Welcome to Destination Download. As we move further into 2026, there’s a strong focus on capability-building, collaboration and planning ahead, with a range of upcoming webinars, in-person workshops and industry events designed to support your business and strengthen our region’s visitor economy. Get the diary ready and explore what’s on offer and make the most of these opportunities (there is lots of them!) to learn, connect and grow! If you would rather pick up the phone for a chat please reach out, we are here to support you.
Commissionable agritourism experiences in NSW. Find out more about the diverse agritourism experiences across NSW that are commissionable and ready to work with travel distributors.
Destination NSW Content Library: Images, videos and editorial content showcasing destinations and experiences across NSW to support your marketing and sales efforts.
ATO Online Resource Hub
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are offering a suite of masterclasses designed to strengthen small business knowledge. During these free online sessions, you will have the opportunity to speak with experienced tax officers, ask questions and gain insights tailored to your business needs. Access the free resources now at Essentials to Strengthen Your Small Businessand register to the program here.
Each session will focus on key topics that matter most to business owners, including:
Record keeping – 17 February 2026
Claiming small business tax deductions – 19 February 2026
Goods and Services Tax (GST) – 24 February 2026
Cash flow for small business success – 3 March 2026
Hiring & paying workers – 11 March 2026
Super guarantee employer obligations – 17 March 2026
The NSW Top Tour Guide Awards return for a second year, recognising the storytellers, cultural custodians and connectors who bring visitor experiences to life across the state. With peak season underway, additional time has been provided for entries. Guides can submit a nomination now and complete the full submission once the busy period eases. Nominations open until 10th April. Submissions due 13th May.
Take the Business NSW Business Conditions Survey
Help make running a business easier in NSW. Take Business NSW’s quarterly Business Conditions Survey and tell them what’s holding your business back, from taxes and red tape to energy and insurance. Your feedback helps drive change.
This accredited course provides essential safety training for individuals working in, or aspiring to work in, a distillery or brewery. It covers key safety requirements and responsibilities, emphasises the importance of following safety protocols, and highlights the potential consequences of non-compliance. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment for the unit of competency FBPWHS3001 Contribute to work health and safety processes.
Date: Tuesday 17th March 2026
Time: 8.15am to 4.15pm
Location: Five Barrels, 318 Keira St, Wollongong
Austrade’s Accessing New Markets initiative
The Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI) is a $50 million program helping Australian businesses to diversify into new export markets, and capitalise on growth opportunities in established markets.
In collaboration with Austrade, the TDN builds on and leverages the capabilities of national peak industry bodies, working hand in hand with government for a unified national effort.
Updated bush fire information from the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI)
With bushfires across the state, and several NSW wine regions facing smoke risk for the 2026 harvest, AWRI has provided updated information.
AWRI has provided background and the steps that should be taken if you think you may be impacted by smoke taint, including the key contacts for this summer.
Business Illawarra’s Red Tape Register
Calling all businesses in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven + Southern Highlands to share your examples of red tape!
Business Illawarra wants to know about the red tape slowing your business down – what’s unnecessary, what’s unclear, and what’s costing you time or money. Business Illawarra want to here from you!
Access Austrade’s Go Global toolkit
This handy online resource includes nformation, tools and support to grow your business globally.
Discover what’s been happening across our industry.
To share your new product, experience or event, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
Image: Those Floating Saunas – Still in development
Regional snapshots
On the road with Kylie Bushby, Business Development Manager
It’s been another busy few weeks out and about across the region, connecting with operators, partners and industry leaders and hearing first-hand what’s happening on the ground.
Collaboration continues with the team and the wider support network too. Catching up with Coralie and Lisa from Business Illawarra, Ashleigh and the Team24 crew, Louisa from Great Southern Nights, Anthony from The Destination Agency, and the Wingecarribee Government Agency Network (including TAFE, DPIRD, AusIndustry, Investment NSW, Service NSW, RDASNA, ICN NSW, NSW Department of Education and Wingecarribee Shire Council).
On the capability-building front, I also attended the latest Destination NSW AI Webinar Series with Tourism Tribe and hosted our first DSSS Industry Insights webinar with Antony from Booking.com.
As always, I’m keen to connect with more businesses across the region. If you’d like to chat about opportunities, challenges, ideas or upcoming projects, you’re welcome to book a one-on-one meeting with me either in person or online via my booking link.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update.
Don’t forget between our updates you’ll find us on socials, head over to follow us onLinkedInand you’ll also find us onInstagram.
We also encourage you to share our updates with your networks, simply forward this email and they can register here.
Talk soon, The DSSS team
Destination Sydney Surrounds South acknowledges the Aboriginal Nations and Aboriginal People of the Sydney Surrounds South region as the traditional carers and custodians of the land that we all now live and work on. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. Destination Sydney Surrounds South values the diversity of this region and works in partnership with local Aboriginal communities to respectfully celebrate and share Aboriginal culture with visitors to the region and also with locals who live here.
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