Events Grants 2023/24

Council agreed to the following funding and fee waivers through the Events Grants Program 2023/24, to support organisations to hold community events on the Northern Beaches.

OrganisationProjectApproved Funding (ex GST)
The Mito FoundationThe Bloody Long Walk (BLW) – Sydney North is an annual health and fitness challenge open to persons of all abilities including local residents of the Northern Beaches Council area. The BLW is a 35km walk through the picturesque coastline spanning from Governor Phillip Park in Palm Beach to the Manly Promenade with tremendous benefits for local businesses including restaurants, cafes and shops as it brings a significant number of visitors to the Northern Beaches Council.

$2,000 one-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers up to $3,000

Brookvale Arts DistrictBrookvale Arts District Festival is the ultimate convergence of music, art, film, and culture, set to revolutionise the festival experience. Nestled in the vibrant community of Brookvale Arts District (BAD), this breakthrough event promises to attract talent from across the globe, captivating audiences with its immersive and boundary-pushing offerings$10,000 three-year sponsorship
Volleyball NSWVolleyball NSW host the biggest beach volleyball event each year, the NSW Champs. Teams are welcomed not only from all over NSW but from other States as well as they compete in preparation for the National Tour. This event has been historically held in Manly Beach with the help of the local club NBVA.

$2,500 three-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers for beach hire

Coordinate Production Services The Saturday Swap is a community focused sustainability event that encourages clothes to be swapped and kept out of landfill. After the success of the Saturday Swap event in June 2023, the event is back for a second time - but this time bigger and better, drawing on learnings from the first event and wonderful community feedback received.$1,000 grant
The Link ChurchEggs by the Lake is an anticipated Easter event on the Northern Beaches, attracting families from all around the community for a day of fun, games, and of course, an exciting Easter egg hunt. With over 10,000 Easter eggs hidden throughout the event area, it promises to be a thrilling experience for kids of all ages. This free-to-attend event aims to celebrate the spirit of Easter while providing a safe and enjoyable environment for families to come together.

$2,500 three-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers for reserve hire

Avalon Beach SLSCCarols at the Beach is a free community event that celebrates the festive season. This event allows the surf club to connect with its community to demonstrate the importance of their services whilst at the same time thanking our community for supporting them. The event starts at 4:00pm with local high school students given the opportunity to showcase their talent and gain performing experience on stage. At 6pm the Jubilation Choir leads a community Christmas Carol sing-along. The surf club car park turns into a festival area with fairy lights, food trucks, community fund raising stalls, face painting, roaming kids' characters and a visit from Santa. The evening closes with a spectacular fireworks display off the beach. $2,500 three-year sponsorship
Women's Resilience CentreThe Women's Resilience Centre plan to host a Reignite Runway Fashion Parade. A sustainable fashion show based on recycled and reused clothing. A community social event to build a culture of commitment to environmental sustainability inspiring Women to celebrate creativity and diversity in community through fashion.$2,000 grant
Warringah Rugby Club2024 Sevens By the Sea, Sydney’s premier Rugby 7’s tournament. This aims to be a community-based event filled with live sports, music entertainment, kids activities and market activations for people of all ages. A true festival for all. With our connections, it will also be sanctioned by NSW Rugby.

$5,000 one-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers for reserve hire

North Curl Curl SLSCThe 3 Points Challenge and Ocean swim is an iconic local run/swim. Up to 750 competitors participate in this event with many competitors travelling interstate, from Wollongong, Cronulla, Central Coast, Eastern Suburbs and Western Suburbs. The local community benefits, through hospitality and accommodation sectors as well as local fitness groups and swimming pools befits through additional patronage as competitors prepare for the races. Mental health, physical fitness and general wellbeing are the other significant community benefits of these events. The ultimate aim of these events is to raise much needed funds for rescue equipment.

$3,000 one-year sponsorship +

$2,000 two-year sponsorship 

RSL LifeCareAnzac Day commemorative Dawn Service for the residents and their families, staff and their families and the Narrabeen/Collaroy Plateau community. The commemorative service includes traditional elements such as the reading of hymns, readings, Anzac Address, Catafalque Guard, wreath laying. Anthems and the act of remembrance - The Ode, Last Post, one-minutes silence, and Reveille. Followed by a complimentary community breakfast.$2,000 grant

