Planning an event

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Each year Lake Macquarie hosts a wide range of events focused on music, food, arts and craft and sport. We welcome all new event ideas and have various resources available to assist in planning events around the city. 

Organising an event

All events held in Lake Macquarie should register with Council at least three months before the event by completing an event licence application. 

  Event Licence application 

For assistance with completing this application and identifying other organisations you may need to contact, or permits you may need to obtain, please refer to the Event Planning Toolkit(PDF, 10MB) or email the Events team.

Event and Festival Funding 

Council supports event organisers and community groups to deliver events, festivals, sporting celebrations and conferences across the City, which benefit the community and support the outcomes of Council's Event and Festival Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2024(PDF, 4MB)

We invite you to attend an Event Funding Information Session we are hosting. You will have the opportunity to meet our events team, find out more information about the grant opportunities, and ask any questions you may have. Please register here 

Community park, reserve and shelter hire

Park bookings are essential for private functions with a large number of attendees or for community events. These events include weddings, family reunions, sporting events, company picnics, fundraising events, markets, carnivals, professional catering, amusement rides or structures such as jumping castles.

For further information on booking a community park, reserve or shelter please refer to Hire a Venue or contact our Customer Service Centre on 02 4921 0333.

Event Planning Toolkit

Our Event Planning Toolkit(PDF, 10MB) is a useful guide with information and tips on hosting a successful event in our city. As every event is unique, the requirements and risk management will differ. Therefore, this document should be used as a general guide when planning and developing your event.

Risk management

Regardless of the event type or size, it is a requirement to submit a risk assessment with your event. All organisations holding an event must have public liability insurance (PLI) and provide a copy of this insurance to Council before the event can be approved.

Watch our series of short videos to help create a safe and successful event and learn how to develop a risk management framework to manage your event.

Being a part of a Council event

To express interest in becoming a stallholder, sponsor, supplier or performer for an upcoming Council even, please email the Events team.

Staying safe at your event

Events on Council land are required to have additional measures as directed by NSW Police.

There is an International Standard for vehicle security barriers, focusing on the use of permanent installations. The Standard is comprised of two parts, with Part 1 relating to the structural integrity of devices themselves and their performance rating upon impact and Part 2 relating to how those devices must be installed to be effective. Event organisers can purchase the International Standard or can contact us for access to the document.

Park Hire Terms and Conditions

Park Hire terms and conditions