 2020/21

The 2020/21 financial year Marketing Plan has been presented to the STAG Industry group for feedback prior to this meeting, see Attachment 2.

Other Projects

- Recruitment for Digital Marketing Assistant

- Live Chat go live with Visitor Services team

- Kids Activity Booklet for summer

- Channel 10 Destination Dessert Sponsorship

- Autumn planning with Australian Geographic for Adventure promotion

- Business Events strategy and brochure production

Digital Marketing

Highlights

The Digital Marketing Assistant Role has been vacant since mid-July and this role is being actively recruited for a new staff member estimated to start in November 2020. In the July – August period, there are some unique behaviours seen, such as a huge increase in new users to shoalhaven.com of 114% year on year. Engagement was down on some of our social channels, due to advertising being held or ceased in some markets. Marketing priorities ranged from driving traffic to wine and whales page to educating visitors on being conscious travellers, to driving online sales, a mixed bag of messaging which had both positive and negative effects on year on year growth.

Shoalhaven.com

We have seen a large increase in traffic to shoalhaven.com throughout July and August, with an increase in users of 104% year on year. What is interesting is that we are seeing an even larger number of new users, increasing 113% year on year. This is most likely due to restrictions on international and interstate travel, with more people from New South Wales looking to the south coast as a travel destination.

The diagram from google analytics below, shows this year in blue the great loss of web traffic compared to the previous year in March, April and May, however also shows increases in June and July traffic this year which is a positive sign toward flattening the curve. It is also interesting to note that only 76% of web users are from Australia, showing international visitors are still researching and dreaming of the Shoalhaven.

Top pages visited were:

Rejuvenate page

Honeymoon Bay

Home page

Bookings

Ben’s Walk

Facebook

Facebook followers are increasing steadily at around 3% per month reaching 51,000 total 42,000 people engaging with content during the July and August period, this is slightly down on the same period last year, however some ad campaigns have been restricted due to hot spots arising in Sydney. 931,518 people were reached by posts in the period with 129,827 video views. Facebook continues to favour content such as natively placed images and videos, with outbound links, to our website for example being shown to many less people base d on this algorithm. Shoalhaven Stories continue to roll out weekly on a Saturday with video views at approximately 10,000 per video. In August, our Facebook Ads account was suspended incorrectly which affected the wine and whales campaign, but was resolved with help from Tourism Australia’s Facebook contacts. Most popular content on Facebook continues to be coastal and aquatic and adventure content/

Instagram

Instagram followers have increased 8% year on year to 26,000 followers. Engagement and video views are moderately down year on year. This should be steadily increasing as our following is, but there has been instability during this period due to staffing, and this anomaly should soon be remedied. Carousel albums and videos are receiving more engagement than single images, and the most liked posts are coastal an aquatic such as drone images of beaches, sunrises, and whales.

Google Campaigns

In July, the volume of search traffic via Shoalhaven key words decreased significantly, likely due to the second wave of COVID in our target markets such as Sydney. In August search volume lifted with 2,675 clicks back to shoalhaven.com and over 270,000 impressions.

Rejuvenate and Spend Here This Year Campaigns

In July our Rejuvenate and Spend Here This Year Campaigns were at the forefront of digital marketing in order to welcome people back to visit but also provide access to links to buy products online if they felt safer at home. The total reach of these campaigns in July and August was 186,000 with over 3,000 clicks through to shoalhaven.com landing pages. The call to action for Rejuvenate was to be a ‘Conscious Traveller’ and download the Visitor Guide, and the Call to action for Spend Here This Year was to shop online, buy vouchers and engage with virtual experiences.

Wine and Whales Campaign

In August the digital component of the Wine and Whales campaign was launched. At this same time, Sydney COVID hotspots were announced. As a result, the wine and whales campaign was targeted exclusively to Canberra and Regional NSW, pulling back from all marketing into Sydney as a precaution. This is reflected in the modest results, but safety is of utmost importance. A total of 28,000 impressions across Instagram and Facebook were gained, resulting in 2,258 links to the wine and whales landing page.

Visitor Email Newsletter

The July and August visitor email newsletter went to around 6,000 subscribers, an increase of 19% year on year which is well ahead of our targets of 10% growth. The benchmark for industry newsletter open rates is around 30%, and around 4% for click through rates.

