There will be no fireworks at Dee Why this New Year’s Eve, with Northern Beaches Council citing a ‘supplier issue’.
It says the display will be replaced with other family friendly entertainment options, which are yet to be detailed.
Council has stated that the changes to the Dee Why event are the result of “the absence of a supplier able to meet the complex requirements to safely deliver offshore fireworks this year.”
“To deliver this event an offshore barge is required with ideal swell and wind conditions which is challenging for suppliers. Fireworks displays at Dee Why Beach have been cancelled 4 out of the last 7 years.”
Fireworks will still be held at the other regular locations (Manly Cove, Frenchs Forest Showground and Bayview).
The fireworks show at Dee Why was halted last year after a firework malfunction on the barge.
Councillors, who are elected members representing residents, were made aware of the issue over a month ago with two Curl Curl ward councillors successfully urgently seeking another option for residents.
At the 15 September 2026 meeting, Northern Beaches Council passed an urgency motion moved by Cr Nick Beaugeard and seconded by Cr Kristyn Glanville. It called for an urgent investigation into whether a family-focused New Year’s Eve celebration could still be held on the Dee Why foreshore this year.
Councillors asked staff to look at family-friendly activities and a potential drone display, crowd, traffic and pedestrian management, weather limitations and cancellation contingencies, and whether the event could be delivered within the available budget.
Staff were to report back as soon as practicable on supplier availability, indicative costs, key risks, required approvals and a recommended approach. The motion also committed Council to going ahead with the event, as long as the investigation showed it could get all the required approvals and stay within the allocated budget.
The motion passed unanimously.
While councillors appear to have been actively looking for alternatives, the minutes record no motion or discussion about keeping the fireworks in Dee Why by moving them to another suitable location. Â We have asked Northern Beaches Council whether options had been considered for on-shore fireworks given off-shore was not viable and will update the article with their reply once received.
Former Northern Beaches Mayor turned Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said he was “very disappointed” with the decision, and thought councillors should have pushed harder for fireworks to continue elsewhere in the vicinity.
“I’m very disappointed with this outcome. There is a large reserve (James Meehan) with overflow car park behind the surf club which could host the fireworks. The Strand could be closed for the evening. People could watch from the sand too,” he said.
“And Councillors need to stand up on this one. If you can do it at Lionel Watts in the forest and community groups can do fireworks in other local ovals without the massive council budget, then let’s look at this differently… I think Council should be looking at alternatives and making [fireworks] work rather than taking the easy option of saying no.”
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the Northern Beaches is a wonderful place to celebrate New Year’s Eve and the community would still be celebrating together across four locations.
“New Year’s Eve is all about bringing our community together, and we’re excited to be celebrating across four fantastic locations this year,” she said in a press release statement.
“We look forward to seeing our community out celebrating a safe and memorable New Year’s Eve.”
We will update this article with more details as they become available.
