Council's crackdown on popular Christmas beach party
A Sydney council is cracking down on a "non-sanctioned" annual Christmas party at a popular beach after "unacceptable" behaviour at last year's event.
In a tradition dating back years, groups largely consisting of overseas backpackers swarm Bronte Beach on December 25.
"This is not an approved or managed Council event and while we strongly discourage crowds from attending, we cannot ban people from the beach," Waverley Council Mayor Will Nemesh said.
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A huge crowd gathers on Bronte Beach, Sydney, for Christmas in 2024. Wolter Peeters
The council has also engaged professional event cleaners to rid the party site of rubbish, hopefully before sunrise on Boxing Day. Nine
The council is focusing on limiting the impact of the event on the local community, citing "excessive noise, anti-social behaviour, and litter" as key concerns.
"What we saw last year, particularly the mess our community was confronted with on Boxing Day morning, was unacceptable," Nemesh said.
This year, partygoers will face among other things a heavier police and security presence, including checkpoints, to help enforce alcohol and glass bans.
An emergency services area, extra toilet facilities, water stations, and other crowd management measures will also be in place.
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The local council is urging people to not attend the annual gathering. Wolter Peeters
Rubbish following the unsanctioned gatherings has long been an issue. Nine
The council has also engaged professional event cleaners to rid the party site of rubbish, hopefully before sunrise on Boxing Day.
"We cannot stop people from gathering but Council expects this strategy will go a long way to mitigate concerns raised following 2024 Christmas Day at Bronte Beach," Nemesh said.
"Community safety and amenity are our main priorities and everyone visiting Waverley beaches, for whatever reason, should do so in a responsible, respectful and safe manner."
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