The July newsletter had a 31.5% open rate and a 5.6% click through rate. The top content being our blog on top fireplaces, and new blog on Shoalhaven breweries.

The August newsletter saw a slightly lower open rate of 27%, and a 4% click through rate. The top content was the wine and whales landing page, and waterfalls blog.

Tourism Talk Email Newsletter

The July and August industry newsletters went to around 1,300 subscribers. Many industry members have remarked on how helpful these newsletters have been to provide information and support over the course of this year. Industry open rate standards are around 33%, with click through rates averaging around 4%.

The July newsletter had a 25% open rate, with a 6% click through rate. The top articles were workshops, and information on service NSW support. This newsletter may not have performed as well due to operators being busy with July school holidays.

The August newsletter had a 40% open rate, with a 6% click through rate. The top articles were the NSW Government COVD-19 update, and the Pets on Holidays brochure update survey.

100 Beach Challenge

Users of 100beachchallenge.com were down 15% year on year, however those users were engaging in content for 37% longer. 60% of the traffic to the game is direct, showing broader awareness strategies are working to drive traffic, such as billboards and media.

The beaches most visited in this period were Depot and Bhewerre Beaches, followed by Mollymook, Collers and Cave Beach.

Issues with user experience such as difficulty checking on at beaches with little or no mobile coverage are being addressed with developers in a suggested solution for roll out before the summer holidays. It is also time to look at a design refresh of the web page and game which is scheduled to be assessed in the new year.

Up Next

Summer campaigns – 100 Beach Challenge and Visitor Guide distribution

Recruitment and training of new Digital Marketing Assistant

Support Visitor Centre move and Localhood concept

Industry support and development

Planning for off-season campaigns

100 Beach Challenge improvements

100 Beach Challenge x 4 Billboard Refresh

Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group – Monday 26 October 2020

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TA20.18 Events and Investments Report

HPERM Ref: D20/411773

Section: Tourism

Approver: Robert Domm, Director - City Futures

Attachments: 1. Media Release - Funding helps regions on road to bushfire recovery ⇩

Reason for Report

To provide a summary of Events and Investment activity from July – September 2020.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Events and Investment Report for information.

Options

1. Receive the report for information.

2. Request more information.

General

· Staffing arrangements – Shannan Perry-Hall moved back to the Events and Investment Specialist role in August but has since accepted another job with Destination Sydney Surrounds South. Shannan’s last day with Shoalhaven Tourism was 9 October 2020.

· While gathering restrictions are still in place and prohibiting a lot of events from occurring, the events team is working closely with event organisers who wish to push forward with their planning and approval processes, as well as offering advice, support and information about opportunities available.

· Events have been heavily impacted by COVID restrictions in place throughout 2020. The events landscape has changed dramatically and restrictions and new requirements will continue to play a role in event planning. Shoalhaven Tourism have been keeping up to date with the often confusing restrictions and have been speaking with event organisers about how they might adapt their event so they can still go ahead. Directing event organisers to relevant information has also been a big role of the team over the last 3 months.

· The Events Team have also been liaising with NSW Health, local Police, local event organisers, other Councils and have held internal meetings surrounding the complicated areas in the COVID guidelines. The main areas of discussion have been how commercial sporting events might fit within the current guidelines, when only community events are noted. It has not been easy to find the answers and restrictions are constantly being updated. The team will continue to monitor the situation and support all event organisers to adapt their events to be COVID Safe moving forward.

In Progress

Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Fund, Stream 1

On 18 September the Federal Government released information about the successful projects under the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants program (see Attachment 1). Shoalhaven Tourism successfully received funding for our flagship economic driver events, including Meet Me in the South Coast ($70,000), Big Country ($25,000), South Coast Food and Wine Festival ($25,000), Huskisson Triathlon ($25,000), Fairgrounds Festival ($25,000), Burradise Festival ($25,000). Destination Sydney Surrounds South (DSSS) was successful in securing $120,000 from the same program for the support of Hallmark events. The funding will be combined with contributions from DSSS ($50,000), Destination Wollongong ($50,000) and Shoalhaven Tourism ($20,000) to deliver the $250,000 project. The project funding will be used to extend the marketing reach of the existing hallmark events along the Grand Pacific Drive. DSSS will promote the anticipated events in conjunction with the trail under key themes (e.g. food and wine, sport, art and culture), connecting complimentary attractions through suggested itineraries.

Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Fund, Stream 2

Shoalhaven Tourism is currently working with Michael Pignataro and Allan Baptist OAM, who have teamed up in association with Essential Films to apply for funding through stream 2. Applications close on 18 December. The project, If successful, would result in the production of a series of 3 programs focussing on the Shoalhaven, its destination identity, its coastal villages and community.

“The series takes you through the Shoalhaven; from the historic rural town of Berry; across the Shoalhaven River; along its towns and villages, its white sand coastline to the southern seaside village of Bawley Point. Along the way meet its merchants, artists, tree and sea changers and discover resilient and positive community minded locals who have experienced a very challenging 2020 with its drought, fire and Covid 19; yet who look forward to a bright future continuing their connection and love of Living on the Coast.”

Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund (BCRERF)

Shoalhaven Tourism continue to work with local event organisers to distribute the approved BCRERF. All funding will be distributed before December.

Business Events Boost Program - Tourism Australia

The Discover Conferencing in Regional NSW project is a collaborative effort between the six Destination Networks of NSW and Destination New South Wales. It involves a range of local destinations and stakeholders, all with the common goal of raising the profile of undiscovered conferencing destinations across regional NSW. Terrara House (Shoalhaven) has been selected to take part in the project. If successful Shoalhaven Tourism will work closely with Destination Sydney Surrounds South and DNSW to deliver the project. Shoalhaven Tourism have provided a letter of commitment, which includes a cash contribution of $3,000 towards the project.

Business Events

For the last 18 months Business Events have become more of a focus, given their ability to drive mid-week visitation and high yield markets. A Business Events Strategy has been developed, with the first stage focusing on:

· Product development to get a wide range of operators, venues and services on the Meet In NSW website www.meetinNSW.com.au,

· Developing a brochure to highlight listed product,

· Creation of a LinkedIn account for business to business marketing,

· Hosting a development workshop with venues to assist them with preparing their pitches, and

· Creating a video sizzle reel to promote the region.

Destination NSW’s Business Events Unit have been very helpful advising on the strategy, and Shoalhaven Business Chamber has partnered with us on the project via our Marketing Precincts Fund.

Riversdale Masterplan

A site visit to Riversdale to see progress firsthand and meet the new Marketing and Communications Manager was undertaken. The development is on track for an end of 2021 opening. The new development will offer significant opportunities for events, including business events with onsite accommodation, catering and activities. The team will continue to work with the Bundanon Trust team to realise the full potential of this new site to the Shoalhaven.

Events

Event Permits Issued July – December 2020

· July – Husky Markets – Huskisson Sportsground, Huskisson

· July – Rally of the Bay – Shallow Crossing / State Forest

· November – February 2021 – Farmers Market at Burrill – Lions Park, Burrill Lake

· Start Date TBC – Marriot Park Markets – Marriot Park, Nowra

Event applications currently being assessed July – December 2020

· October – Foodies Night Markets – Culburra / Huskisson

· October – Shoalhaven Rowing Regatta – Shoalhaven River

· October/November - Little Husky Triathlon Festival – White Sands Park, Huskisson

· November – NSW Wavesailing East Coast Titles – Shoalhaven Heads – 7 Mile Beach

· November – The Bay Games – White Sands Park, Huskisson – Moving to online format for 2020 & postponing in person event to March 2021

· December – Hobie Cat Australian National Titles – Plantation Point

· December – Bondi2Berry – Event finishes in Berry

· December – Callala Triathlon Festival – Callala

Postponed/Cancelled Events July – December 2020

· July – Berry Mountain Classic – Berry – Cancelled

· July – NAIDOC events – Postponed

· July – 12 Days of Christmas – Huskisson – Cancelled

· July – Aussie Night Markets – Nowra Showground – Cancelled

· July – Chilli & Chocolate Festival – Turf Club, Nowra – Cancelled

· August – Husky Duathlon – White Sands Park, Huskisson – Postponed

· September – Big Country Music Festival – Berry Showground – Cancelled

· September – Viking Festival – Sussex Inlet – Cancelled

· October – Sand & Sea Festival – Huskisson – Cancelled

· October – Spring into Sanctuary Point – Francis Ryan Reserve – Cancelled

· October – Koori Knockout – Bomaderry Sporting Complex – Cancelled

· October – Summit Shoalhaven – Kangaroo Valley – Postponed

· October – South Coast Food & Wine Festival – White Sands Park, Huskisson - Cancelled

