Northern Beaches Council has awarded almost $100,000 in grants and fee waivers to help bring back local events to the Northern Beaches as part of Council’s 2021/2022 Events Grants & Sponsorships Program.

More than 15 events and projects, which are to be held by 31 August next year, will receive funding.

Sport, music and cultural events including Aqua Rugby, a two-day floating rugby union tournament in Manly next March, Carols by the Lake in Narrabeen, Blues Brews & BBQ’s Festival in Brookvale, the Bondi to Manly Ultra, Fete de la Musique and the Avalon Beach Centenary Celebrations, among other events, will all receive grants and/or fee waivers.

More than $63,000 was awarded in grants and up to $33,423 in fee waivers. This adds to the $86,700 in grants and over $10,000 in fee waivers already awarded to events that have moved dates due to COVID-19 restrictions and will be staged over the same time period.

Mayor Michael Regan said the Events Grants and Sponsorship Program aims this year to support the safe return of events on the Northern Beaches in the wake of COVID lockdowns.

“This year, more than the past, there have been far fewer opportunities to stage events as a result of COVID lockdowns. It is very important we support the community financially to get back on its feet.

“As well as providing a great sense of community and connection, these events inspire a sense of pride and belonging among residents, as well as provide a much-needed boost to the local economy."

Council’s Event Grants and Sponsorship Program is designed to promote the skills and resources of the community to deliver a rich and diverse calendar of events across the Northern Beaches.

“The focus is on new and innovative events and other activities that add value and benefits as well as promote sustainability across the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Regan said.

“We also continue to support long-standing events that continue to be very popular and valued by our local community.

“We have a long history of hosting popular and entertaining events, and are always looking for innovative events to run throughout the year to complement Council’s already rich schedule of annual events,” Mayor Regan said.