Colourful community events are returning in the new year, bringing Georges River to life with a salute to local legends at the Australia Day Awards, roaring lions and red lanterns from the Year of the Tiger, mouthwatering banquets of the In Good Taste Festival, neon bursts of energy from Youth Month, bazaar interactive creatives of Un[contained] outdoor contemporary arts festival and more.
A new round of Council funding along with external grants and sponsorship will see the city buzzing again in 2022.
Georges River Council's General Manager Gail Connolly said, "Council has played a key role in supporting the community with essential services and programs to navigate through the uncertainties and challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have seen a broad mix of highly successful and COVID-19 safe programs delivered in 2020-21, and how much the community welcomed these events.
"We turned a year of isolation to a year of connection and inclusion, whether it was online or in reality.
"We want to get our lives moving, reviving the city's various industries and businesses, enjoying what we have whilst ensuring it is done safely."
Highlight events from December 2021 to 2022
December 2021 – Citizenship Ceremonies
A series of belated celebrations will be held in December for our new citizens. We open our arms to welcome around 1,000 long-waiting residents before Christmas - what a Christmas present!
January 2022 – Australia Day Awards Ceremony and Citizenship Ceremony
Held at the Marana Auditorium, Hurstville Entertainment Centre, the ceremonies offer Australia Day Award winners and new citizens an unforgettable experience to be recognised as a part of the Aussie family. The event will comply with relevant NSW Public Health Orders at the time of the event.
February 2022 – In Good Taste Festival
Sydneysiders will be able to taste their way around the world without leaving the city, when the heart of Sydney's south becomes a foodie's paradise for the In Good Taste festival in February. Markets, live entertainment and festivities will be spread across the month of February.
Sydney's best cuisines will be on show, with an Indigenous chef bringing flavours of the First Nations People through bush tucker walks and a cooking demonstration. A 'Little Lunar' night out will also be taking place to welcome in the Year of the Tiger.
April 2022 – Youth Month
A month long youth festival with a series of exciting events for young people aged 12-24.
From esports to content creation, outdoor adventures or forward-thinking discussions - it is not only a fun and immersive experience for young people, but also an opportunity to empower and encourage our youth to step outside their comfort zones and develop leadership skills.
June 2022 – Un[contained] outdoor contemporary arts festival
Attracted more than 26,000 people in 2021, the event will make its reappearance again in the new year to transform Sydney's south.
From new, interactive and quirky art creations to aerial dances and an art take-over in the heart of Kogarah, Un[contained] will captivate, surprise and amaze Sydneysiders in June.
To ensure all events are COVID-safe, activations will be scalable and easily adapted to the changing restrictions. Controlled capacities will be in place as required by NSW Government Public Health Orders and Council will work closely with Government agencies, security teams and the Police Local Area Command to deliver the program for the local community.
