New gTLD update

ICANN’s most recent contracting statistics for new gTLDs features:

1137 applicants invited to Contracting
579 applicants responded to Contracting Information Request invitation
509 contracts have been forwarded for execution
429 Registry Agreements have been signed

In terms of some prominent forthcoming Australian new gTLDs, the .melbourne Registry Agreement was signed with ICANN on 29 May 2014, while .sydney is still awaiting execution. It is expected that .melbourne will launch within the next 6 months.