Request for Applications: ENCORE Summer Activation Program (Australia)

Deadline: 07-Sep-2026

The City of Onkaparinga is inviting expressions of interest from commercial businesses and incorporated associations to deliver unique, inclusive and community-focused summer activations on council-controlled land. The ENCORE Summer Activation Program aims to increase visitation and local spending, strengthen local businesses, encourage collaboration and local sourcing, and activate public spaces across the City of Onkaparinga.

About the ENCORE Summer Activation Program

The ENCORE Summer Activation Program supports temporary events, experiences and activities that create positive summer experiences while generating economic and community benefits. The program is designed to bring more activity to council-controlled spaces and encourage innovative uses of public areas during the summer period.

The activation period runs from:

1 December to 28 February, inclusive. Proposals should demonstrate a strong connection to the local community and provide clear benefits for businesses, visitors and residents. Program Objectives

The program seeks activations that:

Strengthen local businesses and the local economy. Increase visitation to the area. Encourage local spending. Support collaboration between businesses and community organisations. Encourage local sourcing. Improve the use and experience of public spaces. Provide inclusive experiences for the community. Introduce unique and engaging activities during summer. Activation Themes Applicants can develop proposals around four key themes. Foreshore and Coastal Activities connected with Onkaparinga’s coastal and foreshore environments, including experiences that encourage people to visit and enjoy these public spaces. Villages and After Dark Activations designed to bring activity to local villages and create engaging experiences during evening and night-time periods. Adventure and Recreation Sporting, recreational, outdoor and adventure-focused experiences that encourage participation and visitation. Lifestyle and Culture Arts, culture, lifestyle, entertainment and community-focused activities that contribute to the character and vibrancy of local areas. Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to:

Commercial businesses. Incorporated associations. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their proposed activation can provide a meaningful local benefit. Compliance with applicable statutory requirements. Applicants should consider these requirements when preparing their operational and financial plans. How to Apply Applicants should develop a clear proposal demonstrating why their activation would be suitable for the selected location and beneficial to the community.

Step 1: Select an Activation Concept

Develop a unique summer activity that fits one or more of the ENCORE themes.

The concept should explain:

What the activation is. Who it is intended for. Why it is suitable for the proposed location. How it will operate. What makes it different or innovative.

Step 2: Select a Suitable Site

Review the available council-controlled activation sites and consider whether the site’s facilities and characteristics are appropriate for the proposal. Applicants should provide a site plan showing how the space will be used.

Step 3: Explain the Local Benefits

Clearly identify the expected economic, tourism and community outcomes.

Examples include:

Increased visitor numbers. Increased local spending. Support for nearby businesses. Opportunities for local suppliers. New community partnerships. Improved use of public spaces.

Step 4: Prepare the Operational Plan

Explain how the activation will operate, including: Operating dates. Operating hours. Staffing. Site layout. Facilities. Accessibility. Traffic or visitor management where relevant. Waste management. Noise controls. Emergency arrangements.

Step 5: Address Risk and Sustainability

Provide a risk assessment identifying potential hazards and proposed controls. The application should also explain how the activation will minimise environmental impacts through appropriate waste, resource and sustainability practices.

Step 6: Prepare Marketing Plans

Explain how the activation will be promoted and how marketing will help attract visitors and support local businesses.

Step 7: Confirm Compliance

Applicants should identify all relevant insurance, permits, licences and statutory approvals required for their proposal. Assessment Criteria Applications will be assessed by a panel consisting of three Council employees and at least one elected member. Proposals will be assessed against five main criteria: Strategic alignment and economic/tourism benefit – 40% The highest weighting is given to strategic alignment and economic or tourism benefits. Applicants should therefore clearly demonstrate how their activation contributes to local economic activity and visitation. Why It Matters The ENCORE Summer Activation Program provides businesses and incorporated associations with an opportunity to use council-controlled public spaces to create new summer experiences while contributing to the local economy. Applicants should avoid submitting proposals that lack clear operational details or fail to demonstrate measurable local benefits.

Common weaknesses include:

Not explaining the economic or tourism benefit. Selecting a site without demonstrating its suitability. Providing an incomplete site plan. Failing to address accessibility. Underestimating waste-management requirements. Providing an inadequate risk assessment. Not identifying required licences or approvals. Failing to provide evidence of appropriate insurance. Offering a generic activity without explaining its uniqueness. Not demonstrating collaboration or local sourcing. Failing to explain how the activation will be marketed. Ignoring site reinstatement and post-event responsibilities. Tips for a Strong ENCORE Proposal A competitive proposal should connect the activation directly to the program’s objectives.

Applicants should:

Present a distinctive and real