Northern Beaches Council has endorsed almost $60,000 to local community events under the 2020/21 Event Grants and Sponsorship Program, bringing the total support to $234,826 this financial year.

Support is in the form of funding and fee waivers, and can be used up until August 2022 if COVID-19 causes events to be postponed.

Mayor Michael Regan said community events add value to our community and benefit our local villages and town centres across the beaches.

“These events promote a sense of togetherness and enrich our community, helping to bond residents while also boosting the local economy and supporting local businesses,” he said.

“It is important, especially during these unprecedented times, that we as a community can come together to support one another and reconnect.”

Grants and sponsorships fully or partially approved by the Council include:

• Manly Business Chamber for the Market Lane Live Project. The event aims to increase visitation in winter and encourages the community to support local hospitality venues. The month-long event celebrates local talent, businesses and includes activities and games for the whole family.
• Running Stars Healthy Living Ltd for the Running Stars Project. This community event focuses on physical and mental wellbeing and encourages a sense of togetherness. Free for all participants and boasting three distances, it enables everyone to take part and get involved.
• Swoop Physical Centre for the Circus on the Sand Project. A series of circus workshops and performances, this event is led by industry experts in order to bring the local community together to have fun.
• Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce for the Mona Vale Market Day 2021. This event boasts 100 general and food stalls operated by local businesses and performances in Mona Vale Park.
• Surfing NSW Inc. for the Australian Open of Surfing – Northern Beaches Open. The 2020 Australian Open of surfing events were created for Australia’s best surfers in iconic Australian surf locations.
• Taylor Events Development Pty Ltd (Ted and Co. Events) for the Narrabeen Bites and Brews (working title) Project. This three-day summer festival will be filled with local food, local breweries and local entertainment. It proposes to help generate business for local companies, reconnect people in the community and create a COVID-safe environment, keeping the health of the community as the first priority.

All grant applications undergo a rigorous assessment process and are measured against pre-defined, advertised criteria.