Local Tourism & Events NewsThe latest news and business opportunities relevant to tourism and events businesses in Glen Innes Highlands.
Christmas and holidaymakers have certainly arrived in Glen Innes and our town has been sparkling each night since the launch of the Walk of Light at our recent Christmas in the Highlands event, which drew a great number of attendees.
The initiative is the brainchild of the creative minds behind local lighting business Mr & Mrs Hill and features six different installations located throughout Grey Street and our beautiful parklands between 24 November and 13 January. It has already proved to be a positive and alluring experience, even enticing visitors to stay an extra night.
Local businesses have also been inspired to get involved with their own activations, such as longer opening hours, special food events, decorating their own business premises with lights, and ensuring their guests know about this fantastic event for all to enjoy.
Walk of Light is proudly funded by the NSW Government and supported by Glen Innes Severn Council.
I hope this month's newsletter will inspire new ideas and events to share with visitors and amongst your own networks, as well as important information to help support your business for a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous holiday season and New Year.
Thank you to all our subscribers for taking the time to read our newsletter and I hope to see you back to enjoy another year of updates from the Economic Development team.
If you have any enquiries or requests with regard to how we can support and help to promote your business or event, please email [email protected].
Rhonda Bombell
Tourism & Events Officer
Economic Development Team
Glen Innes Severn Council
| | Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre Trading HoursThe Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day, but will remain open on other days throughout the holidays, as per the hours specified below. | | | 24 Dec - Christmas Eve - 9am to 3pm
25 Dec - Christmas Day - Closed
26 Dec - Boxing Day - Closed
27 Dec - Public Holiday - 9am to 1pm
28 Dec - 9am to 5pm
29 Dec - 9am to 5pm
30 Dec - 9am to 5pm
31 Dec - 9am to 5pm
1 Jan - New Years Day - Closed
2 Jan - Public Holiday - 9am to 1pm | | The Role of Events
in the Visitor EconomyWe all see the benefits visitors bring to our town with accommodation, main street boutique shopping, food and beverages. It is interesting to read in an Austrade report, just how much events really do contribute to the visitor economy. These benefits go beyond direct revenue and event attendees spend twice as much per night as holiday visitors. Learn more. | | | Future of DemandThere is no denying that Australia’s tourism industry is integral to Australia’s economy and social fabric. Tourism Australia is dedicated to looking at the changes in the tourism industry across its many facets, and to maximise opportunities in this critical period of recovery after the pandemic. Learn more. | | | Connecting International Students to Jobs across AustraliaThere are new initiatives to help address shortages in the labour market by connecting international students directly with NSW employers across the economy. | | | | This program is about bringing students and employers together, creating opportunities, and equipping both sides with the knowledge and skills to thrive. Learn more. | | | Local Business Opportunities & Industry Updates | | | Extra Christmas Cheer The Spend In Glen promotion has been a great success, seeing hundreds of entries coming in each week, giving customers of local businesses a chance to win a gift card from the prize money allocation, which has been proudly supported by Council. | | | | The last draw will be held on 22 December 2022, just in time for winners to spend with Glen Innes businesses before Christmas. Learn more. | | New England High Country Social Media CampaignGlen Innes Highlands is currently being highlighted in a New England High Country social media campaign through a partnership with well-known award-winning Tenterfield-based photographer, Sera J Wright. | | | | The campaign is a showcase of Sera's regional tour, where she visited each town and many of the main tourism attractions, with content being shared on the destination's Instagram and Facebook accounts in the form of posts, reels and stories. Glen Innes Highlands proudly partners with the five other councils that make up this wider region, including Armidale, Walcha, Uralla, Inverell and Tenterfield, as a way of leveraging marketing funding and initiatives to effectively promote the destination. If you are posting content on your Instagram or Facebook account that promotes Glen Innes Highlands' visitor attractions and experiences, be sure to tag New England High