Planning a public event in Perth can be exciting, but it also brings serious responsibilities—especially when it comes to safety and security. Whether you’re organising a music festival, a corporate function, or a local market, your guests expect to feel safe.
Overlooking even one small detail can lead to big problems, from minor disruptions to major incidents. Many organisers focus only on crowd control or hiring security guards, but true event security goes far beyond that.
This checklist brings together 15 essential things every organiser in Perth must know to deliver a safe, smooth, and compliant event. With each point, you’ll discover practical insights, real-world examples, and the key regulations that matter most in Western Australia.
Planning ahead not only keeps your attendees protected but also protects your reputation—and your peace of mind.
1. Understand Your Legal Responsibilities
Every organiser must know their legal obligations before planning security. In Perth, event security is governed by both state laws and local council requirements. For example, the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 (WA) sets rules for security staff licensing. The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (WA) makes organisers responsible for providing a safe environment.
It’s not just about hiring enough guards. You must conduct risk assessments, ensure compliance with fire safety standards, and follow public liability insurance requirements. Missing a permit or failing to meet guidelines can lead to fines, cancelled events, or even criminal charges.
Always check with your local council and read up on the latest state regulations before finalising your plans.
Non-obvious insight: Legal requirements can change based on event size and type. For example, a ticketed concert may need more extensive emergency planning than a small community gathering.
2. Conduct A Comprehensive Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is the foundation of strong event security. This process means identifying all possible risks—from crowd surges to weather hazards, terrorism threats to lost children. In Perth, risk assessments are often required by insurance providers, venues, and councils.
Start by mapping out your venue and identifying entry/exit points, high-traffic areas, and vulnerable locations (like backstage or bar areas). Consider not just physical threats but also cyber risks if you’re using digital ticketing or Wi-Fi. Rate each risk by likelihood and impact, then plan controls for the most serious issues first.
Practical tip: Involve local police or emergency services in your risk assessment. They may highlight risks you haven’t considered, especially if your event is high-profile or outdoors.
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3. Choose The Right Security Team
Not all security providers are equal. In Western Australia, all security personnel must have a valid security licence. Ask providers for proof of licensing, insurance, and experience at similar events. Look for teams familiar with Perth venues and local council expectations.
Check team size recommendations based on crowd numbers and event type. For example, a music festival may require one guard per 100 attendees, while a sit-down gala needs less. Don’t forget to ask about training in crowd control, first aid, and conflict resolution.
Comparison of Security Provider Types:
|
Type |
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
|
Large Security Firm |
More resources, backups available, strict compliance |
Less flexible, higher cost |
|
Small Local Agency |
Personal service, local knowledge, cost-effective |
Limited staff, may lack experience with big events |
|
Freelance Guards |
Cheapest, easy to hire for small events |
Risk of poor training, legal issues if unlicensed |
Non-obvious insight: Some councils in Perth require event security teams to include female guards, especially for family or community events.
4. Set Up Effective Access Control
Access control is about managing who enters and exits your event—and how. This is not just for ticketed events. Even free public events should have clear entry points, bag checks, and barriers to keep people safe.
Use a combination of physical barriers (like fences or bollards), ticket scanning, and security checks. For larger events, consider electronic wristbands or RFID passes that track entry and exit in real time. Always plan for emergency access for police, ambulance, and fire services.
Example: At Perth’s Fringe World Festival, organisers use both ticket scanning and bag checks at main gates, plus random checks inside the venue, to keep crowds moving smoothly and prevent unauthorised entry.
Practical tip: Mark clear, separate entrances and exits to avoid bottlenecks and help in case of an emergency evacuation.
5. Crowd Management And Flow
Crowd management goes beyond just having barriers and guards. It’s about planning how people move, gather, and interact at your event. Poor crowd flow can cause delays, injuries, or even panic.
Use signage, floor markings, and staff to guide attendees. Plan for peak times—like doors opening or headline acts. Monitor crowd density, especially in front of stages, food stalls, and toilets.
