The Morrison Government is backing Australia’s efforts to bring the 2027 Rugby World Cup Down Under, with an $8.8 million funding injection to support our bid to host the event and provide a major economic and tourism boost.
It’s estimated hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup will bring over 200,000 international visitors to Australia, generate an estimated $2.2 billion in economic activity and create 12,000 jobs.
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the Rugby World Cup was the second largest single-sport event in the world, and hosting it would be a major shot in the arm for the Australian tourism industry, paving the way for new infrastructure projects and jobs.
“Australia has a proud history of hosting major international sporting events and winning this bid would be another vote of confidence in our ability to host big-ticket events as well as provide a major economic boost for our tourism industry and the broader economy,” Minister Birmingham said.
“Australia’s hosting of the 2027 Rugby World Cup would bring visitors from all around the globe to our shores, inject millions into the local economy and support thousands of jobs across the country.
“Events of this magnitude have huge flow-on effects through the entire economy – whether it be accommodation providers, tourism operators, car hire companies, restaurants and bars or the retail sector.
“While we are not in a position to welcome international visitors right now, any in-roads we can make to secure large-events that will bring more tourists to Australia will be critical to the overall rebound of our tourism industry.”
Minister Colbeck said the funding will help Rugby Australia develop the best possible bid with the greatest chance of success, and further cement Australia as a world-leading sporting nation.
“As a country, we have an incredible track record of successfully hosting sporting events on a global scale. An event of this size is expected to have a national footprint and regional benefits, so all Australians can feel part of the excitement.”
“It’s been a challenging time for the Australian sporting community, with the rescheduling of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to 2021, and a number of other high-profile sporting events cancelled or postponed,” Minister Colbeck said.
“A successful bid will bolster the community spirit, and significantly contribute to the country’s long-term recovery from COVID-19, with Rugby Australia projecting over $2 billion in economic and social benefits from hosting the event.”
This funding injection builds on the initial funding of $1 million provided in 2019 to scope the viability of the bid, bringing Rugby Australia’s funding to almost $10 million.
Hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2027 will complement the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2023. It will create a pipeline of two of the world’s largest international sporting events to lead into a possible 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Queensland.
It will also promote the game of Rugby, and build on its growing participation rates, particularly among women.
It’s expected the bid deadline will be the end of 2021, with a decision on successful host by mid-2022.
Month: November 2020
Nominate those who have gone above and beyond for 2021 Australia Day Awards
Nominations are now open for the City of Newcastle’s 2021 Australia Day Awards after a challenging year in 2020 that has demonstrated the strength and resilience of our community.
The Awards will recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups to community life over the past 12 months.
Nominations are being called for in the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year categories, with successful award recipients announced on Australia Day, 21 January 2021.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Novocastrians had shown incredible resilience in navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and looking out for their fellow community members through this difficult time.
“We have all felt these impacts to some degree, with most of us having to lean on our support networks to get through tough times,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Now is the time to consider those who have gone above and beyond for our community, be it a neighbour, colleague, or local community group that assists those in need.
“The Australia Day Awards recognise the quiet achievers as well as those more familiar high-profile achievers. What they have in common is their ability to inspire others, overcome challenges and make a significant impact on the people of Newcastle.”
City of Newcastle’s 2020 Citizen of the Year, Michelle Faithfull, was honoured in January as a passionate fundraiser, raising $180,000 for local charities including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and Ronald McDonald House. She joins award alumni, ovarian cancer awareness campaigner, the late Jill Emberson, and Mark Hughes Foundation co-founder Mark Hughes.
The Hunter Homeless Connect Day coordinator said, while it had been no ordinary year, the Australia Day Award honour had boosted her calling to help others.
“I am passionate about giving back to the community after all the support I have received in turn; we Novocastrians are a caring bunch,” Ms Faithfull said.
“There are so many others doing great work in our wonderful community whose efforts deserve to be recognised.”
2020 Australia Day Award recipients Newcastle Pride (Community Group of the Year), Michelle Faithfull (Citizen of the Year) and Alexa Stuart (Young Citizen of the Year) with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillors Peta Winney-Baartz and John Church at January’s award ceremony.
Nominees must reside in the Newcastle Local Government Area. Young Citizen of the Year nominees must be 30 years old or younger on 26 January 2021.
Nominations close 5pm Sunday 6 December 2020 and can be submitted via the website or hard copy form downloaded from the same location and available at the City Administration Centre, Level 1, 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West.