Help Fire Victims by Having a Break!

Lori Modde, Chief Executive Officer of the Hills Hawkesbury and Riverlands Tourism organisation is calling for Sydneysiders to book short breaks to the Hawkesbury and Lower Blue Mountains.

“Tourism is a community industry. When a tourist spends a dollar in a town, that dollar is then often multiplied in its effect to the community, as the tourism business keeps locals employed, buys local produce, and uses local facilities and services. When the dollar is not there it has an enormous effect on a community, particularly those trying to recover from disasters such as the recent fires," Ms Modde said.

“By taking a break and having a weekend or midweek break in the area, it can help so many businesses that are worried about their business surviving during this time. Some restaurants have cancellations equating to over 200 covers, a business loss of thousands of dollars, while some accommodation operators have had cancellations of this weekend and into the Christmas season, which is normally a very busy time.”

There is a lot to do in the Hawkesbury area, including coming to witness the miracle of the Australian Bush as it turns from black to green in what is an amazing transformation in the coming months.

“If you have been wondering what you can do to help, this is a way you can give back to the community sixfold as well as use this time to have a break for yourself,” Ms Modde said.

For a great place to start to plan your weekend in the Hawkesbury highlands, please visit www.hhart.com.au