Comparison of Crowd Control Methods:
|
Method |
Best For |
Drawback |
|---|---|---|
|
Barriers/Fencing |
Large open-air events |
Costly, can block emergency exits |
|
Staff Guidance |
Indoor or small venues |
Requires well-trained staff |
|
Signage & Floor Markings |
All event types |
Less effective if ignored by crowds |
Non-obvious insight: Always have a plan for “crowd surge” moments, such as gate openings or act changeovers, when people may rush or push.
6. Emergency Response Planning
No matter how well you plan, emergencies can still happen. Every organiser must have an emergency response plan that covers fire, medical emergencies, severe weather, lost children, and security incidents.
Work with local police, ambulance, and fire services to create your plan. Assign roles and responsibilities to staff and security. Make sure all exits are clear and marked, and that everyone knows where the assembly points are. Run through a drill before your event opens.
Example: At Perth Royal Show, staff hold a “tabletop exercise” before the event, acting out emergency scenarios to test their response.
Practical tip: Have a clear, simple emergency communication strategy—like a code word or radio channel—for your team.
7. Communication Systems
Reliable communication is essential for event security. Mobile phones alone are not enough, especially in crowded or noisy environments where networks may fail.
Equip your security team with two-way radios, and ensure all staff know how to use them. Set up a central command post to monitor activity and coordinate responses. For larger events, use public address (PA) systems to give instructions to guests.
Non-obvious insight: Have backup communication methods, like whistles or hand signals, in case technology fails.
Practical tip: Document all key contacts and radio channels in your staff briefing pack, and review them before gates open.
8. Medical And First Aid Arrangements
Every event must have first aid resources, no matter the size. In Perth, St John Ambulance and other providers offer event medical services, but you must book them early.
Base your first aid needs on attendee numbers, event type, and risk profile. For example, an outdoor sporting event may need more medics and an ambulance on site, while a conference may only need a first aid kit and trained staff.
Minimum first aid requirements in Perth:
|
Attendees |
First Aiders |
First Aid Posts |
|---|---|---|
|
Up to 500 |
2 |
1 |
|
501–2,000 |
4–6 |
2 |
|
2,001–5,000 |
8–10 |
3 |
|
Over 5,000 |
10+ |
4+ |
Practical tip: Place first aid points where they are visible and easy to reach. Mark them clearly on your event maps and communicate their location to staff and guests.
9. Alcohol And Substance Control
If your event serves alcohol, you must follow WA’s liquor licensing laws. This includes employing Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) staff, limiting drink quantities, and preventing underage drinking.
Set up clear boundaries for licensed areas and use security staff to check IDs. For larger events, consider wristbands for attendees over 18. Work closely with police and licensees—random checks are common in Perth.
Non-obvious insight: You can be held legally responsible if a guest is injured or causes an incident after drinking at your event.
Practical tip: Plan for safe transport options (like taxi ranks or rideshare zones) to reduce drunk driving risks after your event.
10. Bag Checks And Prohibited Items
Bag checks are a simple but effective way to keep events safe. Make a list of prohibited items—such as weapons, glass bottles, drones, or fireworks—and display it at entry points and on your website.
Train security staff to conduct respectful, consistent bag checks. Use metal detectors for larger or high-profile events. Offer an amnesty bin for prohibited items to be surrendered.
Example: At Optus Stadium, all bags are checked, and prohibited items are confiscated before entry. This policy is clearly communicated to ticket holders in advance.
Practical tip: Avoid long queues by having enough staff and clearly marked search lanes.
11. Surveillance And Cctv
CCTV is a powerful tool for both prevention and investigation. In Perth, public events with more than 500 attendees are strongly advised to have CCTV, especially at entry points, bars, and car parks.
Work with your venue or security company to install cameras in key locations. Make sure cameras are monitored in real time, not just recording footage. Keep signs posted to inform guests that CCTV is in operation, as required by law.