Frenchs Forest Anglican Church

In 2023 the aim is to replicate and expand on the successful Carols in the Park event held in 2022. Aiming for more people to attend and, as the event becomes a regular, recognised community event being held annually at Ararat Reserve, to attract a consistent following.$2,500 three-year sponsorship
The Link Church The Link Church is thrilled to present the "Carols by the Lake," a joyous and unforgettable community event that will spread holiday cheer and foster a sense of togetherness. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Narrabeen Lake, this magical Christmas celebration aims to bring the local community together in a spirit of love and unity.$2,500 three-year sponsorship
Rotary Club Upper Northern BeachesChristmas Carols in the Park will be held to invite local community to participate in a picnic atmosphere and sings Carols. There will also also be entertainers in between the Carols and of course Santa Claus will be paying a visit. A number of vendors will be selling their foods including Rotary with a BBQ.$2,500 three-year sponsorship
Frenchs Forest Lions Club Lionel Watts Carols run by the Lions Club of Frenchs Forest has run for over 45 years. Started in 1977 and is a much-loved event by every generation in the forest and a family tradition. The event hosts a group of schools, local community schools and entertainers.$2,500 three-year sponsorship
Market Lane LiveLive & Local - the aim of the event is to provide an opportunity and a platform for artists without large followings to engage with new audiences. For emerging musicians, one of the toughest challenges is finding a venue that will give you a shot and getting in front of people that will give you enough exposure to kick off your career. We want to help artists overcome these challenges and give them a head start on their journeys. This event is aimed at engaging the local community to come and help us discover new talent, helping the careers of the next generation of musicians.$2,000 one-year sponsorship
Manly Theatre Group IncorporatedThe Manly Festival of Plays 2023 will showcase the original works that have been developed and nurtured over the past year. The increase in participants in all workshops has been overwhelmingly positive and the work that is being developed through collaboration and guidance is a testament to the local talent in our community.$2,000 one-year sponsorship
Australasian Dark Sky AllianceAfter Dark is an event featuring stargazing, night food markets, planetarium, public talks, nocturnal walks at Lionel Watts Park.

$2,000 three-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers for reserve hire

Newport Beach Chamber of CommerceThe Spring into Summer, Newport Celebration festival will take advantage of the influx of people to Newport to celebrate and showcase businesses of Newport with market stalls in Bert Payne Park and Newport Surf Club. Local shops will have trestle tables outside their stores, dining venues will offer delicious food. Robertson Road will be closed to traffic for local food/clothing/gift stalls, roaming musical entertainment, kids events and local artists events. The event will run from 8am-6pm and encourage attendees to stay on to support local restaurants for dinner.

$2,500* one-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers for reserve hire

Zonta Club of Northern Beaches

2024 Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach will feature egg and bacon rolls, sausage and egg rolls, pancakes, coffee and drinks for sale, rides for the children, music from the Northern Beaches Concert Band and thong throwing.

$5,000 one-year grant +

Fee waivers for reserve hire

OceanFitSwimrun Australia has pioneered the relatively new sport of swimrun in Australia. A swimrrun is an exciting multisport race that involves teams swimming and running over a course that involves multiple swim and run stages. Swimrun Australia events are designed as ‘urban adventure races’ where teams are challenged to navigate an inner-city course in its natural state without any exclusive use of any part of the course. The Swimrun Australia: Sydney North event is designed to showcase the beautiful northern coastline of Sydney Harbour from Clontarf to Manly.

$3,500 three-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers up to $1,500 for reserve hire

Bondi to Manly Ultra

The Bondi to Manly Ultra is an 80km ultra marathon starting on Bondi Beach and finishing on Manly Beach. It is the first Ultra in the world to traverse a global city. The event is not-for-profit with all funds raised donated to Bondi to Manly Walk Supporters and reinvested into the protection, preservation and enhancement of the public land and natural environment around Sydney Harbour along the Bondi to Manly Walk.

$4,000 one-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers up to $1,500

Ocean Rockpool Tour

Ocean Rockpool Tour 2024 is a weekend community charity event aimed at inspiring Northern Beaches resident and beyond to celebrate the iconic Ocean Rockpools from Manly to Palm Beach by swimming activities that are linked to raising the awareness of mental health issues and offering support and wellbeing to community members in need through fundraising for nominated charities.

One-year grant, fee waivers for reserve hire up to $2,500

Fight For A Cure

Colour Run for a Cure at the James Meehan Reserve in Dee Why has the primary objective to raise funds for Fight For A Cure. Before and during the event, participants will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for entry, allowing them to join in the colourful festivities while contributing to the fight against cancer. Enticing prizes will be awarded in recognition of the efforts made by the participants who go above and beyond in fundraising. To further enhance the overall experience, food trucks will provide participants with a delightful assortment of refreshments to recharge and enjoy. The event will be an unforgettable day filled with fun, camaraderie, and goodwill, uniting the community in a collective effort to support Fight For A Cure.

$2,000 one-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers for reserve hire

Fair Play Publishing

The idea of a writers' festival (or literary or book festival) is to bring writers and readers together to discuss the issues, big and small, arising from books that are recently published. It helps to promote the books, the local authors, and to foster a love of literature and writing. The Manly Writers' Festival will be a two-day/one evening festival in March 2024 which will showcase the work of local and national authors, provide a literary workshop for secondary students, a book reading and performance for younger children, a poetry reading, and provide authors the opportunity to talk about their work and their ideas with the community.$3,000 one-year sponsorship

The Shack Inc.

