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City of Wollongong

The Pup Cup Competition Terms and Conditions

Below are the Competition Terms and Conditions for The Pup Cup at Thirroul Beach on Friday 19 December 2025 from 6 - 7pm.

Please visit Eventbrite to learn more or book your spot by Sunday 14 December 2025.

The promoter of this competition is Wollongong City Council.

Who can enter

  • You must be the owner of the dog as listed in the NSW Pet Registry to enter.
  • The Competition is only open to Australian citizens and permanent residents who live in the Wollongong Local Government Areas. If you enter the Competition, you may need to provide Council with proof of your name and address.
  • You cannot win a prize in the Competition if you work for Wollongong City Council, or if you are the spouse, partner, parent, sister, brother or child (whether biological, step or adoptive) of someone who works for Council.
  • You can only register one dog, and each competing dog must have their designated human accompanying them. Registered dogs will receive (on arrival), a number to carry on the day.
  • If you do not follow these terms and conditions, Council may disqualify you.  Failure by Council to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.

Competition categories

  • Category 1: Best Dressed Dog
  • Category 2: Most Like Their Owner
  • Category 3: People’s Choice

Please note all Category 1 and Category 2 entrants will automatically be considered for the People’s Choice Prize.

How to register

  • Registrations are open from 24 November 2025 and will close at 5pm (AEDT) on 14 December 2025 (‘Registration Period’). Any registrations received outside the Registration Period will not be accepted. As there are limited places, registrations will close once at capacity.
  • Registrations can only be made through the online form and must include the dog’s name, breed, and three words to describe he or she.
  • You must let Council know if any of your details change after you have registered. Requests to access or modify any information provided as part of the registration process should be directed to culturaldevelopment@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
  • There is no cost to enter the competition however internet connection and usage rates may apply.  Council is not and will not be liable for any costs you incur to enter the competition from the service provider.
  • Wollongong City Council cannot be held responsible for any lost, late or misdirected registrations and no compensation will be offered in the event of any technological or other malfunction with the Wollongong City Council registration process.

The Pup Cup prizes

  • The judges will select winners in each category at the event at Thirroul Beach on Friday 19 December between 6-7pm.
  • If there is any event that prevents or hinders Council’s conduct of the Competition or Council's ability to deliver the prize/s to the prize winner/s of the Competition, Council may, in its discretion, cancel the Competition and recommence it at another time under the same conditions or select another winner.
  • The Winners will be announced at The Pup Cup on Friday 19 December and on the Creative Wollongong Facebook page and, at Council’s discretion, on its social media channels.
  • Council’s decision in relation to any aspect of the Competition is final and binding and Council will not enter into any correspondence regarding the result, including in the event of a dispute.

The prize

  • The Prize must be taken as stated, and is not transferable, exchangeable or redeemable for cash.
  • The Winners (if under the age of 18, their parent or guardian) may be required to verify their identity and residency status at the time of collecting the Prize.
  • Any ancillary costs associated with redeeming the Prize are not included.
  • Once the Prize has been handed over to the Prize winners, Council takes no responsibility for the Prize being damaged, lost or stolen.

Requirements for entries

  • Online registration must be submitted by 14 December. Please note that places are limited so registrations will close once at capacity.
  • Participating dogs must be registered on the NSW Pet Registry.
  • Participating dogs may be accompanied by an over 16 years family member of its owner. Under 16s must be accompanied by their parent / guardian.
  • Entrants must read the and agree to The Pup Cup Terms and Conditions.
  • Entrants must arrive at Thirroul Beach promenade by 5.45pm ready to collect their Competition number at 6pm on the beach.
  • Entrants arriving after the competition starts will not be considered for a prize.
  • Wollongong City Council reserves the right to use and reproduce any photos and images related to The Pup Cup for the purposes of promotion of this event and any other Council initiatives. By participating in this competition, you are providing consent for Council to take photos of your participation in this event, of you and your dog.

General

  • Council may cancel or vary the Competition at any time. Council will not be responsible for any loss or costs you may incur in relation to such cancellation or variation.
  • By registering for the Competition, you release Council from, and indemnify Council against, all liability (including negligence) for any loss or damage or injury whatsoever which is suffered by  (including, but not limited to, indirect or consequential loss), or for any personal injury suffered or sustained in connection with the competition, or the use of the Prize, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law.
  • By registering your dog, you agree that Council is not liable for any costs, expenses, liabilities, losses, injury or damages you incur or suffer as part of the competition event.
  • Wollongong City Council reserves the right to disqualify any contestant at its sole discretion if it is of the reasonable opinion that they have breached the terms and conditions or acted inappropriately in any way.
  • A panel of judges will determine the winners of each category. The decision on the judging panel is final.

Competition etiquette

  • Dogs must be always kept on a leash.
  • Please note that your dog will only be allowed on the beach (on leash) from 6pm.
  • You must clean up after your dog promptly
  • You must seek permission from other dog owners before allowing dogs to interact with each other.

Privacy Protection Notice

  • Purpose of collection: When you register for the Competition, Council will collect your personal information in order to verify your eligibility to participate.
  • Intended recipients: Council staff.
  • Supply: While the supply of personal information is voluntary, the information provided will enable your participation in the competition.
  • Access / correction: Your personal information may be accessed by you and Council. A request to access, update or correct any information should be directed to Wollongong City Council.
  • Storage: The personal information collected will be stored by Council for the purposes indicated above. However, any personal information may be disclosed as required by law.