Risk Management

National Street Party – Risk Management Issues

Whilst the National Street Party is all about celebration, connecting with others and having fun, as they say when you are flying with a well known airline, “there is a serious side to every flight”…..

Indeed, there are a range of serious issues you need to think about as you start to plan your National Street Party event.

We strongly recommend that your planning committee addresses the following risk management issues:

Permits and permissions;

Each Council and Local Shire will have its own local guidelines, by-laws and rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct of public events, including street parties and similar celebrations. We strongly recommend that you contact your local council to clarify their requirements, and to ask them to work with you in a collaborative manner in order to facilitate the ultimate success of your event. You may need to obtain a permit and you or your organisation may need to take out a special public liability insurance policy. A number of councils enable such policies to be taken out for ‘once off’ events so this is something worth investigating.

Insurance

Similarly, speak to your local council about any other insurance requirements for your event. Remember – they are there to help you – any many councils and shires actively encourage street parties for the same reasons that we do – because they understand that community connectedness is essential to the health and wellbeing of their constituents.

Alcohol Related Issues

The negative effects of alcohol, particularly, too much of it – are documented in the press every day and are one of the most significant social issues in our country. Whilst the organisers of the National Street Party do not have a ‘formal’ position regarding alcohol and National Street Party events, organizers should be aware that many local authorities have bans on alcohol consumption at public events and in public places. The best thing to do is to be absolutely clear about your position on alcohol – to reflect both your own local community values and the local authority requirements, and to incorporate this clearly into your marketing, publicity and invitation materials.

Security

The reality of our community in 2009 is that security is an issue that all event organizers need to think carefully about. Consider what your own event’s security requirements are going to be and take a moment for your planning committee to think ‘worst case scenario’. For some public events it may be appropriate to engage a security firm to assist you; at the very least all event organizers should advise their local police of the event to be conducted, and ask them to increase coverage of the area where the event is to be conducted. For some larger public events local police may decide to have officers mingling amongst event attendees.

As stated elsewhere, if you are hosting an event, you are strongly discouraged from promoting your event on Facebook, MySpace or Twitter.

Health and Safety

Whether you are hosting a private or public event, check your event venue well before people arrive. Look for overhanging branches, dangerous objects, sharp edges, and dangerous substances. Put up clear signs – your council may be able to help you with these.

Further, familiarize yourself with best practice when it comes to handling food. Refrigerate food carefully. Ensure all people handling and serving food use rubber gloves and follow hygienic food handling procedures.

Noise

And as much as we want everyone to have a good time, the fact is, some people’s idea of a good time is an early night and a good book. Party responsibly, with due regard for your whole community. One good approach is to let all your neighbours know you are hosting a party, and commit to a time at which any loud music will be turned down. Some local authorities will have local by laws which govern the noise you are able to make after certain times.

Rubbish & Refuse

And finally – clean up after yourselves! If you are hosting a public event, talk to your council about how they can help you to leave things as they were when you arrived. Consider recycling issues and think about how best you can look after your local environment!