Local Tourism & Events NewsThe latest news and business opportunities relevant to tourism and events businesses in Glen Innes Highlands.
October saw another record number of caravans and motorhomes staying in Glen Innes, as the town became a staging post for events being held in north west NSW. Towing tales, floods and closed roads were high on their list of stories as travellers stopped at the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre on their way home. Our tourism team were ready to assist these visitors (and others diverted to town due to flooding) with accommodation enquiries and finding safe and scenic alternatives to their next destination.
During November, we hope to see the start of a very busy holiday season. It is time for local hospitality and tourism operators to be prepared, plan and inform us of any events, changes to business hours, new menus, and anything else we can share with our visitors. Please connect with us here.
It is also an exciting month to observe native flora and fauna in our region. The Glen Innes Highlands website offers great information to provide visitors with ideas of what they can see and do in our national parks and nature reserves.
If you have any enquiries or support 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
| | Destination NSW Launches Major Campaign with National Parks & Wildlife ServiceThe first joint Destination NSW and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) campaign has been launched, encouraging Australians to ‘find your path’ in the state’s magnificent natural landscapes. | | | | The campaign, which features a 30-second TV spot, will reach millions of people as it rolls out across TV, digital media, billboards and outdoor media in Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, Sydney and regional NSW from 4 November 2022. And the most exciting part is that Gibraltar Range National Park in Glen Innes Highlands will feature in paid media, as well as in this feature article on the campaign landing page. | | Gibraltar Range Waratah Season Gibraltar Range Waratahs (Telopea aspera), endemic to Gibraltar Range National Park in Glen Innes Highlands, are putting on a fantastic show this season and should be around for another 2 to 3 weeks. | | | This is the perfect opportunity to encourage visitors and locals to get out into nature to discover these beauties, as well as many other spring wildflowers, birdlife and other wildlife in our national parks and nature reserves.
Native Wildflowers of the New England Tablelands of New South Wales is the perfect accompaniment for such flower-seeking adventures, with copies available for purchase online from the Glen Innes Highlands Shop or in-store from the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre.
Photo credit: K. Dijkstra | | Tourism Australia's New Global Marketing CampaignTourism Australia's new Come and Say G'Day campaign is Australia's invitation to the world. The campaign aims to generate an Australia-wide increase in international visitation, following years of travel restrictions due to the pandemic. | | | | With links to Destination NSW networks and regional centres, we hope our region will benefit as a result. View the campaign here. | | Caravan & Camping Demand Remains StrongDespite the challenging environment, the affinity Australians have for caravan and camping remains strong. The NSW caravan and camping visitor economy is rebounding after a challenging 12 months as a result of COVID-19-related restrictions and flooding events. Read the report here. | | | Maintaining Momentum for Domestic TourismA strong recovery in domestic tourism has been observed with overnight domestic spending 29% higher than the corresponding pre-pandemic quarter. Read the full report here. | | | Visitor Economy Highlights from Federal BudgetThe Federal Government's new 2022-23 Budget includes initiatives aimed at driving the recovery of Australia’s visitor economy. Learn more. | | | | Local Business Opportunities & Industry Updates | | | Spend in Glen Christmas PromotionThe Spend In Glen application for Glen Innes Severn Council Local Economic Development Support Fund was approved by Council to receive an allocation of $10,000 for the operation of the 2023 Christmas promotion to be held over four draws from 24 November to 22 December 2022. | | | | This year, Spend in Glen will be a sub-committee of the soon-to-be-launched Glen Innes Business Chamber. All businesses within the Glen Innes Severn local government area are eligible to participate in the promotion. The cost to businesses is $20.00 to cover costs of printing, advertising, envelopes, and associated competitions (e.g Spot the Window). If you would like to be a part of this promotion, please contact Moira on 0427 274 265 or email [email protected]. | | Small Business MonthDive into the hundreds of free events available during NSW Small Business Month in November to help your business. Learn a new skill, find business opportunities, hear from industry experts and connect with other small businesses. Register for events here. | | | Agritourism Toolkit ReleasedThe NSW Government has introduced a new agritourism policy aimed at helping farmers to start, run and grow agritourism experiences such as farm stays, cafes, cellar doors, roadside stalls, retreats and fruit picking. Download the