Type of News

Wollombi, Pokolbin & Broke Fordwich represent our region

The Hunter Valley region was well represented at the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards with Wollombi, Pokolbin and Broke Fordwich all named as finalist of the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards for 2021. It comes as no surprise, as the Hunter Valley is home to so many amazing tourism operators who provide first class experiences,…

Changes announced for liquor laws

The NSW Government has announced changes will be implemented across a range of NSW’s liquor laws. The announcement came after key recommendations from the Joint Select Committee’s report on Sydney’s night time economy and modifications to NSW’s liquor laws were supported by the NSW Government late last year. According to the Cessnock City Liquor Accord…

Richmond Vale Rail Trail one step closer to becoming a reality

Another milestone towards the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) becoming a reality has been achieved with a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) now on public exhibition. The proposed trail is a 32km cycling and walking track along the former Richmond Vale railway between Kurri Kurri and Hexham/Shortland. This regionally significant trail traverses the three Local…

Expressions of Interest are open for the Event Saver Program

Major events and festivals that have been cancelled or significantly disrupted by COVID-19 Public Health Orders will be supported by funding through the NSW Government’s Event Saver Fund. Major events are a key economic driver that create thousands of jobs across the state. The Event Saver Fund will ensure organisers aren’t left high and dry…

Share your ideas to grow Hunter Valley Tourism

Whether it’s more food and wine experiences, family attractions, business events or better infrastructure, residents and business operators in the Singleton and Cessnock local government areas (LGAs) are being encouraged to share their ideas for the future of tourism in the Hunter Valley over the next 10 years to increase the more than 1.5 million…

Support your local Hunter Valley Wine Industry for its 2022 Vintage

After surviving record long droughts, bushfires, smoke taint, and ongoing effects of COVID-19, Hunter Valley Wine Country faces yet another challenging vintage. While staff shortages are impacting all industries, the lack of available workers for vintage 2022 is concerning for the Hunter Valley wine industry, due to the time sensitive constraints in harvesting the grapes….

See it for your-selfie, Hunter Valley Selfie Trail

With school holidays upon us, why not explore your own back yard, along the Hunter Valley Selfie Trail. Navigating the Hunter Valley region has become even easier, with the introduction of a new self-guided tour. The Hunter Valley Selfie Trail is a Cessnock City Council initiative which has been funded by the Australian Government as…

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…

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…

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…

Save the date, Great Southern Nights returns 2022

The NSW Government is amping up the State’s live music scene with the return of Great Southern Nights in March and April 2022 and local musicians and live music venues are being encouraged to get involved. Following its hugely successful debut in 2020, Great Southern Nights will again create jobs and revenue for artists, venues…

Tourists and local businesses to benefit from new wayfinding signage!

Visitors exploring the beautiful Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) can do so with ease! Cessnock City Council celebrated the roll out of signage across the LGA to make a trip to the area even more enjoyable. The project included the installation of suburb entry signs, city gateway signage, information bays, tourist wayfinding signage (these are…