· October – Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival – Kangaroo Valley Showground – Cancelled

· October – Dream Cricket Gala Day – Nowra Showground – Cancelled

· October – River Festival - Nowra - Postponed, planning alternative COVID safe event

· November – Fairground Music Festival – Berry Showground – Postponed new date TBC

· November – L’Etape Australia – Postponed until March 2021

Filming applications currently being assessed July – December 2020

· October – Fishing Australia – Huskisson / Nowra

· October – The Wild one – Short film - Kangaroo Valley

Filming applications assessed, and permits issued July – October 2020

· July – Channel 7 – Ulladulla

· July – Subaru Ad – Berry

· July – Mitsubishi Ad - Kangaroo Valley

· August - Channel 10 TV Show – Family Feud – Mollymook

· August – One Magazine – Editorial Shoot – Currarong

· August – Restoration Australia – Mollymook

· August – VET Nominee – Culburra

· September – Sydney Weekender TV Show – Huskisson / Berry

· September – Jones Resort Cover – Mollymook / Huskisson

· September – Save the Children ORG – Ulladulla

· September – TV Show - Shoalhaven Heads / Huskisson

· September – Kathmandu Shoot – Nowra / Currarong

· September – Back to the Rafters – Berry

· September – Marie Claire Magazine – Huskisson

· September – Mitsubishi TVC – Berry / Kangaroo Valley

Tourism Event Support Program

Supported Events July – September 2020

Event Name	Date of the Event	Economic Benefit
South Coast Wedding Fair	15-16 August	$149,000.00

Events currently being assessed / approved

Terrara House – Melbourne Cup Event

Summit Shoalhaven

Champions League Basketball CLB3X3 National Series

Huskisson Running Festival

Callala Triathlon

2021 Australian Off-Road Championship / New South Wales Off-Road Championship, Motorcycling Australia

2021 Terra Nova Adventure Race – Approved, dates TBA

2021/22 Australian Beach Volleyball Tour – Approved, dates TBA

Up Next

· Review and update current Filming and Photography Policy and Filming Application.

· Facilitate and support the delivery of community and tourism events (physical and virtual).

· Work with industry to identify gaps in the market, support and grow COVID safe events to meet customer demand opportunities.

· Grow off-season, mid-week events with a strong focus on the Business Events Market and community sport, both able to occur and seem more stable during current restrictions.

· Continue to support events with advice, links to relevant funding opportunities and approvals.

· Focus on event brand awareness with high yield target markets such as the Business Events Industry

· Update Event Policy and Event Application, including public exhibition period

· Facilitate the new Tourism Event Support Program process, communication to industry, media opportunities and key messages

· Create digital assets for Events, including Business Events.

· Industry and product development to upskill Shoalhaven event organisers with training, partnership opportunities, workshops and master classes.

Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group – Monday 26 October 2020

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TA20.22 Tourism Event Support Program

HPERM Ref: D20/429187

Section: Tourism

Approver: Robert Domm, Director - City Futures

Attachments: 1. Event Support Program Application Form (under separate cover) ⇨

2. Event Support Program Guidelines (under separate cover) ⇨

3. Report - June 2018 (under separate cover) ⇨

Reason for Report

To give an update on the Tourism Event Support review and seek endorsement from Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group and Council on implementation and next steps.

Recommendation

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group (STAG) formally request Council:

1. Recognise the importance of event partnerships to our visitor economy

2. Endorse the formalisation of the Event Support Funding Program, Guidelines, and Application Form, and

3. Proceed to implementation early 2021.

Options

Option 1

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group (STAG) formally request Council:

1. Recognise the importance of event partnerships to our visitor economy

2. Endorse the formalisation of the Event Support Funding Program, Guidelines, and Application Form, and

3. Proceed to implementation early 2021.

Implications: The changes to the Event Support Guidelines and Application Form are implemented and the updated process begins at the start of 2021.

Option 2

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group

1. Recommend changes to the guidelines and form

Implications: Changes will be considered and reported to council for Consideration

Option 3

Request more information

Implications: The updates will not be implemented in the new year (2021) delaying the project.