Country using #newenglandhighcountry and @nehighcountry. | | New England High Country Visitor Guide The New England High Country Visitor Guide will be available at the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre these holidays, just in time to assist visitors with information about great places to explore. | | | | This HEMA guide and map is a thorough and evergreen resource to help people to discover the many beautiful, interesting and unique places throughout our region. You can pick up your copy from the Glen Innes Visitor Information or download here. | | NBN Australia Features Glen Innes Business You may already know that Photo Create is an on-demand printing company specialising in manufacturing personalised gift products like photo books, canvas prints, and engraving, that are shipped Australia-wide and globally. What you might not know is that the business is based right here in Glen Innes and is our biggest employer. | | | New Vision for Regional NSWThe NSW Government is committed to supporting and building our thriving regional communities, making it a better place to live and enticing more skilled people into our regional areas to improve healthcare, education, community and affordable housing. | | | | Their Vision for Regional Communities and Action Plan 2023-25 outlines priorities and longer-term strategies to make regional NSW an even better place to call home. Learn more. | | | Local Event News & Resources | | | | If you are in the process of planning an event, we recommend checking the calendar first to observe peak times and avoid date clashes. The calendar is a handy tool to share information with your own visitors and customers. Our team can also assist in listing your event on our calendar - email us at [email protected]. | | Be a 2023 Australian Celtic Festival SponsorWe need you to help support our town's iconic annual event - the Australian Celtic Festival. In 2023, The Australian Celtic Festival is celebrating the Year of Scotland and we are expecting a huge program of events to entice visitors to Glen Innes and, ultimately, into your businesses. | | | | The sponsorship prospectus will be launched in January through the ACF website. Any businesses wishing to submit an expression of interest to help us achieve all our event goals can email the teamhere. | | Christmas in the Highlands - Thank YouThe Christmas in the Highlands event was a huge success thanks to the support of the community, community groups and businesses in Glen Innes. Council would like to thank all those involved and for turning up and sharing a perfect evening of music, dance, markets, food, lights and Santa. We would love to receive your feedback - please click here to complete a short survey. | | | The Tunnel of LightsWe have seen so many people take advantage of the beautiful lights in our town, from visitors to local organisations, including the Glen Innes Arts Council who took advantage of the Tunnel of Lights to help promote their performance of The Importance of Being Earnest. Other organisations like Shimmy in the Glen and various community groups have also dazzled social media with their pictures. | | | | Don't forget to tag #walkoflight and @gleninneshighland when you upload photos of your Walk of Light experience. The lights will be shining until 13 January 2023. This wonderful initiative from Mr & Mrs Hill Lighting is proudly funded by the NSW Government and supported by Glen Innes Severn Council. Learn more. | | Glen Innes Highlands HUBHighlands HUB programs regular workshops and training events. Community organisations and local businesses are invited to get in contact to discuss specific training and development needs that the HUB may be able to support. To enquire, visit in person at 167 Grey Street, Glen Innes, or send an email to [email protected]. | | | FREE Virtual Masterclass: Understanding Your Customer - 14 DecDelivered by Ian Mason, this virtual masterclass 'Understanding Your Customer' will help you to reinforce the importance of understanding your customer; provide a framework for helping you to do so; support you to recognise when changes to your business model impact your target market and whether those changes are ultimately beneficial. Register now. | | | Co-working @ The HUBThe HUB is also a co-working facility that offers both short and long-term bookings of desks, offices, meeting rooms, a board room, and a training room. The space features a community co-working lounge and kitchenette and is perfect for meetings, training and events, with local catering options available. | | | Whether you're an established business, a startup, or a community organisation, the HUB provides daily and ongoing plans to suit your needs. Bookings can be made in advance and include after-hours and weekend access.
