community - 2026-05-31

Northern Beaches Council Goes Fur-Free: Motion Bans Real Animal Fur from Council Events and Merchandise

A unanimous council vote makes Northern Beaches one of the first NSW councils to formally prohibit real animal fur at all council-run events, facilities, and in official merchandise

Northern Beaches Council has taken a unanimous stand against the global fur trade, passing a motion that will see real animal fur banned from all council-run events, facilities, and official merchandise. The decision, which sailed through without a single dissenting vote, makes Northern Beaches one of the first councils in New South Wales to adopt a formal fur-free policy — and it has drawn praise from animal welfare advocates across the country.

Northern Beaches Council has taken a unanimous stand against the global fur trade, passing a motion that will see real animal fur banned from all council-run events, facilities, and official merchandise. The decision, which sailed through without a single dissenting vote, makes Northern Beaches one of the first councils in New South Wales to adopt a formal fur-free policy — and it has drawn praise from animal welfare advocates across the country. The motion was brought forward by Councillor Vincent De Luca, who argued that local government has both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead by example on ethical consumption. "This is about sending a clear message that our community does not support an industry that causes immense suffering to animals," Cr De Luca said at the council meeting. "Fur farming and trapping are practices that have no place in a compassionate society, and our council should not be facilitating or endorsing them in any way." What the Policy Covers Under the new policy, Northern Beaches Council will no longer permit the use, display, or sale of products containing real animal fur at any event it organises or sponsors. This includes markets, festivals,...