Planning a Christmas street party in Melbourne? Council permits, costs and deadlines explained, and Darebin's backflip

By The Rundowns News Desk · Published 1 November 2026

If your street has a Christmas party, now is the time to check the paperwork. Several Melbourne councils have changed how they handle small street closures this year. Darebin scrapped its free street party program and then, The Age reports, reversed course last week. Moonee Valley is reviewing its program and asking some residents for professional traffic management. Most councils want applications about six weeks ahead, which for a Christmas Day party means roughly 13 November.

What happened

On 25 October The Age (also run by the SMH) reported that Darebin City Council had dropped its free street party program for 2026–27 in budget talks, with the budget adopted in June. Darebin's own street parties page confirms the program "is not available in 2026–27" and points residents to a regular event permit instead. According to The Age, Darebin's fee schedule lists a medium event permit at $281.88 and a large one at $563.75, plus a road closure permit of $215.38 to $756.45 depending on the road and how long it's closed.

Today (1 November) The Age reported that Darebin councillors voted last week to reverse the decision and set aside $10,000 for community street party permits. A council spokesperson told the paper the money covers gatherings held between mid-December and mid-January and is one-off funding. Unconfirmed by a second source: at the time of writing Darebin's website still said the program wasn't available, and we couldn't find the motion in published minutes yet. Darebin residents should call council (03 8470 8888) before applying.

Moonee Valley: under review, extra requirements

Moonee Valley City Council says it is reviewing its street party and temporary road closure process. In the meantime, applications are assessed case by case "with priority given to public safety and risk", and not all will be supported. Applicants may need a qualified traffic management company, an approved traffic management plan and public liability insurance, and must cover the costs. The council's page asks for a copy of $20 million public liability cover and applications at least 10 working days ahead, and it encourages parks or council facilities instead. The Age reports that residents who previously got a road closure kit and an insurance reimbursement are now being asked for an accredited traffic management company.

How it works in other councils

The Age counted nine of Melbourne's 31 metropolitan councils with dedicated street party permit programs. It says Banyule, Kingston, Maribyrnong and Merri-bek run them free and the rest charge between $100 and $210. Other councils handle street gatherings through their general event permits, which are built for bigger events too. Two examples from the councils' own pages:

• Merri-bek (free). Its "play streets and street parties" program is for resident-run gatherings of up to 100 people who live on the street, not open to the public. Apply at least 6 weeks ahead with 75% neighbour support, a street diagram, three volunteer traffic marshals, a risk and safety plan and signed terms and conditions. Council then provides the temporary road occupation permit, traffic management plan, marshal training and equipment. Mayor Nat Abboud told The Age seven events had been held so far this year.
• Boroondara ($100). Reserve a date 6 weeks ahead, upload a signed list from 75% of residents at least 4 weeks ahead, and pay $100 ($30 admin plus $70 for barriers and signs). Council's public liability insurance covers the party, but not jumping castles, rides or hired security. Parties can run up to 6 hours, closures can be no longer than 200 metres, and council can service at most 6 parties a day. Public holidays are excluded unless you hire your own accredited traffic management with $20 million cover, which matters if you're planning for Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Why it matters

Council budgets are tight, and risk and insurance rules on road closures have tightened. For residents, though, a street party is often the only time a whole street gets together. Darebin Mayor Emily Dimitriadis said when moving the reversal that street parties are "where neighbours become friends", according to The Age. The practical cost of the changes is time as well as money: a traffic management plan and an accredited company can't be arranged in a week.

What to do if you're planning one

1. Check your council's page this week. Search your council's name plus "street party" or "temporary road closure". Programs differ a lot between neighbouring councils.
2. Count back six weeks. For 25 December that's about 13 November. For a mid-December Saturday it's early November.
3. Start the neighbour sign-off now. 75% support is a common requirement.
4. Ask about public holidays. Some councils won't supply barriers on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
5. Consider a park. Several councils, including Darebin and Moonee Valley, point residents to park bookings as an alternative, though that can be harder for older or less mobile neighbours.

What's next

We'll update this when Darebin publishes how to apply for its new funding and when Moonee Valley finishes its review. If your council has changed its rules, the council's own page is the authority, not this summary.

General information only. Fees and conditions are as published by councils or reported by The Age on the dates shown, and can change.