Randwick Councillors met on Tuesday 18 November 2025 for their November meeting and discussed several important matters including festoon lighting at Coogee, installing more public AEDs (defibs), condemning the Neo-Nazi rally, and publicly exhibiting Council’s first Resilience Strategy.

The following is a summary of some of the key outcomes from the meeting:

Coogee nights to glow brighter with festoon lights
Festoon lighting will be installed along Coogee Bay Road between Arden Street and Brook Street as part of a trial to help increase vibrancy and support business. A recent community consultation found strong support with 70 per cent of 577 respondents backing the proposal, and local businesses unanimously in favour. The trial will run until early 2026 coinciding with a new street festival called Coogee Nights. Council also agreed to continue investigating lighting upgrades at Meeks Street Plaza, Kingsford, focusing on enhancing existing fairy lights and fixtures.

New Development Control Plan heads for public exhibition
Public feedback will be invited soon on Stage 2 of the Randwick Draft Development Control Plan 2025, paving the way for a major update to local planning rules. The review includes updates to 41 chapters of the current DCP, introducing new guidelines on local character, sustainability, creative hoardings, co-living housing, and tourist accommodation. It also updates controls for medium-density housing, heritage, and the night-time economy. The overhaul aims to align development standards with modern design principles, community expectations, and environmental goals. Council will place the draft plan on public exhibition for 42 days in early 2026, inviting residents and stakeholders to have their say. This marks the next step in shaping Randwick’s future growth while preserving its unique character.

Council stands united against hate after neo-Nazi rally
Randwick Council has unanimously condemned the neo-Nazi rally outside NSW Parliament on 9 November and the vile threats aimed at MPs Allegra Spender and Kellie Sloane. Councillors affirmed that hatred and violence have no place in Australia and pledged to promote community safety and social cohesion. Mayor Parker has written to both MPs, expressing concern and support.

Randwick expands life-saving AED defib access across public spaces
More than 27 new lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs or defibs) will be installed at public places over the next five years. The plan includes a 24/7 AED at the new Heffron Park amenities building and a staged rollout of devices across sports fields, non-patrolled beaches, and community centres. Defibs are critical life saving devices and help restore normal heart rhythm for people in cardiac arrest – often meaning the difference between life and death. They are easy to use, provide step by step voice instructions and can be used by anyone without training.

Council pays tribute to Shirley Hughes and Jack Meister OAM
Councillors honoured the lives of Shirley Hughes and Jack Meister OAM, observing a minute’s silence and extending heartfelt condolences to their families. Shirley Hughes, a celebrated local artist and founding member of Randwick Art Society, enriched the community with her creativity and grace. Jack Meister, a Holocaust survivor and founding member of the Sydney Jewish Museum, dedicated over 30 years to educating thousands about resilience and hope. Both well-known community members leave behind legacies of kindness, service, and inspiration. Council acknowledged their extraordinary contributions and expressed deep sympathy to their loved ones and friends and everyone touched by their remarkable lives.

Culture Vibes to become annual October festival
Randwick’s newest multicultural festival is set to be a permanent fixture on the events calendar. Following the success of the inaugural event in October, which attracted more than 10,000 visitors from 47 cultural backgrounds, Council will deliver Culture Vibes every October at Kensington Oval. The festival celebrates diversity through global food, music, dance and interactive workshops, creating a vibrant space for community connection.

Lights to shine longer at Nagle Park after community backing
Councillors endorsed plans to improve lighting at Maroubra’s Nagle Park following strong community support. The upgrade will see new lights installed in the park’s northeastern section to make it safer and more accessible for passive recreation, operating until 9 pm each weeknight. Sports field lighting will also be extended to five nights a week until 9 pm, giving local sporting groups more time to train and play. The changes follow a successful trial and community consultation, which highlighted demand for better evening facilities.

Council to investigate public toilets at Kensington and Matraville
Council is looking into building public toilets in Kensington at Kokoda Park and near John Calopedos Memorial Playground at Kensington Oval to support families and shoppers at the town centre. The investigation will consider site suitability, costs, and funding options through developer contributions under the K2K Planning Proposal. Any upgrade would aim to balance convenience with safety and long-term maintenance. Council is also investigating toilet facilities for Purcell Park in Matraville which has recently been upgraded with a new outdoor gym area.

Council investigates coastal memorial to honour the late Ernie Page
A public memorial for the late Honourable Ernest (Ernie) Thomas Page OAM could be built on Coogee’s Coastal Walk, under a proposal being considered by Council. Ernie, a former Waverley Mayor and State MP for Waverley and Coogee, championed councils as minister for local government and earned an OAM for his contributions. The memorial will be designed in consultation with his daughter, Thérèse O’Brien, offering a place for reflection and remembrance.

Randwick’s first Resilience Strategy moves ahead
Randwick Council has endorsed placing the Draft Resilient Randwick Strategy on public exhibition, marking a major step towards building a stronger, more adaptable community. The strategy aims to help residents withstand shocks such as storms and coastal hazards, and ongoing stresses like housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures. Developed through a local risk assessment and consultation with over 650 participants, the plan sets out five strategic outcomes supported by 22 goals and 94 actions to be delivered over the next decade.

The final scheduled Council Meeting for 2025 will be held on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

Media enquiries
Joshua Hay – 0402 351 459 or joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.auRita Mu – 0429 347 999 or rita.mu@randwick.nsw.gov.au