Community and Culture Committee - 9 Jun 2026

Topics

• Council backs 2026–2030 Disability Inclusion Action Plan
  Council has moved to adopt a new four-year disability inclusion plan after public exhibition.
  The plan can affect accessibility standards, community programs and service delivery across the area.
• Event grant guidelines set for overhaul amid rising demand
  Council flagged changes to its event grant rules after noting increasing demand from community organisations.
  Event organisers may face new criteria or processes when seeking council funding.

Decisions

• Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 adopted for Council approval
  The committee recommended noting the public exhibition findings, adopting the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030, and submitting it to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice by 30 June 2026.
  Sets the direction for disability access and inclusion services, with potential impacts on facilities, programs and community participation across the council area.
• Sports Advisory Committee recommendations endorsed
  The committee recommended that Council adopt the Sports Advisory Committee recommendations for items SAC007-26 to SAC011-26.
  May affect local sports facilities, user experience and future sporting priorities, including matters raised through the advisory committee.
• Event grant guidelines to be refined
  The committee noted growing demand for event grant funding and upcoming refinements to the Event Grant guidelines, alongside community engagement for event organisers.
  Could change how community groups apply for event funding and what support is available for local events.

Discussion

• Carss Park Aquatic Facility
  The Sports Advisory Committee update included a note on the Carss Park Aquatic Facility.
  Residents who use the facility may be affected by future operational or planning changes.
• Event Grant Program demand
  Council noted increased demand for funding requests from community organisations under the Event Grant Program.
  Signals pressure on community event funding and possible changes to eligibility or assessment settings.

Impacts

• Improved or updated disability inclusion planning may influence access to council services and public places.
• Community organisations applying for event grants may face revised guidelines and engagement requirements.
• Sports facility users may see changes following adoption of sports advisory recommendations.

Places

• Georges River Council area (local government area)
  Whole-of-area policy and program decisions discussed by the committee.
• Carss Park Aquatic Facility (facility)
  Named in the sports advisory update.

Next

• Council to consider adoption of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 and submission to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
  By 30 June 2026
• Council to consider the Sports Advisory Committee recommendations adopted by the committee.
  Next council consideration cycle
• Council to finalise and communicate updated Event Grant guidelines and engage with event organisers.
  Upcoming

Extract

MINUTES Community and Culture Committee Tuesday, 09 June 2026 Dragon Room Georges River Civic Centre Hurstville Georges River Council - Minutes of Community and Culture Committee Meeting - 9 June 2026 PRESENT COUNCIL MEMBERS The Mayor, Councillor Elise Borg, Councillor Kathryn Landsberry (Chair), Councillor Matthew Allison, Councillor Elaina Anzellotti, Councillor Tom Arthur, Councillor Oliver Dimoski, Councillor Gerard Hayes, Councillor Christina Jamieson, Councillor Nancy Liu, Councillor Peter Mahoney, Councillor Natalie Mort, Councillor Leon Pun, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos, and Councillor Ben Wang. COUNCIL STAFF General Manager – David Tuxford, Director Assets and Infras...