16 January 2002 The call of the outback a feast of contrasts A typically magical Lightning Ridge sunset and the lure of opal - the call to the outback for visitors, photo courtesy of C. Cooper Underground at Lightning Ridge - it really is another world, photo courtesy of Walgett Shire Council

Peter Black, Member for Murray-Darling and Executive Chair of the NSW Year of the Outback Steering Committee, said that the NSW Outback experience would be in stark contrast to typical perceptions, boasting spectacular lush landscapes and a massive events program.

"The people, the variety of landscapes in Outback NSW and the year-long celebrations make for a truly different outback experience for visitors," Peter Black said.

"NSW has one of the largest river systems in the world. The Murray, Darling, Barwon and Murrumbidgee Rivers dominate Outback NSW, and all their riverscapes for a contrast to most people's idea of the dry and dusty outback.

"Visitors to Outback NSW can experience tiny towns, thriving art centres, spectacular National Parks, working stations or rolling country landscapes in the one place. There is something for everyone within reach of a large number of Australians," said Mr Black. Mr Black said that the people of NSW were looking forward to welcoming visitors to their towns and events in 2002.

"People travelling around Outback NSW will experience true country hospitality and feel safe in the knowledge that if they need assistance, help is not far away," Peter Black said. NSW Year of the Outback celebrations started on January 1, 2002, and continue throughout the year with around 20 events per month in more than 50 locations across Outback NSW.

More than 45 local communities and organisations representing an area that covers 55 percent of NSW have joined forces to promote the physical, cultural and economic magnificence of Outback NSW during 2002, with an exciting program of events and initiatives to highlight the individuality of participating communities.

The events for the year range from the Gala openings of multi-million dollar complexes such as Shear Outback in Hay and the Back O'Bourke Exhibition Centre in Bourke, and the promotion of the Darling River Run Adventure Trail to gymkhanas in Tibooburra (population 150) and Race days in Louth (population 34).

"We are celebrating the history, stories, characters, humour, ingenuity, peoples, and events of a special place in the world: Outback NSW. It's a great place to discover, especially in 2002. "The National launch of the Year of the Outback was held on Monday in Broken Hill. The launch of the national program in NSW is recognition of the uniqueness and diversity of the NSW Outback. The 2002 Year of the Outback will be our opportunity to showcase this diverse shire. Highly motivated Lightning Ridge groups are planning a year of activities that will be the drawcard necessary to inject tourists into the area.

Communities with far less to offer have been successful in capturing a substantial slice of the tourism dollar.

To be competitive and gaining the edge will be the challenge.

Heading the list in 2002 will be the Australia Day celebrations which this year is hosted by Lightning Ridge.

It will be a great forerunner to an Easter Extravaganza packed with exhilarating events to entertain a host of tourists answering the Call of the Outback.