The Australian Government's financial commitment also gives an important lead to other spheres of government. The New South Wales Government is allocating funds for a State Bicentennial Program. This is expected to include per capita grants to local government areas, similar to the scheme operating under the National Program. The state is also undertaking some large-scale capital works, including the redevelopment of Sydney's Darling Harbour as a venue for conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs and public recreation. The Authority is addressing the question of corporate-sector involvement.
Companies can become involved in several ways.
International Involvement Foreign governments are beginning to address the question of their participation in the Bicentenary. Other countries which now have special committees working on plans for Australia's Bicentenary are the Federal Republic of Germany, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Japan. The Bicentenary presents a unique opportunity for Australia to take centre stage internationally in 1988. Opportunities for tourism are very significant. Already, more than 200 major international and national gatherings have been arranged for 1988.