It's also a great option to recommend to your customers if they are seeking a remote working space whilst visiting our region. Learn more | | GLENRAC EventsThe Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee (GLENRAC) works in unison with landholders, local government agencies, and Federal and State government departments such as the Department of Environment & Climate Change and Office of Water, NSW Department of Primary Industries, and the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services. | | | | GLENRAC offers regular courses and events that may be of interest to local landholders and business operators. View their events calendar. | | Australian Singer-Songwriter Local TourGlencoe and Emmaville had a great turnout at Matt Scullion's first series of free concerts. The sausages were sizzling and so was the music. 'A Night Out on Us' tour of halls in the Glen Innes Severn Council area will run all the way through to March 2023. Look out for the next lot of shows in January at the Glen Innes Town Hall and the Deepwater School of Arts. Proudly funded by the NSW Government and supported by Glen Innes Severn Council. | | | Don't Spend Christmas Day AloneThe Christmas Day Luncheon at the Glen Innes Town Hall is back again celebrating its long-awaited tenth anniversary. There will be nibbles followed by Christmas Lunch and it's free for Glen Innes community members to attend. Donations are welcome and there will be a little gift for everyone, including a visit from Santa. | | | Summer Solstice at the Australian Standing Stones - 21 DecEnjoy the dawn show of sunrise over the Solstice stone, watch the sun's shadow cross the solstice marker at Solar noon, or view the sunset at the Australian Standing Stones.
Sunrise: 5.49am
Solar Noon: 12.00pm
Sunset: 7.52pm | | | Christmas Lights Glen InnesResidents and businesses are really getting into the holiday spirit with beautiful displays of lights and decorations as part of Christmas Lights Glen Innes. To be involved, visit the Facebook group to view the map and information regarding the distribution of prizes donated by local businesses. Learn more. | | | Raffles at Glen Innes District Services ClubThere's so much to see and do in December at the Glen Innes District Services Club, including the Huge Ham Raffle on the 14 December, members Christmas Party, Barefoot Betties performing hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s on 16 December, and the Mega Seafood and Christmas Hamper Raffle on 23 December. Contact the club here. | | | Summer Create
Creative Workshops
for Youth 12-24The Glen Innes Pottery Club is presenting a series of free creative workshops throughout January including weaving, clay sculpture, silver jewellery design and spoon carving. For bookings and enquiries text Max on 0401603322 or email. | | | A Celtic-Style New Year's CelebrationToast the new year in traditional Celtic style at the Australian Standing Stones by attending The Croft's special indoor-outdoor event. Enjoy delicious food, highland games, Celtic-themed entertainment and a chance to dress up! Advance bookings required. For ticket pricing and full details click here, email [email protected] or phone 0421 470 900. | | | New Year's Eve at the Great CentralThe Great Central Hotel is holding a FREE New Year's Eve event with local band, the Chestfeeders. They will be performing a night of covers and originals from the heyday of punk all throughout the evening and into 2023. This will be a fantastic night and the Great Central is the perfect place to grab a bite, a pub meal or make a group reservation in the restaurant. Live, local music from 8pm. Learn more. | | | Glen Innes Races - 7 JanThe Glen Innes Races will be held on Saturday 7 January at the Glen Innes Jockey Club. Be part of the fashion and excitement that this yearly event brings to town. Food, bubbles and on-site betting and entertainment all day. To find out more, visit the website. | | | | Local Marketing & Promotion Opportunities | | |  | Be Seen by More Travellers!We encourage all accommodation providers, event organisers, tourism operators and hospitality businesses (e.g. cafes, restaurants, pubs) to register with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) to list their own businesses, experiences and events. It's FREE and allows you to easily increase your online exposure and have your business seen by more travellers. Listing your accommodation and event with ATDW also ensures this information displays on the Glen Innes Highlands website. If you require assistance with this process, email our team at [email protected]. | | Arts North West ConnectDo you have a creative practice or run workshops in Glen Innes Highlands? Arts North West Connect is an online registry promoting creatives, venues, organisations and technical skills in the New England North West. Register here. | | | Glen Innes Highlands on Social Media If you are sharing content on social media that is relevant to our visitors, businesses, and community, be sure to tag us in your posts, as we regularly share local content via our Glen Innes Highlands Facebook and Instagram accounts. | | | | Include the following tags in your social media posts: Facebook: @GlenInnesHighlands
Instagram: @gleninneshighland #gleninneshighlands
To leverage a wider regional audience, tag New England High Country:
Facebook: @newenglandhighcountry
Instagram: @nehighcountry #newenglandhighcountry | | Glen Innes Highlands, Where You'd Rather BeDiscover a place that's ready to embrace your dreams, cultivate your ideas and celebrate your success. | | | | | 
