Destination Sydney Surrounds South

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Conference
2022-05-17 | Online
The annual Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Conference in the Asia-Pacific (AITCAP) event will be held on 17, 19, 24 and 26 May 2022. The conference will share how catering to the accessible and inclusive market promotes sustainable growth and creates great opportunities for the travel and tourism industry in the region.
Registrations now available: events.humanitix.com/aitcap-2022

Business Events Educational Workshop | Southern Highlands
2022-06-01 09:00 - 12:30 UTC | Mittagong RSL Club, Bessemer Street, Mittagong, NSW, 2575
You’re invited to the DSSS Business Events Educational Workshop

Destination Sydney Surrounds South are delighted to be hosting a series of Business Events Educational Workshops in partnership with sector experts Mayvin Global, as part of the Business Events Industry Development and Mentoring Program.

The half day workshops include an interactive program, to provide suppliers with practical tips to help their understanding and approach to business events. The workshops will feature speakers – including Destination NSW (Regional Conferencing unit) and business events experts Deanna Varga and Joanne Motta.

Delegates can expect to learn from case studies and group problem solving to equip themselves with skills and resources to attract business events and collaborate with other suppliers.

Thank you to Mittagong RSL Club for supporting this Business Events initiative.

Business Events Educational Workshop | Shoalhaven
2022-06-08 09:00 - 12:30 | Bomaderry Bowling Club, 154 Meroo Road, Bomaderry, NSW, 2541
You’re invited to the DSSS Business Events Educational Workshop

Destination Sydney Surrounds South are delighted to be hosting a series of Business Events Educational Workshops in partnership with sector experts Mayvin Global, as part of the Business Events Industry Development and Mentoring Program.

The half day workshops include an interactive program, to provide suppliers with practical tips to help their understanding and approach to business events. The workshops will feature speakers – including Destination NSW (Regional Conferencing unit) and business events experts Deanna Varga and Joanne Motta.

Delegates can expect to learn from case studies and group problem solving to equip themselves with skills and resources to attract business events and collaborate with other suppliers.

Thank you to Bomaderry Bowling Club for supporting this Business Events initiative.

Business Events Educational Workshop | Wollongong
2022-06-09 09:00 - 12:30 | Illawarra Steelers, 5 Burelli Street, Wollongong, NSW, 2500
You’re invited to the DSSS Business Events Educational Workshop

Destination Sydney Surrounds South are delighted to be hosting a series of Business Events Educational Workshops in partnership with sector experts Mayvin Global, as part of the Business Events Industry Development and Mentoring Program.

The half day workshops include an interactive program, to provide suppliers with practical tips to help their understanding and approach to business events. The workshops will feature speakers – including Destination NSW (Regional Conferencing unit) and business events experts Deanna Varga and Joanne Motta.

Delegates can expect to learn from case studies and group problem solving to equip themselves with skills and resources to attract business events and collaborate with other suppliers.

Thank you to Steelers for supporting this Business Events initiative.

Tourism Australia's industry webinar
2022-07-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Hear from Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Special Minister of State, Senator the Hon Don Farrell.
Tourism Australia will also share some insights on the Future of Demand Project, which is based on research across 20 markets, uncovering the changing travel landscape, and identifying future travel sectors and opportunities.
Register here to attend the session

Healing Tourism, Healing Country introductory course
2022-07-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Online
Registrations are open for Regeneration Projects mini-series designed to share ideas and tools they developed while working with some of the most proactive Australian tourism organisations.
Topics include how to switch your thinking from sustaining to regenerating, how to grow your business by healing places, and how to form purposeful partnerships.
Find out more and register here.

Australian Festivals Industry Conference
2022-08-30 - 2022-09-01 | Sea World Resort, Gold Coast QLD
Australian Festivals Industry Conference (AFIC) is the only conference in Australia dedicated exclusively to servicing the thousands of festival industry professionals that make up today’s landscape.
AFIC will run over 2.5 days from Tuesday 30 August to Thursday 1 September. Program includes:

Keynotes and presentations from 15+ industry-leading professionals
Panel discussion: Covid-19 site planning and safety for festivals
Panel discussion: Workforce skills and labour shortages – planning for the future
Two evening networking events
Three workshops
Trade expo
Gold Coast familiarisation tour of HOTA

Tickets are on sale now.

