As part of the NSW Government’s $8 million Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program, we're exploring ways to make street-based events and activations simpler, cheaper and easier. For more information on the project, click here.

About the Street Performance Permit Pilot

The City of Canada Bay is launching a 6-month pilot program, running from November 2025 to April 2026, inviting musicians, visual and performing artists, and other creative talents to apply for a street performer permit to operate in designated sites across the local government area.

The pilot will test the introduction of six dedicated street performance spaces with clear conditions of use, restricted activities and a permit approval process to support access to and development of cultural vibrancy in the City of Canada Bay. Council will monitor and evaluate the permit program throughout the pilot period, measuring outcomes including the:

  • suitability of the site locations
  • feedback from performers, community and local businesses
  • permit application/approval process
  • administration and management
  • associated costs
  • activation value

  • STREET PERFORMANCE

    Street performances, or busking, are entertainment acts in a public space for an audience, typically attracting a financial tip or reward (building an audience, honing the performers craft). These activities may include singing, playing an instrument, dancing, magic acts, puppeteering, street theatre and story-telling.

Street Performance Sites

  • Church Street Shared Space

    Drummoyne

  • Formosa Street Shared Space

    Drummoyne

  • Fred Kelly Place

    Great North Road, Five Dock

  • Peter Woods Place

    Jellicoe Street, Concord

  • Union Square

    Rider Boulevard, Rhodes

  • Under Bennelong Bridge

    Gauthorpe Street, Rhodes

Permit approval process

Permit Approval Process

*To assist with this assessment, performers are encouraged to provide a sample of their performance by way of an audio, video or online recording. Applicants who are new to performing and do not have any sample recordings, may be required to attend an audition in the space to inform this assessment.

**There are no fees required for the application, street performance permit or site bookings, during the pilot program period.

Pilot conditions & restrictions

Pilot Conditions & Restrictions

  • 6-month Pilot

    November 2025 to April 2026

  • Valid Permit

    Only performers with a valid Street Performance Permit issued by Council may use designated performance sites.

  • Performance Hours

    Permitted only between 9am and 9pm daily in the dedicated sites.

    It must be a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 2 hours per session in the same location.

  • Location Requirements

    Only utilise the dedicated sites and ensure that your performance, equipment and/or audience does not impact pedestrian paths, business entrances or transport stops.

  • Sound Levels

    Must remain at a reasonable level to allow clear communication within nearby businesses and residences.

    Follow any volume adjustment requests from council officers or law enforcement.

  • Contributions

    Performers may receive voluntary contributions but must not aggressively solicit money.

Prohibited Acts

The following are not permitted:

  • Acts which involve handing out plastic or paper items, such as balloon sculpting, that may have an adverse impact on parks, waterways, bird life or marine life.
  • Acts which incorporate any animal, with the exception of a certified assistance animal (as defined by section 5 of the Companion Animals Act 1998) who is supporting the performer but is not a feature of the performance.
  • Acts which offer or provide a one-to-one service for a fee such as fortune telling, portrait painting, massage or any other therapeutic service.
  • The use of large amplification equipment.
  • High-risk performances including the use of dangerous materials and implements,
  • Acts which involve permanent drawing or marking the footpath or affixing any matter or structure to any infrastructure including footpaths, paving and seating.
  • Performances that cause obstruction or disruption to businesses or public pathways.