Glen Innes Highlands Glen Innes Highlands

June 2, 2022

Tourism & Events News

This month's newsletter brings you the latest updates on tourism projects, events, and business opportunities relevant to local businesses in the tourism industry.

The last of the autumn leaves are falling, revealing the stark beauty of Glen Innes Highlands' winter landscapes. As we head into the cooler months, our team members at the Visitor Information Centre are encouraging visitors to rug up and experience all that our region has to offer. We'll also be sharing winter holiday inspiration across our socials so please keep tagging @gleninneshighland and @nehighcountry in your inspired Instagram posts and use the hashtags #gleninneshighlands and #newenglandhighcountry.

Please let us know if you are hosting events or offering a new product or experience. Email the details and promotional flyers to [email protected]. You can also upload your event or experience to the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse to leverage a larger audience of potential visitors/customers.

Economic Development Team

Glen Innes Severn Council

Local Tourism Updates

What is Geotourism? A nature-based experience that describes how geology shapes the character of a region. Using storytelling to connect landscapes, landforms, the night sky, flora and fauna, and First Nations and European cultural heritage.

We're Leading the Way!

Glen Innes Highlands has been recognised in the Australian Government tourism strategy, THRIVE 2030, for embracing an emerging global trend: geotourism. Our prominently featured case study puts us on the map and solidifies our aim to become a model geotourism destination in line with our Destination Management Plan and the National Geotourism Strategy.

Congratulations to the Glen Innes Motel

Congratulations to Andrew and Tamara, owners of the Glen Innes Motel, on securing State Funding to further enhance their visitor experience. They've already done a fantastic job improving the motel since taking over in February last year and we can't wait to see what's next!

Find out about the NSW Government Tourism Product Development Fund here.

Construction Underway for the Highlands Hub

The Highlands Hub co-working space is a place where business and community will come together to connect, create, innovate and grow. The fit-out for the hub at 167 Grey Street is well underway with the opening touted for September 2022. This project is funded under the Federal Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Local Business Opportunities & Industry Updates

Regional Skills
Relocation Grant

For 'engine' industries, the NSW Government is offering up to $10,000 per employee for the costs of relocating staff from metropolitan centres around Australia to Regional NSW. For example, a business can receive pre-approval for the relocation of 50 employees with a grant of up to $500,000. Please note retail and restaurants are ineligible.

Learn more

Applications Now Open To Fund Local Projects

Are you a local business or community group with a project that will support positive socio-economic outcomes for Glen Innes Highlands? Applications are now open for Council's 2022-2023 Local Economic Development Support Fund and we're encouraging you to apply for funding to support your project. Applications close: 5pm, 31 July 2022.

Learn more

Mental Health Support for Small Business

Owning a small business can be a rewarding experience but can also have a stressful impact on your health and well-being. There are many resources and support that you can access to help you cope during these challenging times.

Learn more

Is Your Business Ready?

In 2022, NSW is banning certain single-use plastics. From 1 June, lightweight plastic shopping bags will no longer be able to be distributed and from 1 November, expanded polystyrene food ware containers, single-use plastic plates and bowls and single-use plastic straws, (exemptions apply).

Learn More

NSW First Program Develop, Promote, Sell!

Destination NSW delivers the NSW First program to assist tourism businesses around the state to develop, promote and sell their tourism products. It includes face-to-face workshops and online webcasts that offer ‘how-to’ insights on a range of topics with events throughout the year. Leverage this free resource.

Learn More

Tourism Grants for Indigenous Businesses

Round two of the Tourism Grants for Indigenous Business Program is now open. This is a further opportunity for eligible businesses and community organisations to access assistance for the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitor experiences. Applications must be submitted by 11.30pm, 14 June 2022.

Learn More

For more information on available grants and funding opportunities for business and community, check out Council's latest

Grants and Funding Opportunities Newsletter

Local Event Updates

Another Successful Australian Celtic Festival

Council, with the support of our valued volunteers, sponsors and community, has delivered a successful, accelerated festival, welcoming many visitors to our region. The visitor survey is out now and we'll be sending out a survey to local businesses to gain crucial insights and feedback as we plan for the year of Scotland: 4-7 May 2023.

Local Marketing and Promotion Updates

Granite Belt Magazine

Glen Innes Highlands and New England High Country are advertising with Granite Belt Magazine to capture travellers around South East Queensland (one of our top target markets). This magazine is released quarterly with 13,000 copies distributed across more than 150 locations, per edition.

View the latest issue featuring Glen Innes Highlands and local Glen Innes businesses - Winter.

Event Advertising Putting Glen Innes On The Map!

Did you know Council's Tourism & Economic Development team deliver the marketing and promotional campaigns for Minerama and the Australian Celtic Festival? We leverage our event campaigns to raise awareness and attract visitors to Glen Innes Highlands. We also leverage New England High Country channels, ensuring the promotion of our region's biggest drawcard events is included in the content strategy.

Advertising With Australian Traveller

Glen Innes Highlands gets a mention in the Australian Traveller Magazine! The New England High Country tourism group has partnered with Australian Traveller to promote our region nationally across their print and digital channels. Check out the campaign details below.

Australia Now

(Nov 21 - Jan 22, Issue 92) 10 best ways to get a natural high in New England High Country, featuring fossicking in Glen Innes Highlands and motoring along Old Glen Innes Road. View the online article. This content was used in March for a 'mini' social media campaign (NEHC Facebook and Instagram) generating great engagement with our audience. Local tourism operators are encouraged to share these posts promoting Glen Innes Highlands.

100 Amazing Road Trips

(May 22 - Jul 22, Issue 94)

New England High Country, where all the great road trips lead... This campaign features the top rides for two-wheel travellers in New England High Country, but not excluding all other types of travellers! New England Hwy and Gwydir Hwy feature Glen Innes. View the online article. We'll also be using this content across our social media so please follow and share!