General News
15 March, 2026
Smithfield celebrations
IT has been the hub for the northern beaches and surrounds for the past four decades, changing the way residents’ shop, celebrate and connect.
On Thursday next week, Smithfield Shopping Centre will celebrate its extraordinary milestone growing from a simple retail destination since its opening in 1986, to a major shopping and entertainment precinct.
For generations of locals, Smithfield has been where teenagers landed their first part-time jobs, where families gathered for weekend outings and where friends unexpectedly crossed paths over coffee.
To mark this special anniversary, Smithfield Shopping Centre will host a Community Celebration Day filled with entertainment, nostalgia and shared experiences.
The festivities begin in the morning with a live radio outside broadcast bringing energy and excitement to the centre.
Visitors can enjoy competitions, exclusive giveaways and families will also have the opportunity to explore displays highlighting memorable moments from Smithfield’s 40-year journey. Children can enjoy face painting, arts and craft activities and giant games that promise fun for all ages.
A key highlight of the celebration will be the official Anniversary Ceremony at 11am, featuring the cutting of Smithfield’s 40th birthday cake alongside local dignitaries and long-time supporters.
During the day, the centre will also seal its 40-Year Time Capsule – a legacy project that captures life in 2026 through community letters, photographs and centre memorabilia, preserving today’s stories for future generations.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a nostalgic nod to the past with the centre’s 1986 Price Rollback. Select food retailers will offer throwback $2 menu items including coffee, sushi rolls, hot chips, and bubble tea – celebrating the simple value and everyday treats that are part of the Smithfield trademark.
On Thursday evening the centre’s Restaurant Precinct will transform into a lively celebration space filled with music and entertainment.
Guests can enjoy live acoustic music spanning four decades, giant outdoor games and family-friendly entertainment while dining with friends and family. Visitors who spend $30 or more at participating restaurants will receive a complimentary Event Cinemas ticket – adding even more excitement to the evening festivities.
Community members are also invited to share their own Smithfield memories and photographs, with selected submissions featured in anniversary displays and potentially included in the time capsule.
Forty years on, Smithfield Shopping Centre remains far more than a retail destination – it’s a place where convenience, connection and community come together every day.
