On behalf of Wollongong City Council, we want to wish everyone in our community a safe and happy festive season.
Just like our community, many Council staff will take leave over the Christmas and New Year period.
Council's Customer Service and Call Centre will be closed from 12pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will reopen at 8.30am on Friday 2 January 2026. During this time, you will still be able to access our online services to lodge applications, reports or requests. These will be processed from Friday 2 January 2026.
For Council-related emergencies only, you can call (02) 4227 7111 and select option 1 to go through to our after-hours call service.
Household waste will continue to be collected as normal, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. If your bin is normally collected on Thursdays or Fridays, put it out as normal and it will be collected in the next day or two. If your bin isn't collected on its usual day, rest assured we are on our way!
In the meantime, here are Council's operating hours during the annual closure period.
| Location / Service | Closure |
|---|---|
Animal Care and Impounding Services |
Services will be available to the community from Monday 29 December to Wednesday 31 December 2025. This includes reclaiming impounded animals, responding to foster care and adoption enquiries, and facilitating meet and greets. Stray or roaming animals found by members of the public can be taken to Council's contracted veterinary service provider, Illawarra Animal Hospital (IAH). Please note, IAH will be open 8am - 6pm Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Normal hours apply all other days, check the IAH website for details. |
Beaches |
All beaches will be open, subject to sea conditions. Council lifeguards will be at 17 patrolled beaches, located across the City of Wollongong. Sundays and public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day) will be patrolled by Surf Life Saving volunteers. |
Botanic Garden |
Open every day except Christmas Day (closed to public)
Administration office is closed from Friday 19 December 2025 and reopens Monday 5 January 2026. |
Community facilities |
Council-managed Community Centres will be closed from 1pm Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen at 9am Friday 2 January 2026. Groups with bookings will have self-access during this time. |
