February 2023

Local Tourism & Events News

The latest news and business opportunities relevant to tourism businesses
in Glen Innes Highlands.

Hello and happy new year to you, our subscribers, and what an exciting start to 2023!

Visitor numbers are still on the up, families are out and about on new inland adventures, and we're seeing loads of campervan holidaymakers and a noticeable influx of international visitors exploring the whole of Australia.

It's been amusing to watch the team attempt to use their school German and French, but what is most important is the big welcome they give to all our visitors, which is a universal language. It is also when the saying 'visitors don't recognise borders' really comes into play, as our team at the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre assists these tourists not only with what wonderful things to do in Glen Innes Highlands but also our regional neighbours and further afield, to give our visitors the safest and best experience possible as they make their way around Australia.  

In January, Glen Innes saw an extension of the Walk of Light - our wonderfully sparkling installations in Grey Street and nearby parklands. Like moths to the flame, visitors stayed those extra nights as the activation continued throughout the whole of January. This also enabled locals and visitors to take advantage of our gorgeous summer sunsets and watch the stars and lights rise simultaneously over the tablelands. We hope to see more of these activations and have the community get involved in developing new events for Glen Innes in 2023.

Council is currently developing a 'one-stop shop' approach for community members to list their events and also an easier way for our residents, tourism operators and visitors to find out what's happening in our town. So watch this space!

This month's newsletter is filled with inspiration and guidance for your tourism business, as well as information about new events and attractions that enhance our town. This information is aimed at helping to prepare your business for increases in visitor numbers as a direct result of these items, as well as presenting opportunities for your business to leverage. 


The first half of this year is jam-packed with some of our key regional events, so let's jump in the front seat of this rollercoaster and prepare for a vibrant, successful and fun year ahead!

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
Local Event News & Resources

Early Bird Catches the Lochness Monster!

It's finally arrived! Early Bird tickets for those travelling to the festival, including coach bookings, are on sale now via the Australian Celtic Festival (ACF) website. Local and New England High Country resident tickets will go on sale from 1 March 2023. Buy tickets now.

You can subscribe to our ACF newsletter for up-to-date program information. The 2023 ACF Sponsorship Prospectus is also now available for any businesses wishing to submit an expression of interest to help us achieve our event goals. 

Australian Celtic Festival Gets Major Boost from NSW Government

The Australian Celtic Festival was thrilled to be informed that we were successful in our application for grant funding from the NSW Government Regional Events Acceleration Fund to engage extra high-profile entertainers and experiences as well as improve the visitor experience regarding access and inclusivity. 

This also includes building a safe environment with improved entry points for wheelchair access at the event site, increased lighting in areas like bus stops and disability parking and amenities at the site. This will give our festival a real infusion of authenticity and increase the desirability to attend during this very special Year of Scotland. This stream will also include activities for improved mental health, inclusivity and wellbeing.

We are very excited to start this new accessibility journey by improving our mobility access to some areas of the site, as well as supporting our visitors to the festival with the introduction of hearing and vision initiatives.

Glen Innes Highlands HUB

Highlands 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].

Upcoming Events at the HUB

1 & 2 March - FREE Events 101 Workshop - Vision, Themes and Values
In the first stage, you will learn all about new event development and visioning, which will set the scene for the second stage which will dive into the event planning areas. The 2023 reVITALize program event will be used as a real-life event scenario, offering not only a capability-building and learning experience, but also allowing for the co-creation of this exciting local event. Register now

1 & 2 March - FREE Grants Writing Workshop
The first hour of the workshop will involve a presentation with content to help you prepare successful grant applications. The second hour will be hands-on and participants will work on elements of a grant application to practice their learning. Register now - 1 March / 2 March
Local Business Opportunities & Industry Updates

Co-working @ The HUB

Highlands HUB is 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. More info

Attract Connect Stay

The Attract Connect Stay program continues to kick enormous goals, having already changed many people's working lives here in Glen Innes by encouraging medical professionals to experience the ultimate work-life balance so they can practice medicine in a way that matches their lifestyle. They are currently seeking vocationally and generally registered GPs to join our thriving local medical practices. These practices attract the government rural incentives, site visit grants and financial relocation assistance.

For more information contact the Attract Connect Stay Recruiter on 0438 243 885. More info

Major Events 2023 

Glen Innes is expected to attract the following number of visitors to the region during the first half of 2023. These figures are provided for accommodation providers and businesses involved in providing products and services to the visitor economy. This information may assist you with staffing, stock preparation, and marketing. 

