The Shortlisting Has Begun!

The response to the "I Love Mum, We Love Sydney" promotion has been nothing short of amazing! We've received so many heart-warming tributes, so thank you for writing in and nominating your mother. They are truly a very special breed and what would we do without them?!

Grace from the Tourism New South Wales office here said, "This certainly exceeded our expectation!"

Now comes the hard part...picking THE extraordinary mother to spend Mother's Day in Sydney! With so many deserving mothers, we really wish everyone could go. The winner will be announced on air on 938LIVE from Friday, 2nd May. So keep your ears peeled to see who's heading south this winter.

2006 Mothers' Day Winner to Sydney, Christine & Evelyn Tan

Did you know that Tourism New South Wales sponsored the inaugural Mothers' Day travel promotion on 938LIVE to Sydney two years ago in 1996? The winners were Christine Tan and her mom Evelyn, whom she'd nominated.

Here's what Christine recalls of that very special trip to Sydney with mom...

Q: What do you most remember about the trip you won on 938LIVE where you and your mom enjoyed an all-expense paid Mothers' Day treat to Sydney in 2006?
A: For my mom was the airplane trip to lunch. It was so amazing, something which both of us did not expect and would not have experienced on our own. For me - it was the climb up Sydney Bridge. The view was fantastic and the private tour made it extra special. Our guide looked like Rod Stewart!

Q: What did you do on that trip that brings back the greatest memories?
A: MEMORIES - So many!! Eating the wonderful food, especially in the Chinese restaurant with the huge crabs. Wonderful pancakes at the Mother's Day breakfast. Shopping at The Rocks. And just spending time with my mom - that was most special.

Q: What is a 'must-do-must-see' in Sydney?
A: The Sydney Harbour Bridge - of course (if you can). Flea markets - must go and check out all the flea markets if possible. Watch a performance at the Opera House.

Q: If you were to return to the regions beyond the city like Port Stephens, what would you want to do again?
A: Port Stephens - definitely the Sand Dunes. Wine areas - wine tasting and cheese factories.


Q: What are you doing for your mom this Mothers' Day?
A: Anything is difficult to beat the trip to Sydney...wished we could enter the competition again, but we have to be fair and give others a chance. :( Have not thought about it yet to be honest. Maybe a day at the spa. Any ideas??

Nominations Close this Sunday!

Have you sent in your nomination yet? Because the deadline's this Sunday, 27th April!

Don't procrastinate any longer! Go download the contest participation form from www.sydney.com/938LIVE, complete it, then email the form and a recent photo of the mother you nominate and yourself to general@tourismnsw.com.sg .

If you're sending in by snail mail, it must arrive at the Tourism New South Wales office at United Square by this Sunday!

We'll be picking the lucky pair to jet-set to Sydney next week. All will be revealed soon! So listen out for the announcement of who the winning mother and nominator will be on 938LIVE!

Mother's Day in Sydney - The Itinerary!

Thought i'd share what we'll be experiencing in Sydney, NSW, for 9 glorious days! Cant wait! Don't forget to submit your nomination!

Thursday 8th May: Sydney
- We depart for Sydney in the morning and arrive just in time for dinner at Golden Century and a good night’s rest. First night in Sydney

- Overnight at Oaks Maestri Towers

Friday 9th May: Sydney
- Say G’Day to Sydney!
- I love this next one! We'll hop onto Harley Davidson Motorbikes for a City Tour with Blue Thunder Downunder
- We go sailing with Eastsail at the beautiful Sydney Harbour
- Lunch at the Sydney Fish Markets
- We'll also have time to check out Sydney’s popular shopping spots
- Skywalk adventure
- Sumptuous dinner at Sydney Tower Restaurant
- It'll be an overnighter at Oaks Maestri Towers

Saturday 10th May: Sydney
- Enjoy another day of Sydney Sightseeing:
- Sydney Harbour Morning Highlight Cruise with Captain Cook
- Lunch at Chinta Ria at Darling Harbour
- Sydney Aquarium
- Sydney Wildlife World
- Sydney Tower
- Pre-Dinner Cocktail at Astral Restaurant at Star City
- Dinner at Pyrmont's Restaurant
- Overnight at Oaks Maestri Towers

Sunday 11th May: Sydney
- Free time in Sydney
- Today, enjoy bonding time with Mum on this special Mother’s Day exploring more of Sydney
- Lunch is at your own arrangements today
- Mothers’ Day Dinner at Jordon's Seafood Restaurant
- Overnight at Oaks Maestri Towers

Monday 12th May: Central Coast
- Depart for Central Coast, just 1 hour from Sydney
- Visit the Yarramalong Macadamia Nut Farm
- Drop by Australian Reptile Park and have BBQ lunch here!
- Liquor tasting at the St Fiacre Distillery
- Watch the fascinating Pelican Feeding at The Entrance
- Overnight at Oaks Waterfront

Tuesday 13th May: Port Stephens
- Depart for Port Stephens Blue Water Paradise, 1.5 hours from Central Coast
- Get close to bottle nose dolphins on a Dolphin Watch Cruise with Moonshadow
- Go on a thrilling 4WD Sand Dune Tour with Port Stephens 4WD
- Tuck into Vietnamese dinner at Metro Saigon
- Overnight at Oaks Maestri Towers

Wednesday 14th May: Blue Mountains
- Self-drive to Blue Mountains, World Heritage Listed National Park, 1.5 hours from Sydney using Hertz NeverLost, a handy navigation system for a stress-free self-drive holiday. Courtesy of Hertz
- Watch the spectacular movie on the Blue Mountains at The Edge Cinema
- Lunch at Bygone Beautys, a pretty quaint gift and cafe shop, which also houses the largest private teapot collection in the world.
- Enjoy spectacular sights at Scenic World on cable car experience
- Dinner at the delightful Silks Brasserie
- Overnight at Old Leura Dairy

Thursday 15th May: Blue Mountains
- Enjoy a Guided Tour and Lunch at the World’s Oldest Open Cave, Jenolan Caves
- Return to Leura for some shopping at quaint Leura Mall
- Dinner at Solitary Restaurant
- Overnight at Old Leura Dairy

Friday 16th May: Sydney/ Singapore
- Say G’Bye to Sydney
- Transfer to airport
- Depart Sydney Arrive in Singapore at night

Nominations Now Open!

It's back!!! The popular "I Love Mom, We Love Sydney" promotion is back on 938LIVE and the search is now on for the mother who's most deserving of a spectacular 9-day Mothers' Day treat to Sydney, Australia!


Above: A shot from Stanley's camera in August 2007.

The promotion 2 years ago was a huge success and attracted many nominations and a keen following of the trip the winning mother-daughter pair made to Sydney. Could this year be your year to soak in the sights and sounds of this amazing city and the regions surrounding?!

So who's coming with me? We jet off on 8th May and return on 16th May (courtesy of Qantas & British Airways), so make sure you can make a trip during this period, even before you nominate your mom.

For more details, please visit www.sydney.com or www.938LIVE.sg !

My friends at Tourism New South Wales and Dynasty Travel look forward to sifting through the entires, which have already begun to trickle in!

Hurry! Closing date to submit your nomination's on Sun, 27th April!

Looking forward to receiving your nomination!