Community and Culture Committee - 9 Nov 2026

Topics

• Georges River committee backs new alcohol-free and alcohol-prohibited areas
  The committee recommended adopting identified public alcohol restrictions after public exhibition.
  The measures could change where residents and visitors may legally consume alcohol in public spaces, although the affected locations are not listed in the extract.
• Residents get 56 days to comment on Georges River customer and social justice strategy
  A long public exhibition has been recommended for the proposed Customer Experience and Social Justice Strategy 2027–2032.
  The strategy could influence how Council delivers services and addresses social justice priorities.
• Revised Georges River grants policy recommended for adoption
  The committee recommended adopting revised rules for Council grants and donations after public exhibition.
  Community organisations seeking Council funding may need to follow changed processes or requirements.

Decisions

• Alcohol-free and alcohol-prohibited areas
  The committee recommended receiving the public exhibition results and adopting the identified Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas.
  The decision may affect where alcohol can be consumed in public areas across Georges River Council, although the specific locations are not listed in the extract.
• Draft Customer Experience and Social Justice Strategy
  The committee recommended placing the Draft Customer Experience and Social Justice Strategy 2027–2032 on an extended 56-day public exhibition, taking account of the Christmas and New Year holiday period. A future report will present feedback and a final draft for adoption.
  Residents and service users will have an extended opportunity to comment on proposed customer service and social justice priorities.
• Grants and Donations Policy
  The committee recommended noting the public exhibition results and adopting the revised Draft Grants and Donations Policy. An implementation plan is to be developed to explain any changes to the community.
  Community groups and organisations applying for Council grants or donations may be affected by revised application and assessment arrangements.
• Draft Community Lease and Licence Policy
  The committee recommended placing the Draft Georges River Council Community Lease and Licence Policy on an extended 56-day public exhibition. A further report will address feedback and present a final policy for adoption.
  Community organisations and sporting clubs will have an opportunity to comment on proposed arrangements for leasing or licensing Council facilities and land.

Discussion

• Public alcohol controls
  The committee recommended adopting identified Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas after public exhibition.
  Public drinking restrictions may change in affected Council areas, but the extract does not identify the locations.
• Customer experience and social justice consultation
  A 56-day public exhibition was recommended for the Draft Customer Experience and Social Justice Strategy 2027–2032.
  Residents will be able to provide feedback on proposed Council service and social justice priorities.
• Community grants policy
  The revised Draft Grants and Donations Policy was recommended for adoption following public exhibition, with an implementation plan to follow.
  Future grant and donation applicants may face changed processes or eligibility arrangements.
• Community leases and licences
  The draft policy was recommended for a 56-day public exhibition aimed at community organisations, sporting clubs, stakeholders and the broader community.
  Groups using Council facilities or land can comment before a final policy is considered.

Impacts

• Potential changes to public alcohol restrictions in identified Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas.
• A 56-day consultation period is proposed for the Customer Experience and Social Justice Strategy 2027–2032.
• The revised Grants and Donations Policy was recommended for adoption; an implementation plan will explain changes.
• Community organisations and sporting clubs will have a 56-day opportunity to comment on the proposed Community Lease and Licence Policy.
• Future reports are expected on consultation feedback and final versions of the strategy and lease and licence policy.

Places

• Georges River Council area (local government area)
  The alcohol-restricted areas and community policies concern Council’s service area, but specific sites are not identified in the extract.
• Georges River Civic Centre, Hurstville (civic facility)
  Venue for the committee meeting; no substantive decision specific to the facility was recorded.

Next

• Place the Draft Customer Experience and Social Justice Strategy 2027–2032 on public exhibition for 56 days.
  Following the committee recommendation; exhibition period accounts for Christmas and New Year.
• Prepare a future report summarising strategy exhibition feedback and presenting a final draft for adoption.
  After the extended exhibition period.
• Develop an implementation plan for changes arising from the revised Grants and Donations Policy.
  If the policy is adopted.
• Place the Draft Community Lease and Licence Policy on public exhibition for 56 days.
  Following the committee recommendation; exhibition period accounts for Christmas and New Year.
• Prepare a further report summarising feedback and presenting a final Community Lease and Licence Policy for adoption.
  After the extended exhibition period.

Extract

MINUTES Community and Culture Committee Monday, 09 November 2026 Dragon Room Georges River Civic Centre Hurstville Georges River Council - Minutes of Community and Culture Committee Meeting - 9 November 2026 PRESENT COUNCIL MEMBERS The Mayor, Councillor Elise Borg, Councillor Nancy Liu (Chair), Councillor Matthew Allison, Councillor Elaina Anzellotti, Councillor Tom Arthur, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Oliver Dimoski, 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 General Manager – David Tuxfo...