We would like to thank you for your ongoing patience in regards to the 2021 Bench & Bar Dinner. The Association is pleased to announce that we have good news to share regarding the dinner.

As you are aware, the Bench & Bar Dinner will be held on Friday, 25 March 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Sydney. Arrivals will be from 7pm with Introductory Remarks to be made at 7.50pm. As such, we ask that all guests please be seated no later than 7.40pm

We are pleased to announce that we have been able to increase capacity for the dinner.

The dinner will be taking place simultaneously within the Grand Ballroom and the immediately adjacent Maritime Ballroom. Information on access and the split of attendees across the rooms is detailed below.

One additional change we would also like to note is that, due to COVID requirements, the pre-dinner drinks usually held in the pre-function space outside the ballroom will regrettably not be able to occur this year. All guests may instead enjoy drinks with those around them at their tables in their allocated ballroom.

The updated COVID-19 safety measures that will apply to this event, and what the above means for current ticket holders and Waitlist tickets, is set out below.

Updated COVID-19 safety measures for ALL attendees

By agreeing to attend this event, you agree to comply with any COVID-19 safety measures imposed by the NSWBA.

These may include, without limitation:

• socially distanced dining.
• being “fully vaccinated” (as defined in the Association’s vaccination policy as amended from time to time).
• COVID-19 positive persons and those designated close contacts will be unable to attend. Further, those who have COVID-19-like symptoms will not be admitted unless they are able to provide confirmation of a negative Rapid Antigen Test.
• attendees must pre-register for the event, show their ticket at the door and check-in using the Service NSW App if asked by staff on the day of the event.
• attendees must notify the Association if they test positive to COVID-19 in the 7 days following the event.

You further acknowledge that the NSWBA reserves the right to rescind the right of entry to ticket holders with minimal notice should the NSWBA determine that numbers need to be reduced or capped due to COVID-19 or any other WH&S considerations.

Ticketing & Seating

Please note the below information is contingent on COVID conditions and guidelines remaining as anticipated.

Allocation 1 Ticket Holders;

-        This update does not affect you or your booking.

-        If you are able to attend then you do not need to do anything with your booking.

-        We ask that you please confirm any dietary requirements you may have as well as seating preferences

-        Allocation 1 ticket holders will be seated in the Grand Ballroom

Allocation 2 Ticket Holders;

-        This update does not affect you or your booking.

-        If you are able to attend then you do not need to do anything with your booking.

-        We ask that you please confirm any dietary requirements you may have as well as seating preferences

-        Allocation 2 ticket holders will be seated in the Grand Ballroom

Allocation 2 – Waitlist Ticket Holders;

-        This update means that we are able to begin offering Allocation 3 tickets to those on the Waitlist in order of how these tickets were booked.

-        Each waitlist ticket holder (or group booking contact such as the Floors Clerk) will be messaged individually by the Event Manager and offered to confirm their booking as an “Allocation 3” ticket(s). Pricings will remain the same.

-        Tables will remain as a maximum of 8 persons.

We ask for your patience and understanding while we work our way through the waitlist. Please note all communication will occur via email from events@nswbar.asn.au

Once all waitlist holders have been offered the opportunity to purchase Allocation 3 tickets, any remaining tickets will be added to the website as “Allocation 4”. Members will be advised via InBrief before this goes live.

We would like to note that while these changes are being made now, the execution of the dinner itself on 25 March 2022 will be dependent on the prevailing COVID restrictions and government mandates at that time. We will ensure that all ticket holders are kept up to date in this regard.

We wish to assure members that the running of the dinner across both the Grand & Maritime Ballrooms will not affect the overall quality of the event. The viewing and dining experience of all in attendance will continue to remain a priority. Our goal is to cater for as many members as possible and create a truly one of a kind night for all involved.

Our hope is that the 2021 Bench & Bar Dinner will provide a collegiate atmosphere which has not been able to be offered since the pandemic began.

We continue to appreciate the ongoing intricacies that COVID-19 may have on your ability to attend. If you are unable to attend the event, please email events@nswbar.asn.au to discuss refund options. 

We remind you that information regarding the dinner can be found at the information website. (Please note: the registration website will remain temporarily closed while we action the above.)