Background

The Tourism Event Support Program has been identified as a priority to review and streamline and in early 2018, a working group of STAG was formed to assist and provide guidance on a way forward. In June 2018 it was resolved that the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group endorse and support the Working Group’s recommended changes to the Tourism Event Support application (TA18.28 – See Attachment 3). The approved changes have been made to the Tourism Event Support Application Form, and Guidelines have been drafted to reflect recommendations.

The events team met with the Working Group on 21 April 2020 to provide an update of progress to date. The Working Group provided their final feedback, the Event Support Program’s Guidelines and Application Form have now been amended to reflect the feedback. See attachment 1 and 2.

Next Steps

Under the delegated Authority of Council, STAG is tasked with providing advice on the funding programs of Shoalhaven Tourism.

As such, STAG is being asked to provide support for the Event Support Guidelines and Application Form.

With the support of STAG, this report will go to the next Ordinary Meeting of Council for Council consideration.

Communication about the updates will then be provided to industry and implementation will commence early 2021.

Financial Implications

The Event Support Program is currently covered in operational budget of Tourism.

This will be allocated as part of Council’s usual budget process.

There has been some discussion across Council teams about the possibility of an online platform that could manage the application process. If this was to be approved there may be some initial set up costs, also to be covered in existing operational budgets. If implemented, the time saving on processing applications manually vs online would be a key consideration.

Risk Implications

COVID-19 continues to present challenges to the events industry. With restrictions easing more event can take place. However, there is a need to have a flexible system that can support events that can pivot and continue to operate.

Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group – Monday 26 October 2020

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TA20.20 Visitor Services Update

HPERM Ref: D20/421497

Section: Tourism

Approver: Robert Domm, Director - City Futures

Reason for Report

To give an update on Visitor Information Services activity from July to September 2020.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group receive the Visitor Services Report for information.

Options

1. Receive the report for information

2. Request more information

Visitor Centres

Both Nowra and Ulladulla had an exciting start to the financial year.

The centres re-opened in June, with tourism in NSW also re-opening after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The Visitor Centres were inundated with phone calls and booking inquiries, resulting in bookings for the next 6 months being extremely positive, pending any further travel restrictions for NSW.

Shoalhaven operators are generally bouncing back well with visitor numbers fast increasing throughout the end of winter and very strong into start of spring. Accommodation providers are reporting better than average numbers in regard to occupancy rates and activity providers are seeing solid bookings for experiences all whilst working with their COVID safe protocols.

The biggest issue facing accommodation operators at the moment is that they cannot find enough cleaners, as they report one of the busiest seasons on record, whilst the hospitality sector is also reporting issues with finding staff.

The Visitor Centre at Nowra has been extremely busy with phone and email inquiries as the 3^rd term school holidays approach. Individuals and groups are particularly interested in camping holidays over motel and hotel stays.

There are plenty of questions coming in about walking tracks, adventure activities, plus wine and whale experiences. The demand for printed Visitor Guide resources has also increased.

Sales and visitor numbers into the centres have declined over the past few months. This is due to COVID-19 restrictions at the centres. However, phone calls have increased as visitors are choosing not to visit the centres, but rather keep their distance through these times.

Staff continue to work with operators to update their listings so they can take advantage of marketing opportunities that support Shoalhaven recovery efforts.

Visitor Centre staff have done an excellent job over this period, providing information, and assisting with many diverse inquiries.

Volunteer Recruitment

Volunteers have become an integral part of our Visitor Services team, with 8 team members offering a concierge service to our visitors. Volunteers have been well received by our visitors, with many compliments received for the level of customer service. We also have 40 regional volunteers, who run the pop-up centres at Sussex Inlet and Vincentia.

Volunteer Services have been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to social distancing measures, and restricting activities at the visitor centre.

Currently another 5 applicants have expressed interest in becoming a Tourism Ambassador. We will review the return of Ambassadors in October / November.

Supplementary Visitor Information Centres

Visitor Services supports 10 supplementary visitor centres throughout the Shoalhaven.

All supplementary centres have recently been visited and stocked, as they prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

The centres had reported renewed interest by visitors over the last few months and requested more stock as visitors are returning.

Familiarisations

Familiarisation visits are an important part of our operations for the purpose of engaging with our operators and for staff to become familiar with properties, and the facilities that they provide.

