The ghouls, ghosts, and jack-o’-lanterns are out in full force on Renwick Street in Drummoyne, a harborside suburb in Sydney’s inner west. This year, the Halloween celebration has grown so large that it is now sponsored by local businesses. The event, which takes place on October 31, sees “spooky homes” adorned with A1-sized signs featuring business branding, in exchange for a stash of lollies to distribute to the thousands of eager trick-or-treaters.
Children have been trick-or-treating on Renwick Street for about 15 years, according to Natalie Thornhill, a resident and the current organizer of the event. “My husband and I moved into the street over 15 years ago, and it’s just always been a thing,” she says. The tradition has been upheld by past residents and is now a hallmark of the community.
Community Safety and Collaboration
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event had grown so popular that residents, including Thornhill, felt it was becoming unsafe for children due to the large crowds. In response, they sought support from the City of Canada Bay Council to close the street to vehicle traffic from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Halloween night.
“It’s a very expensive thing to have the street closed off for what is a big community street party,” Thornhill explains. “The idea was to leverage the foot traffic to do something that gives back to the community.” By involving local businesses, the community has been able to mitigate the costs associated with road closures and safety measures.
Business Involvement and Sponsorship
Businesses interested in participating can sponsor a “spooky house” through a donation to the Rotary Club of Drummoyne. There are different levels of sponsorship, including principal and silver sponsors. This financial support helps cover the costs of entertainment, a DJ, and the crucial piles of treats for the children.
“As the event grew, the cost of buying lollies became significant,” Thornhill notes. “Some homes were spending hundreds of dollars. The spooky house sponsorship helps lift that burden.”
“How it works is that I have a list of residents who are decorating their houses, and they will get the boxes of lollies. Then I allocate the spooky house signs to those houses, and they will pop the sign on their house,” Thornhill explains.
A Growing Tradition
The funds raised from additional activities, such as a sausage sizzle and a jumping castle, are donated to the local charity Touched by Olivia. Thornhill expects thousands of people to participate in the festivities this year.
Dina Bailey, another resident of Renwick Street, appreciates how the event fosters community spirit. “Everyone gets involved: neighbors, families, and visitors from all over Sydney,” she says. “The street fills with thousands of happy trick-or-treaters all enjoying a safe, family-friendly night.”
Thornhill agrees, adding, “It’s a really big bonding community event.”
Parallel Celebrations Across Sydney
Meanwhile, over in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Creer Street in Randwick undergoes a similar transformation. Each year, a local resident gives the green street sign a spooky makeover, changing the name from Creer to Creep. Justin Wastnage, who lives on the street, describes the scene as “very insane,” with residents handing out thousands of lollies.
Nicky, another resident who only wanted her first name used, shares that she was swept up in the street’s annual tradition after moving to the neighborhood. “It’s been really nice to get to know the neighbors and to be able to do it collaboratively with the street, to dress up, and it’s definitely become bigger and bigger every year,” she says.
As Halloween approaches, the excitement on Renwick Street and beyond highlights the power of community and the evolving nature of local traditions. The collaboration between residents and businesses not only ensures a safe and enjoyable event but also strengthens community ties, creating memories that will last long after the jack-o’-lanterns have been extinguished.