The Northern Beaches Music Festival is an annual, not for profit, community-based music festival. It has been created and operated through the amalgamation of seven not for profit music and folk clubs on the Northern Beaches. The festival connects and involves local musicians including young and up and coming local artists (as well as national and international performers), community groups, disability groups, local schools, TAFE and university students, indigenous and other multi-cultural groups. The event celebrates the richness of multi-cultural food, music, dance and customs, creating an opportunity to unite and bring together our whole community in a positive, fun, cross generational and creative way.$2,000 one-year sponsorship

Pittwater Junior AFL Club

The Northern Beaches Kids Fest is planned to be the largest children’s outdoor spectacular on the Beaches for 2023. It will transform the entire Pittwater Rugby Park and North Narrabeen Reserve into an interactive playground where children and parents are encouraged to engage, participate and have fun.One-year sponsorship, fee waivers for reserve hire up to $4,000
Whiteley Ventures trading as Seadrift DistillerySeadrift Wellness Community Events is a series of four wellness events to be held at Seadrift Distillery, where the local Brookvale industrial community and surrounding Northern Beaches communities, are invited into the distillery to connect and hear from local speaker on managing stress, anxiety, happiness and community wellness.$1,000 two-year sponsorship

Wayki Productions

The Latin Lights Music Festival 2023 will be the second edition! The Festival is looking to showcase Latin American Music and also amazing food. More importantly, it thrives to unite the Latin American culture with the Australian culture in one of the most beautiful parts of the world: The Northern Beaches.$2,000 one-year sponsorship

Special Olympics Sydney Northern Beaches

The Special Olympics NSW State Swimming Competition is a swimming meet for people with an intellectual disability and/or autism. The event is expecting athletes from all over NSW and the ACT accompanied by their families, carers and coaches.One-year grant, fee waivers up to $3,400 for pool hire

Disabled Surfers Association

Collaroy Smiles on Dials - Hands on Event. DSA Sydney aims to support a collaborative event between persons with disabilities and volunteers, to allow all members of the community to share a surf experience and unite in a love for water. The day begins with an orientation for all volunteers and participants outlining the structure of the day, safety briefing and key leaders who will help facilitate the day. Persons with disabilities are supported in a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment by trained volunteers and specialised surfboards/equipment. Surfing, beach games and supervised unstructured pool activities.

$2,000 three-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers for reserve hire

Northern Beaches Bodysurfers

Festival of Froth will feature 2 bodysurfing competitions run over 1 weekend. Celebrating Northern beaches bodysurf history and our surf side community arts and food culture.

INAUGURAL SYDNEY IBSA WC QUALIFIER: Attract some of the best bodysurfers of the Northern Beaches and Australia to participate in the 1st Sydney based International Bodysurfing Association (IBSA) world championship qualifiers.

INAUGURAL NBBS COMPETITION.   Attract bodysurfers of all levels, young and old to participate in the inaugural Northern Beaches Body surfing competition.

One-year sponsorship, fee waivers up to $3,700 for water safety 

Pet Au Pair

Canine Carnival is a festival dedicated to canines and celebrating the best Northern Beaches dog parks and the owners and pets that enjoy them. Attendees will gain access to a portrait photographer to have free family portraits taken with their loving dog(s). While attendees await their moment in front of the camera, they will be able to look at displays by local dog businesses (groomers, trainers, pet foods, pet supplies). The goal of the project is to gather locals to celebrate their dog(s), discover local dog-friendly parks, and connect with local pet businesses such as groomers, trainers, and pet supply manufacturers.

$2,000 one-year agreement +

Fee waivers for hire of dog parks

Indian Film Festival Australia

The second edition of Indian Film Festival Australia will be held in November 2023, the Festival aims at bringing together vast majority of the community for a fun, educative, cultural, colourful, enjoyable, experience while showcasing Films from one of the biggest film industry in the world, spiced up with some amazing food and apparel on display to make the event an engaging experience that people will look forward to. Indian Film Festival Australia will be a fantastic opportunity to build Australian and Indian ties and create enormous business opportunities.$5,000 one-year sponsorship
Elite EnergyCombine Australia’s most popular female sport (netball) with one of Australia’s most popular activities (going to the beach) and we have Australian Beach Netball. It’s Netball, but not as you know it. Beach Netball combines rules from Netball, Basketball, Volleyball and Football. There’s no thirds, so players can go long at every opportunity. Beach Netball is all about fun with friends.

$5,000 one-year sponsorship +

Fee waivers for reserve hire

Pittwater Swim SeriesPittwater Swim Series is a series of ocean swims held predominantly in January on several Northern Beaches - Newport, Bilgola, Mona Vale, Palm Beach to Whale Beach, then Avalon in early March. The swims' distances vary from 500m to 2.5km with each swim having its own drawcard whether it be the number of entrants, overseas swimmers interest or the celebration of opening a new Surf Club, like Mona Vale. Ocean swimming is cited as great exercise and social interaction, but also having great mental health benefits. Additionally, many people from beyond the Northern Beaches are drawn to our Swims due to our location, the time of year that the swims are held and our reputations as being fun and safe.$5,000 one-year sponsorship