Last year, Bronte Beach saw a massive turnout with over 15,000 attendees for the annual ‘Backpacker Christmas’ event.

This beloved location, nestled in the eastern suburbs, is situated just under a kilometer from the renowned Bondi Beach.

Mayor Will Nemesh expressed concerns among council members regarding potential safety hazards associated with this “unsanctioned and unauthorized gathering.”

Nemesh highlighted that a substantial portion of Bronte Park is currently inaccessible due to ongoing construction of the new Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, resulting in limited space for visitors.

He pointed out that the temporary fencing and significant reduction in available open areas, coupled with narrow pathways, pose serious challenges to managing the crowd effectively.

“On top of that, just a stone’s throw down the road, is where 15 people tragically lost their lives in an unspeakable and barbaric attack on our treasured Jewish community.

“We ask anyone planning to go to this non-sanctioned event at Bronte to please consider both of these very important factors.”

Nemesh said the large number of attendees was a huge challange for council staff at any time of the year.

“This year, that kind of crowd is simply not safe, so this gathering cannot take place.

“Council’s message to those hoping to party at Bronte is clear and stern, do not come.

“This is not the time or place for this gathering.”

If the event goes ahead, council will focus on limiting the impact of the event on the local community including “excessive noise, anti-social behaviour, and litter”.

Partygoers will face a heavier police and security presence, including checkpoints, to help enforce alcohol and glass bans.

An emergency services area, extra toilet facilities, water stations and other crowd management measures is also expected be in place.

The council has also engaged professional event cleaners to remove the site of rubbish.

“Council’s preference is that a gathering of this nature and size does not take place,” Nemesh said.