Shoalhaven Local Produce Tour - Wineries + Breweries
2022-09-14 09:00 - 18:00
The Centre of Excellence is planning local knowledge industry tours in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley to showcase the exceptional and diverse range of product and services available to visitors.
The aim of the tours is to increase the knowledge of local tourism and hospitality workers who are customer facing on the unique visitor local offerings so that they can recommend with confidence what is available for visitors to experience, adding value to their stay and supporting local tourism products and services.

About the Shoalhaven Local Produce Tour – Wineries and Breweries
This full day tour will visit six wineries and three breweries throughout the Shoalhaven that offer visitor experiences.
Local knowledge of front-line tourism and hospitality workers plays a crucial role in shaping a visitors’ stay in the Shoalhaven and this tour is designed to grow their knowledge and network of the local producers.
The tour will meet in Nowra and will start out heading south taking in a winery and local breweries throughout southern and central Shoalhaven. In the afternoon the tour will continue to the north visiting five wineries and spending time with wine makers touring the vineyards and tasting the wines of the region before returning to Nowra.
Each producer will present on the unique characteristics of their produce to educate the attendees on their visitor experience. This will expand or open new networks of producers that offer guests memorable experiences along with high quality local produce.

Who is eligible to apply
To attend the Shoalhaven Local Producers Tour – Wineries and Breweries Tour, applicants must currently be working in a customer service role within the tourism or hospitality industry.
All participants must be over the age of 18.

What is included
The tour includes:

Coach transport starting and finishing in Nowra
Entry into all venues along with tastings with the producers
A light lunch will be provided

Each application will be considered on receipt for suitability to participate in the tour and you do not need to work in the Shoalhaven but must currently be working in a customer facing tourism or hospitality role on the South Coast.
Seats on this tour will be limited, please express your interest to participate by 7th September 2022. Multiple bookings from individual venues will be considered, subject to availability.
Register your interest to join the tour HERE

Shoalhaven Business After Hours - Ulladulla
2022-09-21 16:00 - 19:00 | Ulladulla Civic Centre, 81B Princes Highway, Ulladulla, NSW, Australia
The Centre of Excellence is partnering with Shoalhaven City Council, and the Shoalhaven and Milton Ulladulla Business Chamber’s in hosting a Business After Hours event in Ulladulla.
Join us for the networking event. The CoE providing a special presentation and facilitating a panel discussion from 4pm, with drinks and canapes to follow 5-7pm.
RSVP: Registrations essential, by Monday 12 September via Eventbrite. Register here
Download the pdf invitation here

Australian Regional Tourism (ART) Convention 2022
2022-10-10 - 2022-10-12 | Ballarat, Victoria
The ART Convention is a must-attend event for local councils, regional tourism organisations, tourism professionals, business and government personnel who wish to contribute to the future of regional tourism in Australia. The 2022 ART Convention theme is Regional Australia – Paving the way for a stronger Visitor Economy.
ART and convention partner, City of Ballarat, are pleased to be holding the 2022 ART Convention in Ballarat, Victoria, from 10-12 October 2022.
The Convention provides a forum to discuss, debate and investigate solutions to issues, challenges and opportunities facing regional tourism. The Convention is for all sectors of the tourism industry to exchange ideas about ways to grow a sustainable regional destination and to showcase best practice success.

Agritourism Conference
In 2022, ART will also be hosting the Agritourism Conference, a one-off event bringing together the agricultural and tourism sectors to unearth authentic regional Australian stories, and to better understand the opportunities and barriers of agritourism and development. ART are excited to deliver this additional day on Thursday 13 October to unlock this emerging sector aiming to influence policy and drive regulatory change.

National Economic Development Conference 2022
2022-10-12 - 2022-10-14 | Kimpton Margot Hotel
Excitement is building for the National Economic Development Conference (NEDC) 2022 to be held in Sydney from October 12-14.The program for Day 1 has been announced, giving delegates a choice of an immersive study tour to one of Australia’s most exciting cities or an interactive workshop on the critical issue of Housing Supply.

Wellness Tourism Summit
2022-10-13 - 2022-10-14 | The Tweed, NSW
Australia’s first Wellness Tourism Summit will be held in The Tweed on October 13 and 14 2022 convened by Katherine Droga, founder of Droga & co. and chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) Wellness Tourism Initiative.
The event aims to showcase the rapid growth and demand in the wellness sector and the opportunities for tourism businesses across Australia. This thought leadership event has been designed for media, tourism operators, destinations, travel distributors, government, wellness suppliers and practitioners.
The program has been designed to deep dive into consumer insights and trends and reimagine wellness travel featuring a panel of leading international and local wellness experts.

