Type of News

New Destination Networks to grow regional visitor economy

The NSW Government has announced changes to the state’s Destination Networks to grow the regional visitor economy. The NSW Government is committed to growing the visitor economy of regional NSW with the right framework in place to support visitor growth, job creation, skills development and stakeholder engagement. The changes will give the Networks a stronger…

Untapped market, support companion cards

The Companion Card program is a not for profit program funded by the NSW Government. It is designed to ensure people with significant and permanent disabilities that need a carer with them at all times are able to participate in community based activities and venues. The card itself is the size of a credit card,…

New funding available for community-led bushfire recovery projects

  Applications for Round 2 of Cessnock City Council’s Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Grant (BCRRF) are now open. The funding is designed to support small scale, community-led projects that promote recovery, resilience, disaster preparedness and wellbeing support following the 2019/20 bushfires that impacted parts of the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA). The BCRRF is…

Celebrating Cessnock’s Customer Service stars!

Business and customer service excellence has been in the spotlight lately, as Cessnock celebrates its industry and community achievers. A sell-out crowd of 230 attended “Cessnock’s biggest Christmas Party”, the 2021 Cessnock Customer Service Awards at the Cessnock Leagues Club on Friday evening. After another challenging year for local businesses, it was time to let…

Shop local Christmas campaign, share your experience and win!

Cessnock City Council’s Economic Development Team have another fantastic prize to give away this December as part of their ongoing ‘Support Local’ social media campaign. Throughout December, residents can go in the draw to win a $500 gift card by posting in 25 words or less what their favourite activity is to do in the…

Hunter Valley Zoo relaunched as Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Australian Wildlife Parks have officially relaunched Hunter Valley Zoo as Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, joining Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park and Mogo Wildlife Park as part of the largest privately-owned wildlife park group in Australia. Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is home to a rich and diverse collection of wildlife. Located at 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, it…

Tender support for small businesses

New tools will assist businesses in meeting qualification requirements and understanding the tendering for NSW Government work. Small businesses across NSW can now access free online training and an informative guide to help them become “tender ready” and bid for NSW Government contracts. The NSW Small Business Commission has collaborated with TAFE NSW to deliver…

Win a $500 Hunter Valley staycation travel voucher

Council’s Economic Development Team have launched a new Support Local competition, this time focussing on our wonderful local accommodation providers. For the month of November, residents are encouraged tag their favourite accommodation business (or somewhere they would really love to stay) on Facebook, explain why in 25 words or less, and post a photo of…

Shop local, shop online, Shop Hunter Valley!

The team at the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre have been busy during the Covid-19 lockdown period re-branding their gift shop to Shop Hunter Valley. Shop Hunter Valley is a premier destination store located at the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre showcasing the best local products and produce the region has to offer. In addition…

Council facilities to reopen via staged approach

Following the announcement that NSW has reached the 70% vaccination rate milestone, Cessnock City Council has released a schedule for reopening their facilities via a staged approach (pending the approval of COVID Safety Plans). Monday 11 October saw the reopening of Kurri Kurri Library, the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre, Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, the…

Tag a trusted tradie for your chance to win a $100 gift card!

Council’s Economic Development Team have launched a new Support Local competition, this time focusing on our trusted local tradies. For the month of October, residents are encouraged to ‘tag a trusted tradie’ on Facebook and show a photo of work recently completed at their home or business for the chance to win one of five…

e-Commerce Strategy Development Workshop Series

For NSW businesses, selling online gives access to new customers and markets without many of the challenges, risks and expenses of establishing a physical presence. To harness the opportunity to export products or services, businesses need to develop a strategy to improve their e-commerce and online sales channels. NSW businesses are invited to participate in…