Community and Culture Committee - 14 Sep 2026

Topics

• Georges River early-learning services face a $122,000 forecast deficit
  Council considered a $139,000 downward adjustment to the 2026/27 Early Learning Services operating result.
  The deficit is linked to award changes, Start Strong Long Day Care funding and service utilisation patterns, with revised operating models and funding measures proposed.
• Residents invited to comment on alcohol-free and alcohol-prohibited areas
  Council recommended public exhibition of proposed alcohol restrictions across the Georges River local government area.
  The locations of alcohol restrictions in public places may change after a minimum 28-day consultation and a later Council decision.
• Georges River reviews grants and donations rules
  A revised Draft Grants and Donations Policy and a proposed General Manager delegation are being put to public exhibition.
  The changes could affect how community financial assistance is awarded and who can approve it.

Decisions

• Early Learning Services budget adjustment
  The committee recommended reducing the 2026/27 Early Learning Services forecast operating result by $139,000, resulting in a revised forecast deficit of $122,000. The report also outlined revised operating models, grant and funding opportunities, and other sustainability measures.
  The financial pressure may affect the way Council-funded early-learning services are operated and supported.
• Alcohol-free and alcohol-prohibited areas to go on exhibition
  The committee recommended that identified Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas in the Georges River local government area be placed on public exhibition for at least 28 days, followed by a report on community feedback and proposed final areas.
  Residents and stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment on where alcohol restrictions should apply in public places.
• Draft Grants and Donations Policy to go on exhibition
  The committee recommended placing the revised Draft Grants and Donations Policy on public exhibition for at least 28 days. It also recommended a proposed delegation allowing the General Manager to award financial assistance under section 377(1A) of the Local Government Act 1993, subject to the policy process.
  Community groups may be affected by future grant application, assessment and award arrangements.
• Sports Advisory Committee recommendations
  The committee recommended adopting the Sports Advisory Committee recommendations relating to workshop feedback and noted an update on the Carss Park Aquatic Facility and associated Learn-to-Swim enclosure project.
  The project and sports advisory work may affect access to aquatic, learn-to-swim and community sporting facilities.

Discussion

• South Hurstville Kindergarten assessment
  South Hurstville Kindergarten received an assessment rating of “Exceeding National Quality Standard”.
  Families using or considering the service have an independently assessed quality result to consider.
• Beverley Park Golf Club reporting
  The committee recommended adopting Beverley Park Steering Committee recommendations concerning the golf club finance report and received the public rounds report covering August 2025 to July 2026.
  The reports provide information about the performance and use of a local community sporting facility.

Impacts

• Residents will be able to comment during at least 28-day exhibitions for proposed alcohol-restricted areas and the Draft Grants and Donations Policy.
• Early Learning Services face a revised 2026/27 forecast deficit of $122,000, with operating-model and funding measures under consideration.
• South Hurstville Kindergarten was rated “Exceeding National Quality Standard”.
• The Carss Park Aquatic Facility and associated Learn-to-Swim enclosure project remains subject to progress updates.

Places

• Georges River local government area (local government area)
  Area covered by the proposed Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas.
• Carss Park Aquatic Facility (facility/project)
  Aquatic facility and associated Learn-to-Swim enclosure project discussed in a progress update.
• South Hurstville Kindergarten (early learning facility)
  Received an assessment rating of “Exceeding National Quality Standard”.
• Beverley Park Golf Club (sporting facility)
  Subject of finance and public-round reports.
• Hurstville (civic centre/locality)
  Meeting location at Georges River Civic Centre; not a separate decision area.

Next

• Place identified Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas on public exhibition.
  For at least 28 days; a further report is to follow the exhibition.
• Place the revised Draft Grants and Donations Policy on public exhibition.
  For at least 28 days; a further report is to outline feedback and present a final draft.
• Report on feedback received about proposed alcohol-restricted areas and recommend final areas for approval.
  After the public exhibition period.
• Continue work on Early Learning Services funding and operating sustainability measures.
  Ongoing, with the 2026/27 forecast adjusted as reported.

Extract

MINUTES Community and Culture Committee Monday, 14 September 2026 6:00 PM Dragon Room Georges River Civic Centre Hurstville Georges River Council - Minutes of Community and Culture Committee Meeting - 14 September 2026 PRESENT COUNCIL MEMBERS The Mayor, Councillor Elise Borg, Councillor Nancy Liu (Chair), Councillor Matthew Allison, Councillor Tom Arthur, Councillor Thomas Gao, Councillor Gerard Hayes, Councillor Christina Jamieson, Councillor Kathryn Landsberry, Councillor Peter Mahoney, Councillor Natalie Mort, Councillor Leon Pun, Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos, and Councillor Ben Wang. COUNCIL STAFF Acting General Manager – Kristie Dodd, Director Assets and Infrastructure – Bryce Spelta,...