toolkit here. | | | | 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]. | | Seeking Expressions of Interest from Local VenuesWe received an enormous response from performers wanting to be part of 2023 Australian Celtic Festival - Year of Scotland. Our entertainment selection committee is busy reviewing each application to see who fits the bill and will contribute something special to the festival. | | | | Now comes the fun part. If your business is interested in organising entertainment for your venue (e.g. restaurant or café) during the festival dates of Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 May, please email us and we can assist to connect you with performers who may be interested in additional local performance opportunities. | | Christmas in the Highlands: 24 NovemberIt's the annual end-of-year event our community has been waiting for. Christmas in the Highlands invites locals and visitors to get out into the community to enjoy catching up with friends and family, Christmas shopping, and festive cheer. It's also an opportunity to say thank you to all our community groups, local artisans and businesses. | | | | There will be plenty of stallholders, as well as entertainment and a visit from a very special guest. See you from 5.00pm to 8.00pm on Thursday 24 November at Town Hall Square, Glen Innes. Please note: Stallholder applications have now closed. | | Walk of Light - Reach For The Stars: 24 November to 13 JanuaryGlen Innes is gearing up for a spectacular lighting installation from Thursday 24 November 2022 until 13 January 2023. There will be six separate installs, each with a different theme including Lights in the Sky, The Cube of Light, The Golden Town Hall, The Lane-way, The Tunnel of Lights and The Golden Tree. | | | | These installs will be placed throughout the main business strip, as well as the town square and parklands. 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]. | | | The 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. | | Christmas Exhibition at the Glen Innes Gallery: 7 to 25 NovemberThis Glen Innes Art Gallery exhibition is always a hit with locals and visitors looking to support artists by purchasing their pieces for Christmas gifts. From greeting cards to watercolours, photography and lots of special crafts will be on sale. Held from 7 to 25 November, you will have plenty of time to find that unique gift! | | | Festival of Arts: Friday 11 NovemberA celebration and collaboration of creative communities, featuring CAPA performances, food stalls, market stalls, mega raffle draw, fireworks and more all for just a gold coin donation at Glen Innes Public School from 5.00pm to 8.00pm. | | | Rotary Markets in the Highlands: Saturday 12 NovemberThe Rotary Club of Glen Innes and Markets in the Highlands are joining forces to celebrate reconnecting communities through this wonderful initiative. There will be a BBQ, live music, a visit from Memphis Moovers, face painting for the kids, and market stalls between 9.00am and 1.00pm at the Glen Innes Town Hall. This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government and supported by Glen Innes Severn Council. | | | Boyd Family Portrait Exhibition Fundraiser Barefoot Bowls: Sunday 13 NovemberCome along for a great day out from 10.00am to 12.30pm at the Glen Innes Bowlo to raise funds for the Boyd Family Portrait Exhibition at the Land of the Beardies History House Museum & Research Centre. Book now and also be sure to enter the 2022 Mega Christmas Raffle, which can be purchased either on the day or from the museum. | | | Free Family Fun Day to Celebrate150 Years of Emmaville: Saturday 19 NovemberEmmaville has a fascinating history and a strong sense of community and will be celebrating its sesquicentenary this month. Join in the festivities at Emmaville Hospital from 10.30am to 2.30pm, where there will be face painting, a colour run, a fashion parade and lots more. Entry is free. | | | Glen Innes Plant Fair: Saturday 26 NovemberSpring is calling and the Glen Innes Plant Fair is on again at the Glen Innes & District Services Club. Table after table of indoor and outdoor plants, gifts and books about plants will be for sale from locals and community groups, all at very reasonable prices. The stalls will be open from 11.00am to 2.00pm. If you wish to get involved, contact Anda Chaffey on 0477 788 020. | | | High Country Writer's Festival: Saturday 3 DecemberFrom conversations and workshops with authors, journalists and presenters at various venues in Glen Innes, to an inspirational three-day writer's retreat at the luxurious Waterloo Station NSW. Don't miss a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in this grassroots celebration of books and writing that will not only inspire you, but provide an opportunity to network and seek guidance from the literary knowledge banks of those in attendance. Book now. | | | High Country Writer's Retreat: 2 to 4 DecemberThe 4th annual High Country Writer's Retreat will take place at Waterloo Station from 2 to 4 December, with options available to extend the experience into the following week. Writers and readers attending the sister event, the High Country Writers Festival in Glen Innes on Saturday 3 December, are encouraged to attend. Book now. | | | | 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. | | | | | 
