Cessnock City Council has launched a new initiative reinforcing the Hunter Valley as a great golfing capital of Australia.

The Cessncok City Council launch of the Golf Brochure. L-R Christine Eccles (Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre (VIC)), Nancy Murray (VIC), Ray Manulat (The Vintage), Jessica Smith (Crowne Plaza), Brett Holdway (Cypress Lakes), Lotta Jackson (General Manager CCC), Mayor Bob Pynsent, Kerrie O’Connell (Branxton Golf Club), Rhiannon Stevens (Economic Development (ED)), Brad Sangster (ED), Kelly Lynch (ED), Lyndal Johnston (Golf Digest), Melissa George (VIC), Matt Kelly (The Vintage).

Council has partnered Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club, Hunter Valley Golf Club (Crowne Plaza), The Vintage Golf Club, Kurri Golf Club and Branxton Golf Club to launch a booklet promoting the region’s golfing assets.

Council’s Acting Economic Development Manager, Rhiannon Stevens said it’s fantastic to officially launch the brochure at the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre.

“We’re showcasing the Hunter Valley to many of NSW’s amateur and elite golfers, to bolster the region’s reputation as a prime location to visit and enjoy our golf courses. Sydney golfers can travel just two hours and play some of the best courses in Australia.”

“Both The Vintage and Cypress Lakes have been judged by Australian Golf Digest among the top 100 courses in Australia, and all of our courses are unique, picturesque, beautifully presented and have challenging aspects.”

This builds on Council’s partnership with Golf NSW, established last year, negotiating to host a NSW Open Golf Championship Regional Qualifying tournament over the next three years.

Tourism in the Hunter Valley continues to be an economic powerhouse, which welcomes around 1.5 million visitors every year. Tourism is modelled to be the largest employing sector in Cessnock Local Government Area, with 15.2% of the local workforce.

Ms Stevens said there are more opportunities to build on the Hunter Valley’s reputation as a destination for events and other diverse experiences such as golf, which complement food and wine.

Cypress Lakes Director of Sales and Marketing Paul Cutler agreed the Hunter Valley was unique, with several high class golf courses in a small area.

“The Hunter Valley is a fairly compressed destination in terms of size yet it holds so many top class golf courses. I’ve worked in many regions across the world involved in tourism, and golf is an integral part of what makes the Hunter Valley and NSW a top international tourism region.”

Ms Stevens said there is a real need at the moment to reinvigorate visitation to the region and highlight how diverse the Hunter Valley’s is in its offering of experiences.

“We want to reinforce the Hunter Valley is open for business, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new and return visitors. Most of the region hasn’t been impacted by fires but operators are still feeling the pinch. It’s more important than ever we support businesses. We can all support recovery by going out for a special breakfast, teeing off at our golf clubs, and tasting some local wines this weekend,” she said.

The brochure will be available through the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre, distributed through NSW accredited visitor centres, and at:

• Hunter Valley Golf Club
• Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club
• The Vintage Golf Club
• Branxton Golf Club
• Kurri Golf Club

Residents and businesses are encouraged to share the brochure to help promote the region. Download your brochure below.

For more information please contact Acting Economic Development Manager, Rhiannon Stevens on (02) 4993 4257.