Woollahra Council hosts hundreds of diverse events and programs every year, attended by thousands of residents and visitors.

We've prepared a draft Events Policy and a draft Events Strategy that cover the following types of events held in the Woollahra Local Government Area (LGA), including those held in a Council-owned or managed venues:

  • Public events organised and funded by Council
  • Public events organised by individuals or external organisations that are funded or formally supported by Council; (including grant, donation and sponsorship recipients)
  • Third-party events managed and funded by individuals or external organisations (independent of Council). These events may use our venues or places for hire, requiring Council approval, permits, services or similar.

We recognise events provide us with incredible opportunities to connect with our community, celebrate important days and social issues, build awareness, educate, share skills and experience, collaborate with local organisations, demonstrate our Vision, Mission and values, stimulate the local economy and positively impact on our reputation and brand.

We aim to provide welcoming, engaging, memorable and positive experiences for event participants and organisers. Our draft Events Policy represents our overall commitment to event management and serves as a strong foundation for our draft Events Strategy.

Our Event Strategy identifies four strategic pillars, which will be our focus areas:

1. Enhance community lifestyle and culture

2. Increase local social and economic benefits

3. Foster partnerships and collaboration

4. Drive excellence and continuous improvement

Each pillar has associated actions for the next four years which will promote community wellbeing, improve brand recognition, enhance professionalism and good governance, and maximise partnership and collaboration opportunities, to achieve social and economic benefits and positive customer experiences.

Events offer a range of benefits, including:

• Create community connection, inclusion and participation

• Enhance social, mental, emotional and physical wellbeing

• Mobilise people to take action

• Increase creativity and innovation

• Positively impact on quality of life, liveability and sense of community pride and place

• Encourage collaboration, partnership, networking and volunteering.

• Drive awareness and action on climate change, environmental issues and sustainability,

• Generate cultural awareness and respect for our Indigenous heritage, history, language and truth telling

• Boost our brand and help deliver opportunities for Council to demonstrate leadership

• Deliver economic benefit, generate employment and promote visitation

• Provide opportunities for fun, entertainment, education and skills development

• Help us showcase our amazing location, wonderful assets and commitment to customer experience.

We also support a wide range of events through the annual grants programs, donations and sponsorships, and in-kind support.

We are committed to supporting inclusive and accessible events which meet child safety and diversity standards.

In the development of this Strategy we have been informed by recommendations of Council’s Events Service Review 2023 (ESR). The Review included consultation with Council staff, Councillors, and relevant stakeholders.

This Strategy has also been informed by consultation with staff and members of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and the Inclusion Advisory Committee, prior to consideration by Council.

Upcoming events

To find out about our upcoming events visit our events calendar and sign up to our enewsletter.

Have your say

Share your feedback via our short survey below by Monday 16 September.