‘Macarthur Together’: collaboration and cooperation
Local tourism across the Macarthur region was the hot topic of conversation at a recent get-together of like-minded businesses, tourism operators and local government.
A crisp morning autumn sun drenched the forecourt at the National Herbarium of NSW, where delegates sat listening to a number of speakers and a panel discussion. Delegates were greeted by a coffee cart to provide a pick-me-up at the start of the day.
The gathering, called Macarthur Together, was hosted by the 38-year-old Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan, on the herbarium forecourt with a Dharawal artwork beneath delegates’ feet.
‘Macarthur Together’ was the inaugural event, focused on promoting the Macarthur region as a must-visit destination. The aim of the forum, attended by tourism operators and local businesses, was to share ideas and explore ways to attract more visitors and create better experiences across the region.
The venue is a Macarthur region tourist hotspot, with an expected 1.1 million visitors this year. The Botanic Garden of Sydney is Australia’s oldest scientific institution, established in 1816, and its oldest continuously operating scientific institution, 210 years old.
Delegates were invited to inspect the Australian PlantBank and the National Herbarium of New South Wales before official proceedings started. The herbarium is a cutting-edge facility that preserves over 1 million dried plant specimens, including historic 1770 collections by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander. The 12-year-old PlantBank is a state-of-the-art seed-banking and scientific research facility that officially opened on October 11, 2013.
The forum was introduced by Dean Boone of The West Journal, who served as the moderator for the panel discussion that followed introductory speeches with Welcome to Country by Aunty Glenda Chalker, and an overview of the garden by John Siemon, Director of Horticulture and Living Collections and George Salouros, Director of Asset Management, Planning and Projects.
Expert panel
Panel members from NSW Tourism Association, Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce, Botanic Gardens of Sydney and Destination NSW, discussed issues around the theme of ‘Growing A Connected Visitor Economy’.
Panel participants stressed the need for collaboration among small-business tourist operators and for recognising what is great about your local region. The Macarthur region is part of Western Sydney, which has many brands and regional identities.
Social media presence was emphasised by several panellists, along with a strong story about the business and the local area. The largest category of day-trippers to the Macarthur region is family and friends, and they can serve as a tourist promotion through ‘word-of-mouth’, providing an authentic voice about attractions.
Panel members stressed that what appealed to local business owners would also appeal to potential visitors. Visitors were looking for an immersive experience that was authentic to the area and captured in small, memorable moments. Panel members told stories of how this has been achieved by successful tourist operators in different parts of NSW.
Business owners were encouraged to keep it local and not try to conquer the world. Do what you can and grow the local tourist product through collaboration and cooperation. Local tourist operators, according to panel members, do not compete with one another and instead complement one another when working successfully.
According to the panel, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is mentioned as a tourist opportunity for the Macarthur region. Local tourist operators should encourage international and domestic visitors to stay an extra day in the area with a memorable experience.
The gathering was sponsored by Camden Council, Campbelltown City Council, Wollondilly Shire Council and the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Lunch was a sumptuous mix of fresh produce, deli sandwiches, sushi and other finger food.
Lunch was followed by breakout sessions that acted as roundtables: ‘Fast Chats, Big Ideas’, and ‘Activating Macarthur’s 24-Hour Economy’.
In summing up, Dean Boone encouraged delegates to network and exchange business cards.
Mayor Theresa Fideli
Camden Mayor Theresa Fideli said on Facebook
It was fantastic to gather together, hear from our tourism leaders, and explore emerging opportunities for the region. Thank you everyone for joining us today, and thank you to the The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan for spotlighting this gathering. (Fideli 2026a)
On Instagram the mayor said
The event highlighted the strength of collaboration across the region and the exciting opportunities ahead for the Macarthur visitor economy, particularly as we prepare for the opportunities that Western Sydney International Airport will bring. (Fideli 2026b)
Reflection
Tourism is a significant job generator in the Macarthur region and can play a greater role in the local economy. In Campbelltown, tourism supports 3200 direct and indirect jobs. (id.com.au (2024). In the Camden LGA, tourism supports 4200 direct and indirect jobs. (Camden Council 2026) At Picton, tourism accounts for between 4-5% of the local economy, with 550 to 650 jobs. (Remplan 2026)
WSI will be a disruptor in the Macarthur region economy when it ramps up towards the end of the year. While its real influence is yet to be assessed, as sure as night-follows-day the impact on the local economy will be significant.
The support of all three local government bodies across the Macarthur region, encouraging collaboration among tourism operators, is good to see.
‘Macarthur Together’ tourist forum provided an opportunity for small and large tourist operators to network and hear from state-level organisations about opportunities and challenges.
Reference
Camden Council 2026. Business in Camden. Camden Council, Camden, March.
Fideli, Theresa 2026a. ‘Macarthur Together is a new regional forum bringing together…’. Facebook. 21 May, 3.44pm. Online https://www.facebook.com/crtheresefedeli Accessed 21/05/26.
Fideli, Theresa 2026b. ‘Macarthur Together is a new regional forum bringing together…’ Instagram. 21 May. 3.48pm. Online https://www.instagram.com/mayorofcamden_theresefedeli/ Accessed 21/05/26
id.com.au (2024). Tourism | Campbelltown-NSW | economy.id. [online] Id.com.au. Available at: https://economy.id.com.au/campbelltown/tourism-value [Accessed 21 May 2026].
Remplan (2026). Wollondilly Tourism/Employment Economic Profile. [online] Compelling Economics Pty Ltd. Available at: https://app.remplan.com.au/wollondilly/economy/tourism/employment [Accessed 21 May 2026].
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