“The Helpmanns are the premier awards for the live performance industry in Australia. The NSW Government’s investment as a strategic partner in the 2013 Helpmann Awards and the staging of them in Sydney re-affirms our commitment to the arts and further strengthens Sydney’s position as the live performance capital of Australia,” Mr Souris said.

“The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, supports successful, world-class stage productions, which, on the NSW Events Calendar, have injected more than $600 million into the NSW economy over the past 12 months.

“NSW secured more than 40 per cent of gross ticket revenue from live shows in 2011 according to Live Performance Australia. *NSW also secured $102 million of musical theatre revenue in the same year.

“Now in its 13th year, the Helpmann Awards Ceremony will be held live in Sydney on Monday 29 July at 7pm at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, hosted by Eddie Perfect and Christie Whelan Brown.”

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said, "The Helpmann Awards are the pinnacle industry event for Australia's live performance industry, recognising the very best in live performances.

Tickets for the 2013 Helpmann Awards on Monday 29 July will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday 25 June at 9am and can be purchased from the Sydney Opera House Box Office or at www.sydneyoperahouse.com.

For more information about the 2013 Helpmann Awards, please visit www.helpmannawards.com.au.

* Ticket Attendance & Revenue Survey 2011

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