Eurobodalla Local Knowledge Famil - Local Produce
2022-10-19 08:30 - 18:00
The Centre of Excellence is planning local knowledge industry tours in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley to showcase the exceptional and diverse range of product and services available to visitors.
The aim of the tours is to increase the knowledge of local tourism and hospitality workers who are customer facing on the unique visitor local offerings so that they can recommend with confidence what is available for visitors to experience, adding value to their stay and supporting local tourism products and services.

About the Eurobodalla Local Knowledge Tour – Local Produce
This full day famil will visit food and beverage producers in Eurobodalla that offer visitor experiences.
Local knowledge of front-line tourism and hospitality workers play a crucial role in shaping a visitors’ stay in Eurobodalla and this famil is designed to grow their knowledge and network of the local producers.
The famil will commence in Moruya at 8:30am and will head south for an amazing oyster tasting experience before lunch. In the afternoon we then return via Dalmeny and Bodalla for some craft beer tastings before finishing the day in Broulee for a wrap up of the day. The coach will head back to drop off in Moruya at 6:00pm.
Each producer will present on the unique characteristics of their produce to educate the attendees on their visitor experience. This will expand or open new networks of producers that offer guests memorable experiences along with high quality local produce.

Who is eligible to apply
To attend the Eurobodalla Local Producers Famil – applicants must currently be working in a customer service role within the tourism or hospitality industry.
What is included
The tour includes:

Coach transport starting and finishing in Moruya
Entry into all venues along with tastings with the producers
A light lunch will be provided

Each application will be considered on receipt for suitability to participate in the famil and you do not need to work in the Eurobodalla but must currently be working in a customer facing tourism or hospitality role on the South Coast.
Seats on this famil will be limited, please ensure that you express your interest for the event via the link below by 12th October 2022. Multiple bookings from individual venues will be considered, subject to availability.
Register your interest here

Bega Valley Business & Tourism After Hours
2022-10-27 16:00 - 19:00 | Merimbula RSL Club
The Bega Valley Business Forum along with the Sapphire Coast Tourism Future in collaboration with the South Coast Centre of Excellence invites business operators to attend Business and Tourism Talk – workshop and networking event.
Join us at 4pm for a special presentation and workshop hosted by the South Coast Centre of Excellence on how to attract and retain your employees followed by a networking event with complimentary drinks and canapes from 5-7pm
RSVP: Monday 24 October 2022 for this free event, places are limited!
About the Event
The South Coast Centre of Excellence has partnered with the Sapphire Coast Tourism Future and the Bega Valley Business Forum to present a Business and Tourism Talk on what the outcome of the recent Jobs and Skills Summit means for you and what strategies local businesses can develop to attract and retain your valuable resource – your employees.
The session will be led by Bega Valley based human resources consultant, Kelly Maher from Resources for Humans, who will provide:

An overview of the employment profile for the Bega Valley and how this impacts employment in the region
The long list of shortages (people, housing, childcare) and what can and can’t be addressed in the short term
What came out of the recent Jobs and Skills Summit to address labour shortages
Immediate actions – what levers can Bega Valley businesses and organisations activate in the short term to find staff
Areas for further work – the future of employment and preparing for constant change

Kelly will also focus on how to attract and retain staff in a tight labour market.
About your presenter | Kelly Maher, Resources for Humans
Kelly is a seasoned HR practitioner with 25+ years’ experience in providing expert advice and support across a broad range of HR services.
Kelly has a wealth of experience working with small, medium and large organisations in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. She is an experienced workplace investigator, and is well versed in traversing unfair dismissal and general protections issues that are often dealt with by the Fair Work Commission.
Kelly is a member of the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) and serves as a volunteer with the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce Committee.
For more information contact Robyn Johnson 0418 777 722 or robyn.johnson@dnsss.com.au

CoE Webinar | EMPLOYERS Take on Tomorrow
2022-10-31 10:30 - 11:00 | Online
The Centre of Excellence presents a webinar on how you can future-proof your business by custom-training your next generation of workers.

