Event Location and Accessibility

A venue needs to be sourced that is suitable for the size of the event, taking into consideration the program and the number of people you are expecting to attend. All indoor venues will have a maximum capacity, hours of operation, noise level, catering and alcohol requirements that must be adhered to. 
It is also important that you take into consideration your surrounding environment and the impact it may have on residents, local businesses and other activities or user groups within the area. Approximately 2 weeks out from the event conduct a letter drop to residents and business that advises them of your event and warns of any noise.

If you are holding an event within parks and reserves you must protect all park facilities from damage and avoid inappropriate use. 
Key areas to protect are: 
Surface (the grass) – for example ensure there are is no infrastructure on site that may burn the grass during hot weather, ensure any vechiles or machinery cause rutting, depressions or indentations into the grass 
Trees – for example do no hang infrastructure from branches and that no vehicles are under the reach or canopy of any tree 
Vegetation – for example ensure there are adequate paths for the number of guests so there is no cutting across greenery or damage to vegetation on garden beds 
Furniture – for example ensure no graffiti occurs or general damage occurs 
Fencing - for example do not attach any items to fencing 
Wildlife – ensure all remaining food is taken with you and not left behind 
Water Features and Water Bodies – Ensure that children must be supervised at all times when in the vicinity of these features. 
A post event inspection with Park Managers will be required to ensure the Reserve/Park is left in reasonable condition. Should any damage occur the Event Organiser will be responsible for the costs associated. 
The selection of your venue/site should also be based around the requirements of your event. The less temporary infrastructure required for your event such as stages, marquees, audio/visual equipment, power and toilets the easier your event will be to organise.

Based on the number of people you anticipate attending, you must make sure there is ample parking including accessible parking. If your venue does not provide the necessary parking requirements then you may have to source appropriate car parking off site and prepare a Traffic Management Plan. 
You must provide accessible events for all community members to attend whether it is an outdoor or indoor event. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Equal Opportunity Act 1995, when a person with a disability wants to attend a function, festival or an event, then equitable, dignified access must be provided. Providing access for all will also assist event organisers to comply with many OHS issues and further enhance the success of the event, as it is inclusive and accessible for all community members. 
The following is a list of recommendations that will assist you in making your event accessible for all. This list is certainly not exhaustive; consider additional recommendations that are specific to your event.

• Continuous accessible path – consider width and surface material 
• Temporary portable ramps 
• Viewing sections at stage/attraction areas with accessible pathways to the site 
• Clear signage with large font, contrasting colours and tactile indicators 
• Accessible toilets and pathways to them 
• Accessible parking – they should be in close proximity as possible to the entrance point of the event. Consider access to pathways from the carpark. 
• A venue that provides wide self opening or easy to open doors 
• Acceptance of Companion Cards for entry fee events 
• Accessible (mobility) utilities such as drinking fountains, picnic tables/seating and bins 
• Appropriate handrails and contrasting line marking on steps, ramps etc. 
• Use of international symbols 
• Marketing and event promotion to be clear, large and contrasting font. Use Arial font size 18 on printed material 
• Provide a site map clearly showing access for all facilities 
• Printed and audible copies of presentations and guest speakers if requested 
• Brief staff on the location of accessible facilities 
• Brief key staff (Wardens) of emergency response procedures taking into consideration people who may require assistance during an evacuation. 

Weslo Events partner companies Holden Street Theatres and Thebarton Theatre can help with Venue hire