Council Agenda
18 March 2025
NOTICE OF MOTION
CM/8.3/25.03
Subject:
New Year's Eve Event at Bondi Beach
TRIM No:
A25/0280
Submitted by:
Councillor Stephenson
Councillor Nemesh
Councillor Frazer
MOTION:
That Council:
1.
Undertakes an expression of interest (EOI) process to grant a licence for a New Year’s Eve event
at Bondi Beach to a suitably qualified organisation.
2.
Includes assessment criteria for impact on the local community, stage placement and build,
transport planning and the feasibility of holding the event this year.
3.
Officers assess an appropriate fee for the holding of the event, which will support arts, culture,
events and place activation in Waverley.
4.
Investigates support from Destination NSW for the proposed event.
5.
Officers assess the EOI responses and prepare a report to Council.
6.
Writes to the following stakeholders informing them of this motion:
(a)
The Minister for Arts, Music and Night-Time Economy, John Graham MP.
(b)
The Member for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane MP.
(c)
The Member for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill MP.
(d)
The Member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender MP.
(e)
Destination NSW.
(f)
Bondi and Districts Chamber of Commerce.
(g)
All Precincts.
Background
Bondi Beach has long been a focal point for New Year’s Eve celebrations, attracting both locals and
international visitors with its unique blend of beach culture and festive atmosphere. Notably, on 31
December 1999, renowned DJ Carl Cox made history by performing at Bondi Beach to welcome the
new millennium before flying across the international dateline to perform again in Hawaii, effectively
celebrating the New Year twice in different countries. This, and following events like Shore Thing,
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Council Agenda
18 March 2025
cemented Bondi’s reputation as a premier destination for year-end festivities. However, this has been
less prominent in recent years.
Community feedback indicates a desire for Bondi to be enlivened, with more fun and events. Local
businesses including bars and restaurants are also looking for increased visitation and patronage
during a difficult economic climate. The Mardi Gras Bondi Beach Dance Party has demonstrated that
Council and the industry have put in place actions and plans to minimise impact to residents, have a
strict curfew time for the event, cleaning and waste disposal and effective transport management to
ensure revellers are transported immediately from the beach.
Such an event also provides an opportunity for revenue to Council to invest in arts, culture, events and
place activation to further enhance Council’s offerings to the local community. This also provides
further opportunities for local creatives to support the thriving local arts community in Bondi and
Waverley.
Continuing the tradition of New Year’s Eve parties at Bondi Beach not only upholds the area’s cultural
heritage but also enhances Sydney’s global image as a lively and attractive tourist destination. These
celebrations draw international attention, showcasing Australia’s vibrant lifestyle and scenic beauty.
Moreover, they provide memorable experiences for attendees, encouraging repeat visits and positive
promotion cementing Bondi’s iconic global reputation.
General Manager’s comment
If this motion is adopted by Council, officers can commence an EOI process in accordance with the
motion, undertake an evaluation and report back to Council.
Ben Thompson
Director, Community, Culture and Customer Experience
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