Featuring industry case study and guest speakers:

Tony Keir, Regional Manager NSW South, Apprenticeship Support Australia, Business NSW,
Jen Downes, Industry Innovation Specialist – Hospitality, Commercial Cookery & Finance, TAFE

You will learn about how the School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships in NSW program offers support to help you take on and train a senior school student to suit your business.
Your apprentice or trainee will undertake a combination of industry specialised training and one day per week in your paid employment, whilst undertaking the HSC.
School based apprentices complete the first stage of a trade qualification by the end of their HSC year.
Trainees complete an initial qualification by the end of Year 12.

Download the webinar flyer for further information, including program benefits and employer responsibilities.

REGISTER HERE

Sustainable Trails Conference 2022
2022-11-01 08:00 - 2022-11-03 17:00
TRC Tourism invite you to join them in November 2022 for Australia and New Zealand’s leading sustainable recreational trails event. Meeting on lutruwita country (North East Tasmania), Australia’s smallest but most geographically diverse state. Home to world-famous walks like the Overland Track, Wineglass Bay, the South Coast Track and the Three Capes Track and world-class mountain biking parks like Blue Derby and Maydena. The three-day conference brings together a broad discipline of trail interests — trail users, designers, planners, land managers, volunteers, clubs and construction experts to share, connect and learn what is driving the trails industry.
Join them and hear from leading professionals on sustainable trail development, management and marketing. Discover stunning landscapes and unique animals and plants as we explore the epic trails that traverse through Tasmania’s natural wonders.

Bega Valley Local Knowledge Famil - Local Produce
2022-11-09 08:30 - 18:00
The Centre of Excellence is planning local knowledge industry familiarisation tours in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley to showcase the exceptional and diverse range of product and services available to visitors.
The aim of the famils is to increase the knowledge of local tourism and hospitality workers who are customer facing on the unique visitor local offerings so that they can recommend with confidence what is available for visitors to experience, adding value to their stay and supporting local tourism products and services.

About the Eurobodalla Local Knowledge Tour – Local Produce
This full day famil will visit food and beverage producers in Bega Valley that offer visitor experiences.
Local knowledge of front-line tourism and hospitality workers plays a crucial role in shaping a visitors’ stay in Bega Valley and this famil is designed to grow local knowledge and network of the local producers.
The famil will start in Bega and will head South for a unique coffee roasting session with Wild Ryes in Pambula followed by a couple of incredible oyster experiences on the pristine waters of Broadwater and Pambula Lake. After building up a thirst, we head to Longstocking Brewery where lunch is included along with a very special masterclass.
After lunch the coach will travel north to Breakfast Creek Winery followed by a couple of brewery tours with the teams at Camel Rock and Humpback Breweries.
Each producer will present on the unique characteristics of their produce to educate the attendees on their visitor experience. This will expand or open new networks of producers that offer guests memorable experiences along with high quality local produce.

Who is eligible to apply
To attend the Bega Valley Local Produce Famil – applicants must currently be working in a customer service role within the tourism or hospitality industry.
All participants must be over the age of 18.

What is included
The tour includes:

Coach transport starting and finishing in Bega
Entry into all venues along with tastings with the producers
A light lunch will be provided

Each application will be considered on receipt for suitability to participate in the tour and you do not need to work in the Bega Valley but must currently be working in a customer facing tourism or hospitality role on the South Coast.
Seats on this tour will be limited, please ensure that you express your interest for the event via the link below by 2nd November 2022. Multiple bookings from individual venues will be considered, subject to availability.
Register your interest here

Eurobodalla Business & Tourism Talk
2022-12-07 16:00 - 19:00 | Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens
The South Coast Centre of Excellence has partnered with the Eurobodalla Shire Council presents a session on what strategies local businesses can develop to retain this valuable resource. You will hear from a number of local operators on what they have introduced to keep their teams engaged during this disruptive time.
The session will be presented and facilitated by Anna Finch from Kardia HR who will speak with local tourism and hospitality businesses on what strategies they have implemented to not only keep their employees but to onboard new recruits and the innovative approaches they have developed to achieve high performing teams.
Speakers will include:

Anna Finch, Kardia HR
Guy Chapman, Club Catalina
Belinda Dorsett, The Mossy Group
Corinne East, Easts Holiday Parks

Topics of discussions will include:

The importance and best practice in onboarding new members to your team
What makes talented people leave good jobs – and what makes them stay put?
How can businesses future-proof their workforce?