10-12 February - Glen Innes Show -  4,000 visitors
10-12 March - Minerama Fossicking Gem & Jewellery Show - 4,000 visitors
15 April - Goodness Gravel - 200 visitors
4-7 May - Australian Celtic Festival - 7,000 visitors

Regional Events

Being at the crossroads of the Gwydir and New England Highway has its advantages in that our town can leverage the influx of visitors heading to Major events around NSW. Some recent events included the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Tenterfield Show, and Guyra Lamb and Potato Festival.

These events often result in visitors stopping in Glen Innes to stretch their legs and grab something to eat on their way to or from their destination. The more we know about what is going on in other towns, the more we can connect with our customers and make stopping in at Glen Innes a big part of that journey. 
Upcoming events in surrounding regions: 
17-18 February - Guyra Show
24-26 February - Inverell Show
3-4 March - Armidale Show
4 March - Tenterfield's Gravel n Granite (bike riding event)
15-19 March - Tenterfield's Bavarian Music Festival & Beerfest
25 March - Uralla's Seasons of New England Expo
30 March - 2 April - Tenterfield's Oracles of the Bush  (bush poetry festival)
1 April - Armidale's Autumn Festival
7-10 April - Tenterfield Autumn Festival
29 April - Grafton to Inverell Cycle Race
13-14 May (Mother's Day weekend) -  Armidale's Big Chill Festival

Ongoing Partnership Leverages Regional Tourism Visitation

We continue our partnership with New England High Country (NEHC) - a group of 6 local government areas, including Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Inverell, Guyra, Armidale, Uralla and Walcha, which was formed in 2014. 
Group members collectively market the greater region to drive tourism and leverage its key visitor experience pillars, which include culture, nature, adventure, food & drink, and events. Local operators are encouraged to list their tourism offerings (such as accommodation, attractions, events, food & drink, tours, and transport) on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) website, which feeds into various pages of the NEHC website.  

Tagging the Instagram and Facebook accounts and including #newenglandhighcountry in your share-worthy content also allows the opportunity for this to be shared online. This means free promotion of your experience or offering being shared with thousands of people interested in visiting the region (and potentially Glen Innes). 

New England High Country Visitor Guide 

The New England High Country Visitor Guide has been going like hotcakes and has been a welcomed accompaniment for our visitors journey throughout Glen Innes and New England High Country during January. 

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. Your patrons and guests can pick up a copy from the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre between 9am - 5pm weekdays, 9am - 3pm Saturdays, and 9am to 1pm Saturdays. They are also available online to download here.

Grants & Funding Opportunities

For more information on available grants and funding opportunities, check out Council's latest 
Grants and Funding Opportunities News. You can also subscribe to receive these emails directly in future.

Glen Innes Highlands Event Calendar

Visit our online events calendar to find details of upcoming events in Glen Innes Highlands. Event details that appear on this calendar feed through from events listed online via the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), which allows event organisers to leverage a wider audience. It's free, so register today!

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].

GLENRAC Events

The 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
Tourism Industry News

Ecotourism and Your Business

Tourism Australia, in partnership with Ecotourism Australia, is dedicated to a pathway of sustainability, engaging all tourism businesses to measure where they are in their sustainable tourism journey, and inviting businesses to complete the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program. More info

$100 Million Jobs Boost for Regional NSW

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole has announced a $100 million Regional Job Creation Round Three which will provide grants for regional businesses to expand their operations and attract interstate and international businesses to relocate to regional NSW. More info

New Vision For Regional NSW

In keeping with the momentum of ensuring regional NSW continues and remains the best place to visit, live, work, play and raise a family, the NSW government has unveiled a new strategy. Our Vision for Regional Communities is a three-year action plan. More info.

The Role of Events
in the Visitor Economy

We all see the benefits events bring to our town with accommodation, retail, food and beverages being sought-after by visitors. 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. More info

Featured Local Events

Australian Standing Stones Ceremonies

The Australian Standing Stones Management Board keep a pretty tight schedule making sure that they continue to acknowledge and celebrate Celtic nation's national days with flag lowering ceremonies. Here are a few to keep in mind in the coming months:

1 March - St David's Day (Wales) flag lowering
17 March - St Patrick's Day - (Ireland) flag lowering
21 March - Autumn Equinox - Solar noon shadow

For more information, follow the Australian Standing National Celtic Monument's official Facebook page.