However, due to COVID-19, we have had to suspend all familiarisation visits to our operators.

We have maintained phone contact with operators during this time.

Many operators have used this opportunity to upgrade their facilities, and we look forward to seeing this so that we can knowingly promote our operators and any improvements.

We will review the situation in the next quarter.

Nowra Visitor Centre Relocation

The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is to close for a period for renovations. The time frame is estimated to between November 2020 and March 2021.The Nowra Visitor Centre and Box Office will have to temporarily relocate during this time. All visitor services will continue to be offered.

Several options have been considered. The preferred option, and the current proposal, is to relocate to the customer service area of the main Administration building. The site chosen is in the vicinity of the Shoal Water alcove.

Plans are been developed to facilitate the move when notice is given of the commencement of the project.

Financials

The table below shows income for July 2020 to September 2020, broken down into sales categories and compared to last year’s results.

INCOME NOWRA

Description	July 2020 to Sep 2020	July 2019 to Sep 2019	*Variance YTD*	YTD +/- *	YOY +/-**
Souvenirs	$1,121	$2,324	-$1,203	-50%	-2%
Books/Maps	$1,481	$1,804	-$323	-11%	-6%
Local Product	$1,261	$2,929	-$1,668	-57%	-17%
Total	$3,863	$7,057	*-$3,194*	-45%	-14%

*YTD +/- shows the % difference between the total income for the current financial Year to Date vs the same period last year.

** YOY +/- shows the % difference between the total income for the 12-month period vs the same period last year - Year on Year. This is useful to reflect impacts of seasonality.

Note: figures estimated to include end of September.

Comments:

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted sales this year.

Due to adherence to the COVID Business Plan, merchandise cannot be fully displayed, mainly to reduce handling. Merchandise has been held behind the counter, with only a minimal display being presented.

Visitors to the centre have fallen by half during this time.

Sales have further been reduced to the fact that the entertainment has been closed for shows, and many Council staff working from home.

We are forecasting a continuation of this downward trend over the next 6 months.

INCOME ULLADULLA

Description	July 2020 to Sep 2020	July2019 to Sep 2019	*Variance YTD*	**YTD +/-***	YOY +/-**
Souvenirs	$1,560	$2,448	-$888	-36%	-9%
Books/Maps	$1,198	$1,308	-$110	-8%	-3%
Local Product	$2,637	$4,440	- $1,803	-40%	-12%
Total	$5,395	$8,196	*-$2,801*	*-34%*	*-10%*

*YTD +/- shows the % difference between the total income for the current financial Year to Date vs the same period last year.

** YOY +/- shows the % difference between the total income for the 12-month period vs the same period last year - Year on Year. This is useful to reflect impacts of seasonality.

Note: figures estimated to include end of September.

Comments:

Due to COVID-19, the merchandise had to be moved away from the prime selling position so that Concierge services could be introduced.

Also, to maintain social distancing, other merchandise stands had to be move to a less desirable location.

The amount of merchandise on display was limited in its range and numbers.

ENQUIRIES - NOWRA

Description	July 2020 to Sep 2020 Total Number	July 2019 to Sep 2019 Total Number	Variation YTD Total Number	*YTD +/-**	YOY +/-**
Counter	2,242	4,456	-2,214	-50%	-16%
Emails	1155	1,045	+110	+11%	-1%
Phone SEC	735	2,529	-1,794	-70%	-24%
Phone VIS	2,844	978	+1,866	+190%	+27%
Phone Total	3,579	3,507	+72	+2	+1%
Volunteer	25	127	-102	-80%	-16%
Total	7,001	9,135	-2,134	-23%	-6%

*YTD +/- shows the % difference between the total number of enquiries for the current financial Year to Date (YTD) vs the same period last year.

** YOY +/- shows the % difference between the total number of inquiries for the 12-month period vs the same period last year - Year on Year. This is useful to reflect impacts of seasonality.

Note: figures estimated to include end of September.

Comments:

Visitation to the centre had declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while the Box Office phone inquiries have declined, the tourist phone inquiries had increased by 190%, with almost 2,000 more calls received compared to the same period last year, as many people are calling rather than visiting the centre.

There have been many requests for accommodation, especially camping.