Social Media for Tourism and Hospitality - Bega Valley
2023-03-14 16:00 - 19:30
The South Coast Centre of Excellence and Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing invites business operators to attend a presentation on social media. Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern society and has fundamentally changed the way we communicate, consume information and share content. Founder and Director of multi award-winning marketing and creative agency, Milestone Creative Australia joins us to unpack Social Media in two unique sessions: Fundamentals of Social Media and an advanced Deep Dive into Strategy, Data and Analytics. Whether you are new to social media or a seasoned social media user, these presentations will provide you a solid understanding of social media and how it can help enhance and grow your business.
Our Presenter
The Workshop will be led by Alana Hay, Founder and Director of Milestone Creative Australia – a multi award-winning marketing, digital, social and creative Agency dedicated to the event, tourism and arts sectors. Alana is an experienced marketing professional with 20+ years’ experience in events, hospitality, venues and tourism who will share real-world experiences, insights and reports.
For further information, download the Social Media for Tourism and Hospitality Flyer.
REGISTER HERE

Social Media for Tourism and Hospitality - Eurobodalla
2023-03-15 14:00 - 19:30
The South Coast Centre of Excellence, with the support from the Eurobodalla Shire Council, invites business operators to attend a presentation on social media. Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern society and has fundamentally changed the way we communicate, consume information and share content. Founder and Director of multi award-winning marketing and creative agency, Milestone Creative Australia joins us to unpack Social Media in two unique sessions: Fundamentals of Social Media and an advanced Deep Dive into Strategy, Data and Analytics. Whether you are new to social media or a seasoned social media user, these presentations will provide you a solid understanding of social media and how it can help enhance and grow your business.
Our Presenter
The Workshop will be led by Alana Hay, Founder and Director of Milestone Creative Australia – a multi award-winning marketing, digital, social and creative Agency dedicated to the event, tourism and arts sectors. Alana is an experienced marketing professional with 20+ years’ experience in events, hospitality, venues and tourism who will share real-world experiences, insights and reports.
For further information, download the Social Media for Tourism and Hospitality Flyer.
REGISTER HERE

Destination Australia 2023
2023-03-16 08:00 - 17:00 | ICC Sydney, NSW
Tourism Australia will host Destination Australia 2023 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Thursday 16 March. The event, themed ‘Come and Say G’day’, will look to celebrate the opportunities for the future of Australian tourism and will be followed by a networking event.
Event registrations are now open. Register here

Social Media for Tourism and Hospitality - Shoalhaven
2023-03-23 14:30 - 19:30
The South Coast Centre of Excellence invites business operators to attend a presentation on social media. Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern society and has fundamentally changed the way we communicate, consume information and share content. Founder and Director of multi award-winning marketing and creative agency, Milestone Creative Australia joins us to unpack Social Media in two unique sessions: Fundamentals of Social Media and an advanced Deep Dive into Strategy, Data and Analytics. Whether you are new to social media or a seasoned social media user, these presentations will provide you a solid understanding of social media and how it can help enhance and grow your business.

Our Presenter
The Workshop will be led by Alana Hay, Founder and Director of Milestone Creative Australia – a multi award-winning marketing, digital, social and creative Agency dedicated to the event, tourism and arts sectors. Alana is an experienced marketing professional with 20+ years’ experience in events, hospitality, venues and tourism who will share real-world experiences, insights and reports.
For further information, download the Social Media for Tourism and Hospitality Flyer.
REGISTER HERE

ECO Think | Destination Forum
2023-03-28 08:00 - 2023-03-30 17:00
Ecotourism Australia (EA) is hosting its second annual ECO Think | Destination Forum on 28-30 March 2023. The ECO Think | Destination Forum creates a place for destination representatives to connect, share knowledge, learn from one another and be inspired to create sustainable change in their destinations. The forum will host a variety of representatives from ECO and Sustainable Tourism Destinations, representatives from state and regional tourism organisations, Ecotourism Australia members and other sustainability and destination management experts.