The Chapel Theatre
Open Mic Night

The Chapel Theatre Open Mic Night events have been building over the months into a regular scene for local musos and fans of new music. The talent pool here in Glen Innes is phenomenal for a town of its size and all are welcome to check out how they do it from 6.30pm on Friday 3 February. Registration is open on the night. For more information follow Glen Innes Chapel Theatre's Facebook page.

The Great Central Hotel

Live music is back at the Great Central Hotel and they are hosting many fine bands and musicians throughout February and March. 
Upcoming performances:
3pm Saturday 4 February - Matt Scullion. All ages welcome.
7pm  Saturday 18 February - Mud Band 
6pm  Friday 10 March - The Chestfeeders

The Glen Innes Show 

An action-packed three-day program is planned for our 'Royal of the North' Agricultural Show at the Glen Innes Showgrounds taking place Friday 10 February until Sunday 12 February 

Experience a blend of the best the country has to offer, with arts and crafts, fairground rides, the latest tractors, first-class showjumping, an unrivalled cattle pavilion display, poultry, sheep, and sports shearing, as well as a demolition derby, mechanical pavilion and trade expo. More info

Gourmet Fiesta @ The Glen Innes Show

Located at the Glen Innes Agricultural Show, Gourmet Fiesta is the place to experience regional artisan products like local gins, black garlic and cool climate olives. This year celebrity cook Roberta Muir will be bringing her gastronomic excellence to the marquee with cooking demonstrations on Friday and Saturday. Also appearing is Peter Gross from Black Pearl epicure in Brisbane who will be presenting a cheese appreciation session. Bring a big shopping bag and appetite, as this is a year not to miss! Friday 11 and Saturday 12 February. More info

Valentines Day Event


Life Choices and Glen Innes Severn Council are proud to support a special 'Valentine's Day event at The Chapel Theatre where they will be showing the classic Disney animated feature Lady & The Tramp. This will be a fun night of drinks, canapes and entertainment after the movie by The Abbeys. Starts 5pm and it's FREE! All welcome. To book, phone Life Choices on (02) 6730 2500.

Matt Scullion Tour - Glen Elgin & Pinkett

The next performances by Matt Scullion during his free 'A Night Out On Us' tour is at 4pm on Saturday 18 February at the Glen Elgin Sports Ground and 3pm Sunday 19 February at the Pinkett Community Hall. Guests can also enjoy local support acts and a free sausage sizzle. He has been wooing locals since December, so if you havent caught this amazing tour you still have time! We encourage accommodation providers to let their guests know if staying in town, as this is a great opportunity to explore our hamlets and historic halls. Proudly funded by the NSW Government and supported by Glen Innes Severn Council.

Glen Innes Art Gallery

Running until 24 February, the Glen Innes Art Gallery is proud to present its SUMMER exhibition. These displays are filled with endless creations from artists who have been inspired by reflecting on our summer days. From photography to all mediums of painting and drawing, including pottery work and card making, this exhibition is one to catch. More info

CWA 100 Year Anniversary

The Glen Innes Country Women's Association is celebrating 100 years with a free luncheon at 11am on Monday 27 February at the Glen Innes Town Hall with guest speakers, entertainment and displays. If you would like to attend this momentous milestone and be part of the celebration, please contact M Shumack on 0417 067 992. Proudly funded by the NSW Government and supported by Glen Innes Severn Council.

2023 Deepwater Art Show

A splash of creativity is resurfacing in the Deepwater district, with a team of locals gearing up to deliver the town’s beloved art show again in autumn 2023. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this amazing display, from established artists as well as opportunities to enter your own work. The 2023 Deepwater Art Show is held from Friday 31 March until Tuesday 4 April 2023. For more information, including workshops and how to get involved, visit their website or Facebook page.

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].

Register Now!

Arts North West Connect

Do 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 Monthly Newsletter

We email our subscribers a monthly newsletter to promote things to see and do in Glen Innes Highlands. Sharing this newsletter or particular content from within it with your own customers is a great way to offer ideas to help them plan their next visit. Subscribe now to receive this newsletter directly in your inbox.

Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre

Encourage visitors to our region to visit the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre, where they can chat with a friendly local and browse local products, gifts and souvenirs. They can also view our online events calendar and information about local experiences on the Glen Innes Highlands website,

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 Be

Discover a place that's ready to embrace your dreams, cultivate your ideas and celebrate your success.

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