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Waverley backs 2026 celebrations plan and seeks details on extra Bondi events
A council committee approved the "Celebrating 2026 in 2026" proposal and asked for an April report on added activities including a Bondi Pavilion exhibition, tasting trail, live stage at Dolphin Court and school involvement.
Waverley Council has approved its "Celebrating 2026 in 2026" proposal, with councillors also backing a further look at extra Bondi activities ranging from an art gallery exhibition to a live performance stage at Dolphin Court.
At the Finance, Operations and Community Services Committee meeting on 10 March, councillors approved the proposal set out in the report, while noting that final activation details may still change. The minutes show the committee also endorsed additional activities, subject to a report back to council by no later than April on costings, time frames and options.
The added items to be examined are a curated exhibition at Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery on Bondi's cultural evolution and history, an artisan retail precinct, a curated tasting trail featuring Bondi food and beverage operators, a live performance stage at Dolphin Court, and the inclusion of local schools as part of the celebration.
For Bondi residents and businesses, the program could bring more activity to the precinct during 2026, with a focus on local design, hospitality, performance and school participation. The minutes do not set final budgets or delivery arrangements for those extra elements, but they do signal where council wants further work done.
The motion passed after an amendment adding local schools to the list of potential activities. The recorded vote was 10 councillors in favour and two against.
The same meeting also noted plans for a Charing Cross festival on Saturday 30 May 2026 and approved an eight-week increase in parking officer patrols in Brisbane Street, Bondi Junction, between 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm in response to concerns about non-resident parking.
Next, council officers are to return with the requested April report on the proposed extra Bondi activities, covering costings, time frames and options before any further detail is settled.
Reference minutes
Source: Waverley Council Finance, Operations and Community Services Committee minutes for 10 March 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Waverley's Finance, Operations and Community Services Committee approved the "Celebrating 2026 in 2026" proposal on 10 March 2026.
- Councillors requested a further report by no later than April on costings, time frames and options for additional Bondi activities.
- The additional activities listed were a Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery exhibition, an artisan retail precinct, a tasting trail, a live performance stage at Dolphin Court, and inclusion of local schools.
- The amended motion passed with 10 votes in favour and two against.
- At the same meeting, councillors noted plans for a Charing Cross festival on 30 May 2026 and agreed to an eight-week increase in Brisbane Street parking patrols from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
Why it matters
- The decision sets up a broader 2026 events program in Bondi, with possible flow-on effects for local businesses, schools and public activity in the precinct, while leaving detailed costings and delivery options for a later report.