ENQUIRIES - ULLADULLA

Description	July 2020 to Sep 2020 Total Number	July 2019 to Sep 2019	Variation YTD Total Number	*YTD +/-**	YOY +/-**
Counter	2,200	2,364	-164	-7%	-1%
Emails	11	7	+4	+50%	+1%
Phone	849	869	-20	-2%	-1%
Volunteer	0	8	-8	0%	0%
Total	3,060	3,248	-188	-6%	0%

*YTD +/- shows the % difference between the total number of enquiries for the current financial Year to Date vs the same period last year.

** YOY +/- shows the % difference between the total number of inquiries for the 12-month period vs the same period last year - Year on Year. This is useful to reflect impacts of seasonality.

Note: figures estimated to include end of September

Comments:

Since re-opening, Ulladulla has noted an increasing stream of visitors to the Centre.

The area has been extremely busy over the past few months and this will continue with forward bookings being very positive.

What’s Next – Quarter 2 – 2020/2021

· Continue support of Supplementary Visitor Centres.

· Maintain contact with operators impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, offering advice and further information, including links to helpful resources and information.

· Work on the logistics for the temporary relocation of the Nowra Visitor Centre and Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Box Office.

· Introduce new Point Of Sale System at Nowra and Ulladulla.

Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group – Monday 26 October 2020

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TA20.21 River Festival Update

HPERM Ref: D20/427524

Section: Tourism

Approver: Robert Domm, Director - City Futures

Attachments: 1. Shoalhaven River Festival - Test lighting on the steel bridge undertaken by Brendon Comber ⇩

2. Shoalhaven River Festival Committee - Terms of Reference (under separate cover) ⇨

Reason for Report

Provide an update on the 2020 Shoalhaven River Festival and formally adopt the committee members for the 2020 event.

Recommendation

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group recommend the below members and request Council officially appoint the 2020 River Festival Committee as follows;

a. Committee Chair: David Fleeting (& Arts liaison)

b. Treasurer: Gary Wells

c. Secretary: Kim Willett

d. Logistics: Anna Butler

e. Lighting/Sound/Entertainment: Brendon Comber

f. Water Co-Ordinator: Ron Cowlishaw

g. Arts Advisor to the Committee: Marla Guppy

Options

Option 1

That the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group recommend the below members and request Council:

1. Officially appoint to the 2020 River Festival Committee the following members;

a. Committee Chair: David Fleeting (& Arts liaison)

b. Treasurer: Gary Wells

c. Secretary: Kim Willett

d. Logistics: Anna Butler

e. Lighting/Sound/Entertainment: Brendon Comber

f. Water Co-Ordinator: Ron Cowlishaw

g. Arts Advisor to the Committee: Marla Guppy

Implications: The Shoalhaven River Festival committee is a constituted committee and will continue to work towards delivering of the River Festival exhibition in December 2020.

Background

The Shoalhaven River Festival is a community event which aims to provide a springtime celebration that involves the whole community while enjoying the beauty and accessibility of the Shoalhaven River.

The first Shoalhaven River Festival was held in October 2013 following the following resolution of the Council on 21 June 2013:

“That Council:

a) Establish a Management Committee formed under Section 355 of the Local Government Act to progress and deliver the Shoalhaven River Festival

i. The Committee be named the Shoalhaven River Festival Committee

ii. The membership of the Committee be formed from the Shoalhaven Tourism Board and co-opted community members as required

iii. The Tourism Manager act as Executive Officer of the Committee and report to the Shoalhaven Tourism Board on the activities of the Committee

b) Allocate $20,000 to the Shoalhaven River Festival Committee from the Strategic Projects Reserve for planning, Development Application and other fees and charges for the running of the event

c) Provide support in-kind in the form of a dedicated promotional website, secretariat, meeting space and event liaison assistance”

Further the Council resolved on 24 April 2018 (MIN18.321)

“That Council:

2. Continues to provide the following support to the Shoalhaven River Festival Committee:

a. Continue to provide $20,000 funding and support in line with what Council originally resolved on 21 June 2013, provided that the Shoalhaven River Festival Committee is properly constituted

b. Council (including Elected Members) assist the Committee in promoting the event through broader community and industry networks to assist in increasing volunteer numbers and local business support.

c. Council staff continue to work with and provide advice to the Committee to improve the sustainability of the event through the review of the ongoing format of the event to identify potential revenue opportunities and manage event costs.

d. The committee consider a name change such as Shoalhaven Music and River Festival”

The Terms of Reference (attached) have been developed to meet the requirements of the above Council resolutions and ensure the Committee meets its requirements as a Section 355 Committee.

