2022 has been an eventful year, as we all emerged from pandemic lockdowns and tried to return to ‘business as usual’. There was a lot to celebrate this year, and a lot to reflect on as well. Here’s our top 22 in 2022.

22) New Council makes history
Eight new Councillors were sworn in at the beginning of 2022, making it the first majority-female Council in Randwick’s history.

21) New planning controls
Our new Local Environmental Plan was adopted. It helps protect local heritage and encourages a vibrant night-time economy, as well as includes changes to strengthen and protect open spaces while identifying housing growth areas.

20) The year of the pothole!
Due to the year’s significant rainfall, we repaired 2359 potholes in 2022 – that’s three times more than last year.

19) Blenheim House was reopened
Historic Blenheim House in Randwick reopened for art exhibitions for the first time in nine years! Read about the plans to refurbish this facility to deliver a multipurpose cultural centre.

18) Randwick 100 went off!
We hosted a one-day event with 100 diverse Randwick residents to talk about how Council can best engage our community. Watch a video wrap-up of the event here.

17) We went solar
In one of the largest renewable energy deals for local government, Randwick Council announced operations would be powered by 100% solar energy.

16) Swell battered our coastIn March, a huge storm battered our coast, leaving coastal erosion, shifted sand and destroyed infrastructure – and a massive clean up!

15) Festivals returned with gusto
After a two-year hiatus Randwick’s signature events returned! The Anzac Dawn Service, Spot Festival, NOX and the Coogee Carols were back!

14) Cash for community
We provided  $500,000 to support local community groups and organisations that provide valuable community programs and services. Learn more about our Community Investment Program.

13) Our ocean pools were upgraded
Our beautiful ocean pools received new coping, rails and general maintenance upgrades to prepare them for the busy summer ahead.

12) Yay Little Bay! 
Little Bay residents celebrated the refusal of Meriton’s Little Bay Cove development proposal! Hooray for the community!

11) Discover Randwick Environment Park  
A new interactive discovery walk was opened at Randwick Environment Park,  highlighting the sights, sounds and species of the wetlands. Learn more about it here.

10) Matraville celebrates!
In a triumph for our community, laws were passed to prohibit the proposed Matraville incinerator. The community celebrated with a BBQ and party!

9) Meeks Street Plaza construction begins
A new civic heart for Kingsford is in development with work starting on the Meeks Street Plaza.

8) 20^th anniversary of the Bali Bombings
As a community, we came together to remember and honour the 202 people and 88 Australians lost in the Bali Bombings, 20 years ago.

7) Socceroos live from Maroubra Beach
Thousands gather to watch the Socceroos take on Argentina at a live screening next to Maroubra Beach.

6) You planted trees planted with us!
Through our Plant With Us program, the community planted more than 15,000 trees, which will grow to help green (and cool!) our City!

5) Shark attack shocks community
All our beaches were temporarily closed after an horrific shark attack at Little Bay in February. Smart shark drum lines were installed soon after.

4) FOGO wins and wins
Our FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) program won six awards in 2022 proving what locals already know – FOGO is great and reduces landfill!

3) Coogee Pylons removed
A large storm in July exposed and dislodged the concrete footings of the old Coogee Pier. We had to remove the footings for safety reasons, but they’re being safely stored for future creative reuse.

2) McKeon Street Plaza
A brand new beachside plaza was created at Maroubra Beach! McKeon Street was closed to cars and turned into a space for outdoor movies, yoga and street markets. Find out what's happening at the plaza, here.

1) Randwick named NSW’s most sustainable city!
We took out the top gong at this year’s Keep Australia Beautiful  Awards being awarded the most sustainable City in NSW! This is an award not just for Council but for the whole community. Congratulations everyone!