Non-obvious insight: Good quality, well-placed cameras are more valuable than lots of low-quality ones. Focus on entrances, exits, and high-risk areas.
Practical tip: Test all cameras and recording systems before the event starts. Back up footage for at least 28 days in case of incidents.
12. Staff And Volunteer Training
Even the best plans fail if your staff and volunteers are not properly trained. All team members must know emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and how to report suspicious activity.
Run a pre-event briefing for all staff, including security, catering, and volunteers. Use scenario-based training to prepare for real-life incidents—like crowd surges, lost children, or a medical emergency.
Non-obvious insight: Volunteers can be your “eyes and ears” in large events, spotting problems before they escalate.
Practical tip: Give all staff a pocket-sized event info sheet with key contacts, procedures, and maps.
13. Lost And Found Procedures
Lost property and missing children are common issues. Set up a clear lost and found process, with a central location and logbook for items and reports.
For lost children, have a safe waiting area and a strict process for reuniting families, including ID checks. Announce lost property procedures at the start of your event and post signs at key locations.
Example: At Perth Zoo, lost children are escorted to a dedicated “safe zone” until reunited with their guardians, with all details logged for security.
Practical tip: Use wristbands or ID tags for children at family events, making it easier to contact parents if needed.
14. Cybersecurity For Ticketing And Payments
Modern events rely on digital ticketing, online payments, and Wi-Fi. These systems are convenient but can create new security risks—like hacking, ticket fraud, and data breaches.
Choose reputable ticketing platforms with strong security credentials. Use secure Wi-Fi networks and keep payment systems separate from public Wi-Fi. Train staff to spot phishing attempts and report suspicious transactions.
Non-obvious insight: Cyber incidents can damage your reputation even more than a physical security breach, as news spreads quickly online.
Practical tip: Regularly update passwords and monitor sales channels for fake tickets or scam websites.
15. Post-event Review And Incident Reporting
After your event, conduct a security review with your team. Log all incidents, from minor injuries to lost property, and analyse what worked and what didn’t. This helps you learn for next time and may be required for insurance or council reporting.
Share your findings with all stakeholders—security providers, venue managers, and emergency services. Keep records of all incidents for at least 12 months.
Example: Many large Perth events use debrief surveys for staff and security teams, asking for feedback on crowd flow, communication, and emergency response.
Practical tip: Use this review to update your risk assessment for future events, building a safer and more efficient process each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common Security Risks At Perth Events?
The most common risks include crowd surges, alcohol-related incidents, lost children, medical emergencies, and theft. Outdoor events may face extra challenges from weather and wildlife. Every event is different, so do a risk assessment for your specific situation.
How Many Security Guards Do I Need For My Event?
There’s no fixed rule, but a common guideline is one licensed guard per 100 attendees for concerts or festivals. Smaller, seated events may need less. Always check with your local council, as requirements can change based on event type and risk level.
Do I Need Cctv At My Perth Event?
CCTV is strongly recommended for any event over 500 people, or where alcohol is served. It helps deter crime and provides evidence if something goes wrong. Make sure you comply with WA privacy laws, and inform guests that cameras are in use.
What Should I Do If There’s A Security Incident At My Event?
Follow your emergency response plan. Alert your security team, contain the situation, and contact police or emergency services if needed. Keep detailed records of the incident and debrief with your team afterwards. Communication and calm leadership are key.
Where Can I Find More Information On Event Security Regulations In Wa?
The Western Australia Police Force website offers detailed guides on event security, licensing, and safety requirements. You can visit WA Police Security Industry for the latest updates.
Getting event security right in Perth is more than a legal requirement—it’s the foundation of a memorable, successful event. By following this checklist, you’re not just ticking boxes; you’re building trust with your guests, your staff, and your community. Don’t leave safety to chance.
Plan ahead, work with the right partners, and review your process after every event. It’s the best way to ensure your next event is safe, compliant, and unforgettable.