Ms Hodgkinson said she is delighted with the news that Destination NSW will be presented with the Best Special Event Award for Vivid Sydney 2013.

“The NSW Government is a proud supporter of the Helpmann Awards, which will feature performances from some of the outstanding musical productions secured through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“Supporting this prestigious Australian awards ceremony is part the NSW Government’s commitment to the arts and further strengthens our State’s position as the creative capital of Australia.

“This year’s ceremony will include performances from such outstanding musicals as The Lion King, Les Miserables and Strictly Ballroom, of which the world premiere was secured by the NSW Government.

“Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival of light, music and ideas was attended by 800,000 people in 2013. Vivid goes from strength to strength each year, with this year’s festival attracting over 1.4 million people.”

Ms Hodgkinson said The Helpmann Awards help set the benchmark for Australia’s live performance industry, by recognising the cream of Australian live performances each year.

“In a major coup the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, has secured the Australian premiere of Matilda the Musical,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“Matilda joins a long list of first-run musicals the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has secured since coming into office, including Annie, Legally Blonde and Strictly Ballroom.

“Sydney is the home of first-run musicals and the live performance capital of Australia.”
For more information about the 2014 Helpmann Awards and the full list nominees, visit helpmannawards.com.au.

To book tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 723 038.

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