Bega Valley Local Knowledge Famil - Attractions & Experiences
2023-03-29 08:00 - 17:00
The Centre of Excellence famil program continues in 2023 designed to showcase the exceptional and diverse range of tourism and hospitality products and services available to visitors in the Bega Valley.The aim of the famil program is to increase the knowledge of local tourism and hospitality customer facing workers on the local visitor offerings so that they can recommend with confidence what is on offer in their own backyard for visitors to experience adding value to their stay and supporting local tourism products and services.
About the Bega Valley Local Attractions and Experiences FamilThis full day famil will start in Merimbula and take in a number of attractions and experiences including a wildlife sanctuary, oyster cruise, kayaking and fishing options and much more including a very special opportunity for attendees to get a sneak peak at the new South East Centre for Contemporary Art.
Who is eligible to applyTo attend the Bega Valley Local Produce Famil – applicants must currently be working in a customer service role within the tourism or hospitality industry.
What is includedThe famil includes:

Coach transport departing from and returning to Merimbula
Entry into all venues and experiences
A light lunch will be provided

Each application will be considered on receipt for suitability to participate in the famil. Seats on this famil will be limited, please ensure that you express your interest via the link below by Monday 20th March 2023. Multiple bookings from individual businesses will be considered, subject to availability.

Download the event flyer here.
APPLY HERE

Eurobodalla Local Knowledge Famil - Attractions & Experiences
2023-04-04
The Centre of Excellence famil program continues in 2023 designed to showcase the exceptional and diverse range of tourism and hospitality products and services available to visitors in Eurobodalla.
The aim of the famil program is to increase the knowledge of local tourism and hospitality customer facing workers on the local visitor offerings so that they can recommend with confidence what is on offer in their own backyard for visitors to experience adding value to their stay and supporting local tourism products and services.
About the Eurobodalla Local Attractions and Experiences Famil
An action-packed day awaits you on a famil that takes in some of the leading attractions and experiences in Eurobodalla along with some new businesses. Attendees will depart from Moruya and head south to be transferred to Montague Island for a tour of the island with National Parks before a working lunch. The afternoon promises to be exciting as the famil takes in adventure tourism specialists, Region X plus an inspection of Ocean Jet at Batemans Bay before an update from the team at Mogo Wildlife Park.
Who is eligible to apply
To attend the Eurobodalla Local Produce Famil – applicants must currently be working in a customer service role within the tourism or hospitality industry.
What is included
The famil includes:
• Coach transport departing from and returning to Moruya
• Water transfer to Montague Island and a guided tour on the island by National Parks
• Entry into all venues and experiences
• Industry briefing from Narooma Oyster Festival
• A light lunch will be provided
Each application will be considered on receipt for suitability to participate in the famil. Seats on this famil will be limited, please ensure that you express your interest via the link below by Monday 27th March 2023. Multiple bookings from individual businesses will be considered, subject to availability.
Download the event flyer here.
APPLY HERE

CoE Mentor Program | info webinar
2023-04-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
About the webinar
To give you more information on what is involved in being a mentee or mentor in the upcoming Mentor Program, the Centre of Excellence is conducting a webinar at 10am on Wednesday, 5 April 2023.
This interactive session will provide an overview of mentoring and of the Centre of Excellence Mentor Program. During the webinar, we will explain the application process and eligibility criteria, how we will match you and how the program works, and answer questions you might have either before or after you apply. You will leave with a clear understanding of what’s expected of you as a Mentee or Mentor, and – most importantly – what you can gain by participating.

About the Mentor Program
The South Coast Centre of Excellence Mentor Program aims to assist workers in the tourism and hospitality industry in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley local government areas by matching them with industry leaders who will provide coaching, support, advice, motivation, and exposure. These mentors will serve as a sounding board and role model, provide exposure to the wider industry beyond the mentee’s placement and expand the mentees’ professional networks.
The program will match anyone who is seeking guidance and support with a more experienced operator in the business, tourism and hospitality who are willing to commit time and energy to the professional development of future industry leaders.
The mentor may help the mentee achieve or work toward career goals, introduce the mentee to new ways of thinking, challenge a mentee’s limiting assumptions, share valuable life lessons, and much more.

