The Central Coast welcomes events of all types and sizes. Find out about the scale of events we can support, the resources you’ll need, how to apply and how Council can support you holding a successful event.
Current Processing Delays
Please be advised that we are currently experiencing a longer than usual wait time for processing of all MEDIUM and LARGE special event applications. The below table has been updated to reflect this.
Please ensure to factor in the timeframe when submitting your application.
Council has a range of spaces available for hire via our online hall and venue finder and park and sportsground finder.
If you are planning an event on one of council's open spaces, contact our Customer Service Centre on 02 4306 7900 to check site and date availability.
Medium, large and major events
| Event categories | Approximate attendance | Application form required | Notification timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small - Passive Bookings | Less than 80 people | Passive Open Space Booking | Two weeks prior to event |
| Small - Weddings | 80-200 people | Wedding Ceremony Application | Eight weeks prior to event |
| Medium | 80-500 people | Special Event Application | Four months prior to event |
| Large | 500-1000 people | Special Event Application | Seven months prior to event |
| Major | More than 1000 people | Special Event Application | Nine months prior to event |
Medium events
Medium events are those that will have a low to medium impact on the local community with an approximate attendance of 80 - 500 people. They may include some of the following:
- sale of alcohol (will require a Liquor Licence from Liquor and Gaming NSW)
- the sale or provision of food
- additional toilet facilities
- additional waste/recycling facilities
- local event advertising and/or promotion
- impact on the non-event community, but not over a wide area.
Large events
Large events will have medium impact on the local community with an approximate attendance of 500 - 1000 people. They may include some of the following:
- impact local traffic and parking
- sale of alcohol (Will require a Liquor Licence from Liquor and Gaming NSW)
- the sale or provision of food
- local or regional event advertising and/or promotion
- additional toilet facilities
- additional waste/recycling facilities
- security
- access to the water and electricity supply
- liaising with NSW Police, Liquor and Gaming NSW and additional government and non-government organisations
- impact on the non-event community but not over a wide area.
Major events
With an expected attendance of over 1000 people, major events will have a high impact on the community. They may include all or some of the following:
- sale of alcohol (Will require a Liquor Licence from Liquor and Gaming NSW);
- the sale or provision of food
- security
- additional toilet facilities
- additional waste/recycling facilities
- requires access to the water and electricity supply
- extensive event advertising and/or promotion
- affects major traffic and transport systems
- affects car parking
- liaising with NSW Police, RMS, Liquor and Gaming NSW and additional government and non-government organisations
- impacts on the non-event community over a wide area.
Things to consider when planning your event
Council also has a comprehensive guide for 'Running an Event' to help event planners through the process of running events on Council land. Tips include:
- do you have a wet weather alternative?
- can the official party and all your guests get to the area safely?
- have you considered how accessible your event is for people with limited mobility and inclusive for everyone to participate?
- is the area easily accessible for delivering equipment and set-up?
Vehicle access is not permitted into park or beach areas - vehicles must be parked in designated car parking spaces.
Your booking will ensure that there are no other bookings for the same time and in the same location. However, the approval does not guarantee exclusive use of the area and its facilities. Council keeps its parks and gardens tidy on a routine maintenance program. We cannot control leaf or other debris from people using the area before your event.
Business events
Business events such as conferences, trade days and exhibitions are commercially competitive and play a major role in attracting visitors to the Central Coast. A Central Coast meeting and event planner is available online detailing attractions, potential venues, accommodation options and travel guides for the Central Coast. It includes an extensive range of private venues and local suppliers to assist with catering and technical requirements.
Council also operates Laycock Street Theatre and the Peninsula Theatre Woy Woy, which are both available for private corporate booking.
For local venues seeking assistance or guidance to grow their business, Council suggests seeking professional expertise via Business Events Sydney or utilising the resources supplied by Destination NSW in the NSW Regional Conferencing Strategy and Action Plan and the NSW Regional Conferencing Toolkit.
Council support and grants
Major Events are a key component of the visitor economy and Council is committed to developing and attracting major events to the Central Coast. Council's Tier 1 and 2 sponsorship funding programs are open throughout the year for applications to assist event planners wishing to relocate an existing major event to the Central Coast or to grow regional events already occurring in the area.
Council also recommends that major events planners familiarise themselves with the resources and funding programs available via Destination NSW.
Council can support business events via Tier 3 sponsorship funding, attendance of key Council staff at events, or by providing letters of support for bids on events to be held in the region.
Community Event
Council also has a range of grant funding programs open for application throughout the year which are intended to support community initiatives including community events.
Applications to hold a special event
Use this Event Booking - Special Event application form to book a special event at one of council's open space areas.
Applications must be accompanied by:
- Risk Management Plan - Outlining all possible risks that may occur, however unlikely, and how you intend to eliminate or control these risks
- Detailed Site Map - Marking out placement of any structures (for example - chairs, tables, marquees, and BBQs)
- Public Liability Insurance - Certificate of Currency with minimum cover of $20 million.
Please note: Council is currently developing a consolidated Central Coast Council Local Environment Plan. Due to this, some events in certain locations may require a Development Application. Please contact us on 02 4306 7900 to discuss your event application requirements.