The Rules
Entrants
Eligibility Conditions
To enter the Mr HCB competition, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, living in New South Wales (NSW); and
- Be a current member of Harbour City Bears (HCB).
Responsibilities
As an entrant to Mr Harbour City Bears, you will be required to:
- Provide promotional photographs for use in promoting the Mr HCB event;
- Prepare statements for social media posts for use in promoting the Mr HCB event;
- Attend the ‘contestant meet and greet’ at The Townie on Sunday, 31 August 2025; and
- Prepare an ‘act’ for the competition, as described in “The Competition Event” section.
Benefits
As an entrant to Mr HCB, you will receive the following:
- Free entry to all “Bear Pride” events for 2025;
- The opportunity to fundraise for your nominated charity of your choice;
- Other prizes to be advised.
Code of Conduct
By entering the contest, you agree that while in the "public eye" you will:
- Not make any comments that could be considered racist, sexist, transphobic or offensive to minority groups;
- Avoid engaging in behaviour that could be perceived as manipulative or intended to undermine the confidence of others;
- Not make disparaging remarks about the club in person or online;
- Not bring the club into disrepute by attracting public scandal;
- Not use your position for commercial gain, or to promote your own business interests;
- Demonstrate respect and support for fellow contestants, fostering a positive and encouraging environment; and
- Uphold the values of the Harbour City Bears community, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect.
The Competition Event
The Mr Harbour City Bears contest will be held on Saturday, 56September 2025. The theme for this year is “Gods of the Sea”.
There are three rounds to the competition:
Casual Bear
You will be presented to the audience in your favourite ‘casual wear’ representing your personality and style. You will be asked some personal questions by the Master of Ceremonies (MC).
Bear Wear
You will be presented to the audience in your favourite ‘sexy’ clothes- anything revealing and/or racy. You will be asked some sexually suggestive questions by the MC.
Talent Round
You will perform an ‘act’ showcasing a unique talent or point of view.
Event Rules
During the competition event, you must:
- Not be under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances (if in doubt, check with the committee);
- Not make any comments that could be considered racist, sexist, transphobic or offensive to minority groups (if you want to double check some material, check with the committee);
- Not be fully naked (You can be suggestive but cannot contravene licensing laws.);
- Not touch or interact with the Auslan interpreters (as they are there for our support);
- Not substantially change your act between the rehearsal and the actual performance;
- Not leave the stage as part of your act;
- Not bring random audience members onto the stage or have them be part of your act (You can have others in your act, but they must be pre-arranged: no random selections from the audience as consent is needed beforehand);
- Not damage the stage or venue, including liquid damage and stains (If you have any liquid in your act, then you must use a drop-sheet and not stray outside it.); and
- Not use glitter or confetti of any type (even if it is biodegradable glitter or confetti).
Disciplinary Actions
Any entrant found to be in violation of these rules or engaging in behaviour that undermines the spirit of the competition may be subject to:
- Disqualification from the competition.
- Revocation of the Mr Harbour City Bears title if already awarded.
- Other actions deemed appropriate by the Harbour City Bears Committee.
The Winner
Prizes
If you win and become Mr HCB 2025, you will receive the following:
- Free entry to each event for Bear Essentials 2026;
- Free entry to the HCB 2026 Mardi Gras parade entry;
- A $1500 reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses to attend Mr Australasia Bear 2026 in Melbourne;
- A party pass to Southern Hibearnation 2026, courtesy of VicBears;
- A 1-year renewal of your Harbour City Bears membership;
- The Mr Harbour City Bears sash (Be aware that the sash remains the property of Harbour City Bears and must be returned if requested by the HCB committee.);
- An agreed upon donation of $1,000 to your nominated charity by Harbour City Bears; and
- Other prizes to be advised.
Responsibilities
If you win the competition and title of Mr Harbour City Bears, you will be expected to:
- Be proactive in raising money for your nominated charity of your choice throughout the year. The HCB Committee will work with you to plan any fundraising events;
- Be an ambassador of the HCB club by regularly wearing your sash to both bear and non-bear events;
- Regularly attend HCB events in your sash, such as Furry Fridays (at The Oxford) or Sunday Bears (at The Townie), as well as the Bear Essentials (Mardi Gras) Events (in February and March 2026);
- Be prepared to volunteer regularly at Harbour City Bears events, including over the Mardi Gras period (in February and March 2026);
- Allow the club to use your image for promotional photographs and event posters and other types of promotional activities, including attending photoshoots if necessary;
- March in the Harbour City Bears Parade Float for Mardi Gras 2026;
- Compete in the Mr Australasia Bear competition in Melbourne in June 2026; and
- Attend Mr HCB 2026 to “hand over” to the next winner.