Important Links

Download the Mentor Program Flyer
Register for the information session on Wednesday 5 April, at 10am
Register to be a mentee or mentor of the program

Bega Valley Skill Set in Hospitality 4-day Short Course
2023-05-02 - 2023-05-05
The South Coast Centre of Excellence is collaborating with Training NSW, Workforce Australia – Local Jobs and the Eden Chamber of Commerce to develop a tourism and hospitality short course to encourage you toreskill or upskill to help local businesses with the labour shortages in the region.
Gain knowledge and skills you need to work in the hospitality industry. Local businesses in hospitality, entertainment and tourism are seeking skilled, certified and motivated workers. Café restaurants, clubs,hotels, parks, recreational facilities (just to name a few) offer both part-time casual jobs and permanent roles with solid career pathways.
WHO CAN ENROL?Anyone who wants to work within the many roles available in hospitality. Skills NSW provides fee free training courses to help you get skills you need to find a new role. From 1 July 2022 the government increased the pension income free area to $190 a fortnight for a single and $336 for couples combined. This means a single pensioner over Age Pension age with no other private income could earn up to $490 a fortnight from work and still receive the maximum rate of pension. Given these changes, if you are retired and would like to top up your earnings, consider gaining some new skills and help out your local business community.With an anticipated 60 cruise ships coming into Eden in the next twelve months, local businesses will need additional labour to work in their cafes, restaurants, hotels and on tours.Smart and Skilled program eligibility applies. For information on the NSW Smart and Skilled program, visit www.smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 772 104.
COURSE DURATIONClasses run for a total of 4 consecutive days to complete this skill set.
SUBJECT UNITSSITXFSA001 Use hygienic practices for food safetySITHFAB005 Prepare and serve expresso coffeeSITHF002 (RSA) Responsible service of alcoholUpon course completion, students receive a Statement of Attainment and RSA Certification.
VENUEEden RSL Memorial Hall84A Bass Street, Eden
FACILITATORSThe Short Course will be presented by the National College of Vocational Education’s expert Trainers who have extensive industry and education experience to provide direct hands-on support every step of the way.
DELIVERY METHODFace-to-face classroom sessions.

For more information download the program flyer and enrolment form
Completed enrolment forms are to be returned to enrolment@ncve.edu.au

Shoalhaven Local Knowledge Attractions & Experiences Famil
2023-05-02
The Centre of Excellence famil program continues in 2023 designed to showcase the exceptional and diverse range of tourism and hospitality products and services available to visitors in the Shoalhaven.The aim of the famil program is to increase the knowledge of local tourism and hospitality customer facing workers on the local visitor offerings so that they can recommend with confidence what is on offer in their own backyard for visitors to experience adding value to their stay and supporting local tourism products and services.

About the Shoalhaven Local Attractions and Experiences Famil
This full day famil will start in Nowra and take in a number of attractions and experiences including a wildlife experience, a soft adventure experience and briefings from some of the best attractions throughout the Shoalhaven. There will be the opportunity to engage in some of the more physical activities, however it is not compulsory.A full itinerary will be provided prior to your tour.

Who is eligible to apply
To attend the Shoalhaven Local Knowledge Famil – applicants must currently be working in a customer service role within the tourism or hospitality industry.

What is included
The famil includes:

Coach transport departing from and returning to Nowra
Entry into all venues and experiences
A light lunch will be provided

Each application will be considered on receipt for suitability to participate in the famil.
Seats on this famil will be limited, please ensure that you express your interest via the link below by Friday 21st April 2023. Multiple bookings from individual businesses will be considered, subject to availability.

APPLY HERE to attend the day
Download the print-friendly flyer

Destination Food | Using Regionalism
2023-05-10 17:00 - 19:30 | Worrigee Sports Club, 131 Greenwell Point Road, Worrigee, NSW, 2540
How to use Regionalism to Market our Produce, Restaurants & Local Experiences – with Lyndey Milan

Join Home Cook Hero and TV Chef Lyndey Milan OAM, for an exploration of the value of Food Tourism. Lyndey will share her stories and experiences of what makes food such an importantingredient in attracting visitors and how food tourism is a growing international phenomenon.
The topic of food and tourism compliments the Shoalhaven Food Networks of events that are being offered during the Autumn Celebration of Food that will but shine the light on theimportance of including local fresh produce in the marketing mix to attract visitors to regions.
Lyndey will be joined by two local food producers Rosie Cupitt, of Cupitt’s Estate and Terry Robinson, of Old Salt Distillery, who will share their journeys in establishing quality produce and howthis has created exceptional experiences for visitors to the Shoalhaven region.