The Terms of Reference require the appointment of the Committee Members to be recommended by STAG and approved by Council.

Chair’s Report - Aug – Sept 2020

At the Shoalhaven River Festival Committee meeting on Wednesday 19^th August the committee for the delivery of the 2020 event was confirmed.

New members recommended for the Committee as follows:

· Committee Chair: David Fleeting (& Arts liaison)

· Treasurer: Gary Wells

· Secretary: Kim Willett

· Logistics: Anna Butler

· Lighting/Sound/Entertainment: Brendon Comber

· Water Co-Ordinator: Ron Cowlishaw

· Arts Advisor to the Committee: Marla Guppy

Due COVID 19 restrictions and the uncertainty around large events being able to go ahead the committee have decided to work in partnership with the CBD Revitalisation Committee to deliver a different type of event this year.

The committee are currently exploring the potential for a River Festival exhibition in December of boats, art and images from previous festivals, that may help to energise the towns pre-Christmas celebrations.

Broadly the committee are considering three aspects:

· Lighting the bridge – this time the steel bridge from the eastern side, to heighten peoples thinking about the future of the bridge. The committee are also considering approaching Fulton Hogan to see if they are interested in sponsoring the lighting of the western (concrete) side of the bridge and the new construction.

· An initial boat/float parade on the Eastern side of the bridge to coincide with the lighting of the bridge

· Following the parade, the floats would be relocated to the exhibition locations. CBD shopfronts, Entertainment Centre, Council forecourt etc.

Given that the high winds of 2019 thwarted the river parade, there is interest in displaying past events to keep the community excited about future years. There is some great Imagery from previous years that the committee would like to display. This is also an opportunity to tell a bigger story about the Shoalhaven River and the whole Shoalhaven.

The committee plans to continue to work with Shoalhaven Water, as there is a great link there to share key messages.

The working budget is in the process of being put together and sponsors are being sort.

Discussions will continue with the Nowra Revitalisation Committee in the coming weeks about partnership opportunities.

Expenditure budget

Expenditure budget outline as sent to the Nowra Revitalisation Committee. The financial challenges are as follows;

1. Cost of Hire of Lighting kit + technicians for a week

2. Cost of Security for week (for Lighting kit)

3. Cost of Generator hire and fuel for the week.

a. Budget for item 1 – 3 is $25,000

4. Costs associated with the ‘On River float /Boat parade’

a. Budget for item 4 is approx. $2,000 – $3,000

5. Cost of materials/ lighting and outgoings in “mounting” the exhibition

a. Budget for item 5 is approx. $10,000

6. Cost of security for Static display

a. Budget item 6 is currently unknown as it depends on the final location.

Total estimated expenditure budget is $35,000 – $40,000.

It has also been noted that generator cost could be offset in 3 ways;

1. Coates supply at reduced rate

2. Council provide suitable 3 phase power to the eastern side of the bridge (near ex sailing club site/public toilets area) which becomes a legacy for later years.

3. Fulton Hogan may be able to supply 3 phase power at North East side.

Sponsorships

Shoalhaven River Festival’s major commercial Sponsor ‘Ex Servos’, is unable to contribute this year, however some of the past sponsors may have an appetite, these are Macey’s and Turfco.

The following are possible funding sources;

· CBD Revitalisation Committee

· Shoalhaven Council (existing sponsor)

· Shoalhaven Water (existing sponsor)

· Manildra – co-sponsor of last year’s bridge lighting

· Fulton Hogan – new bridge contractors

· Chamber of Commerce

· Defence Industries Group

David Fleeting

Chair, Shoalhaven River Festival Committee

Tourism continued involvement

Shoalhaven Tourism will continue to provide support as needed, and the Event Liaison Officer will attend meetings and provide advice as required. The River Festival will be required to formally update STAG at each meeting via a report. Minutes of meetings and any relevant reports will be provided to Council as needed via STAG.

Financial Implications

With a properly constituted committee and a modified event continuing $20,000 will be allocated to the River Festival Committee. These funds will be used to finalise debt from last year, as outlined in previous reports and produce (in partnership with sponsors) the 2020 event.