Applications: Night Food Markets Operator

Paul Keating Park, Bankstown

Calling for submissions for the management and delivery of Night Food Markets on Paul Keating Park, Bankstown CBD

The City of Canterbury Bankstown is one of the largest cities in NSW that enjoys a high level of multiculturalism–nearly half of our population is born overseas.

Food plays a vital role in bringing residents and visitors together to understand different cultures and share culinary practices. Food also transcends language and cultural differences, providing a common ground to try new dishes, spark conversations and create new friendships.

The City of Canterbury Bankstown is seeking submissions from suitably qualified and experienced market operators for night food markets at Paul Keating Park in Bankstown. Council encourages applications from operators that will add to the authenticity, diversity, vibrancy and safety of the event.

This opportunity is intended for market organisers, not individual stallholders, contractors, or mobile food vendors.

The experienced market operators will be capable of managing and delivering full market operations independently and without Council intervention.

Objectives

• Stimulate the public space by creating vibrant, engaging activations that attract a diverse audience;

• Facilitate a vibrant active space and atmosphere at night which provides a positive community experience;

• Promote cultural exchange through food;

• Work cooperatively with Canterbury-Bankstown Council for the provision and continuous improvement of the night food markets operations.

Time period

This proposal is for a trial period of six (6) months commencing on an agreed date, with consideration to extend to a twelve (12) month period after review.

Timeline

1. Application submission deadline:

   5pm, 12 November

    2025

2. Review of submissions:

   14 November

    2025

3. Notification of application outcome: 19 November 2025

We look forward to your submission and to potentially working together to create successful Night Food Markets that enrich our community.

Council is eager for the Night Food Markets to commence as soon as feasible and anticipates they will start in the third quarter of 2025.

Applications are now open and must be submitted no later than 5pm, 12 November 2025.

For further enquiries about please email business@cbcity.nsw.gov.au or phone 9707 5928.

Submission criteria

You must address the following in detail:

1. A brief company profile that includes the operator's ABN and a summary of demonstrated, relevant experience and qualifications;

2. Examples of past events operated, including references;

3. Public Liability Insurance. Your Certificate of Currency must:

   1. Be in the name of the business/trader named on the application

   2. Include a minimum coverage of $20 million AUD dollars

   3. Have Canterbury-Bankstown Council listed as an Interested Party

   4. Specify the night market area and activity (i.e. night markets or on a park area, and preparation of food to sell, cooking with hot oil or coals, preparing juice)

4. Be able to demonstrate, upon request, Food Safety Supervisor Certificate for each food stall or truck;

5. A site plan of food trucks and stall locations which demonstrates the area/s you propose to occupy for Night Food Markets ie: Area 1 and 2 or Area 3;

6. The provision of safety and security measures being proposed including additional lighting;

7. Provision of waste management services or if you are requesting this be provided by Council (if yes, applicable fees and charges will apply);

8. Confirmation that the appearance of all stallholder spaces will be clean, uniform in design therefore creating a cohesive look that enhances the overall experience and professionalism (you can provide photographic proof from previous night markets delivered);

9. A plan or details on how you intend to bump in and bump out of the hired space;

10. Variety of food stalls across multiple culinary cultures and how this will complement surrounding existing businesses and have minimal impact;

11. Proposed promotion of the night food markets.
    

Applications are evaluated against the selection criteria below to help ensure a safe, diverse and inclusive night market operation. The evaluation of submissions is completed by a panel consisting of Council representatives to ensure fairness and transparency.

Applications will be evaluated by the following criteria:

1. Dates of activation (35%):

   1. Frequency of the proposed market (e.g. weekly, monthly);

   2. Days of the week;

   3. Hours of operation.

2. Variety of food stalls across multiple culinary cultures and how this will complement surrounding existing businesses and have minimal impact (35%);

3. A site plan of food truck or stall locations (10%);

4. Proposed promotion of the night food markets (20%).

Site requirements

The prospective night food market operator will need to plan for and demonstrate how they meet the following requirements:

• Food stalls are only permitted on designated areas as shown on proposed site areas (see maps below);

• All food stall workers are required to have a current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate;

• All food stall operators are required to have a current Public Liability to the value of minimum $20 Million;

• The Operator is to submit their own site plan as to which area/s they wish to occupy and proposed layout of stalls;

• No vehicles such as trucks, vans and trailers are permitted on the Paul Keating Park grassed area (Area 2). They are only allowed on the hardstand area around the park (Area 1) or and/or on the pathway between the Council Chambers and Paul Keating Park (Area 3);

• A cover must be laid underneath each stall where food is prepared/cooked to protect the paving or grassed surface;

• All residues are to be collected in drip trays and disposed of appropriately. No hot water, oil, fat or waste are to be disposed of on the grassed surface or into public drains;

• Any mess or damage to the hardstand surface or grass areas due to cooking and spills, the organiser will be liable for any costs to rectify the area as a result;

• Marquees on the grassed are to be weighted down, NOT pegged;

• Power generator and connection to each site. Only qualified electricians to be engaged;

• Paul Keating Park must be left in the same condition as it was found.

NOTE:

• These events are not to include entertainment activities or the sale of any other products and services, and should be limited to food-related activities such as the sale of ready-to-eat meals, gourmet street food, beverages, specialty desserts and culturally diverse cuisine offerings;
  

• In line with State and Federal plans to address the issue single-use plastics have on our environment, Council endorsed a Single-Use Plastic Policy and Plastics Action Plan. Under the Plastics & Circular Economy Act 2021, the NSW Government has recently banned lightweight plastic bags (<35 microns thick). Fines may be issued by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority for continued use. This applies to all businesses, organisations and groups such a charitable, sporting, education and community etc. Therefore, all food and drinks must be sold/supplied in biodegradable or recyclable containers. For more information on what suitable alternatives will be for these items, please visit the NSW Food Authority for food packing guidelines

• No balloons are to be sold or given away
  

• All food stall workers MUST have a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate and comply with the NSW Food Authority Guidelines.

NIGHT MARKET SITE AREAS

Area 1 and 2 - Paul Keating Park

Area 3–pathway between Council Chambers and Paul Keating Park

Area 1 pink shaded area = hardstand area

Area 2 blue shaded area = grassed area

Area 3 red shaded area = bitumised walkway to the library

Commercial arrangement

Council advises that any successful operator will be required to enter into a formal agreement with Council via submitting a Special Event Application form. The agreement will include standard terms relating to indemnity, insurance, termination, compliance with applicable laws, and dispute resolution, to ensure legal certainty and enforceability.

The successful operator will be required to pay for other associated costs of running and managing the event including, but not limited to:

• Marketing and promotion; and

• Any permits, insurances and licences.

Council reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, not to accept any submission, to accept a submission in whole or in part, or to negotiate with one or more applicants. Council is not bound to proceed with any submission and may cancel or vary this submission process at any time without providing reasons or incurring any liability to any applicant.

Fees and Charges

To help determine and measure community participation and demand, all park booking fees and stall holder fees will be waived for the first three months of market operation. This will allow the operator to focus on vendor recruitment, marketing, and audience development without immediate cost burdens.

A review of the fees be undertaken by staff at the end of the three months. The operator will be required to provide financial reports to Council outlining stallholder numbers, revenue, and attendance, to inform decisions about future fee adjustments.

The usual fees and charges for this opportunity can be found on Council's Fees and Charges website