About the speakers
Lyndey Milan OAM
Lyndey aims to inspire, nourish and connect people. A familiar face on television and in print, she has been instrumental in changing the way Australians think about food, wine and tourism for four decades via her own nine best-selling cookbooks, nine TV series and influence as former Food Director of the iconic Australian Women’s Weekly. She is an award-winning multi-media presenter, MC, speaker, food & wine teacher, consultant, debater, judge and regional Australian specialist who makes numerous TV & culinary appearances. She is also an international tour host and enrichment speaker imparting her knowledge of food and wine to travellers in Australia and around the world. Her TV series continue to be seen around the world, including Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Australia, which won Best Food TV series in the 2016 Gourmand World Awards. The accompanying book also won Best TV Chef Cookbook and in the Best of the Best for the last 20 years at the Frankfurt Book Fair, won third overall. She was also named Legend of the Vine for 2019 by Wine Communicators Australia and in 2022 was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by Restaurant & Caterers NSW.
Lyndey’s love of agriculture and work as an Australian food specialist sees her as an active Councillor of Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, especially for the Sydney Royal Wine, Beer & Cider, Cheese & Dairy Produce and Fine Food Shows. Lyndey is a key contributor to Selector magazine, writes occasionally for delicious magazine and its website. She is Co-Founder and Patron of Tasting Success, a mentoring programme for female chefs and was a founding Board Member for Women in Hospitality.
Lyndey is the Proprieter of Sydney Studio Kitchen in Artarmon, purpose-built for culinary and other filming in a sound-controlled environment. She is highly adept in teaching food and wine appreciation and matching.She is now leading a new era in Connecting at the Table – serving up a fresh take on culinary and cultural experiences for us to connect more deeply with ourselves, each other, our communities and our country.

Rosie Cupitt
Rosie is a multi-talented entrepreneur and community leader with expertise in cheesemaking, horticulture, and wine-making. She has operated Cupitt’s Estate in the Shoalhaven region as a restaurateur for 16 years. She has garnered a reputation for her commitment to using local, sustainable ingredients and supporting the local food economy. In addition to her work in the restaurant industry, Rosie is also an accomplished cheesemaker, having honed her skills through years of experimentation and study. Her artisanal cheeses have won numerous awards.
Beyond this, Rosie is also a skilled horticulturalist, a mother and a grandmother. Rosie is also the founder and leader of Slow Food Shoalhaven, a local chapter of the international Slow Food movement. Through this organisation, she promotes the values of good, clean, and fair food and builds a more sustainable food system for the Shoalhaven region and beyond.

Terry Robinson
After a stellar career at some of Australia’s top restaurants – the likes of Tetsuya’s, Quay and Sepia – Terry with Michelle Robinson have embarked on their first business together, Old Salt Distillery, one of the most exciting new venues on the South Coast.

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WSET Level 3 Award
2023-05-15 08:00 - 2023-06-27 17:00
The WSET Level 3 Award in wines is designed for wine service professionals seeking to delve deeper into the world of wines. This qualification a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine
making. Participants will be able to describe the characteristics of the principal wines of the world and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and price. On completion you will
be able to assess wines accurately and advise management, answer customer queries authoritatively and with confidence.
This is an internationally recognised course that requires a minimum of 84 hours of study time:

Pre-course 30-minute webinar
30 hours of classroom delivery with the WSET course leader
51 hours of personal study and revision
A 2.5-hour examination

For more information on the specifications of the WSET Level 3 Award please access via this link
The six-day course will be held across three two-day sessions as follows:

Dates: 15 – 16 May 2023, at Narooma Golf Club, Narooma
Dates: 29 May – 30 May 2023, at Worrigee Sports Club, Nowra
Dates: 26 – 27 June 2023, at Club Sapphire, Merimbula

Who is eligible to apply
The WSET Level 3 course is an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the service of wine and it is highly recommended that you have completed the Level 2 Award course.
To be eligible to apply for this course you must have a minimum of 12 months working in the delivery of wine service and must be supported your employer.
All participants must be over the age of 18.
Numbers are limited. Multiple bookings from individual businesses will be considered, subject to demand.

What is included
The Centre of Excellence will cover the costs of the following:

Access to the six-day course and all materials
Meals will be provided (morning tea / lunch / afternoon tea)

As the numbers to attend this course will be limited, please ensure that you complete the application form found here before 17th April 2023.

Download the WSET Award Courses flyer here.
APPLY HERE
