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Planning an event in Yarra

A diverse range of festivals, events and activities occur within the City of Yarra.

Council values these activities for the contribution they make towards the diversity, liveability and vitality of the local area.

Planning an event in the City of Yarra

There are many considerations, regulations, permits and permissions that may be applicable to a planned activity. Event and activity organisers are responsible for making sure they meet all the requirements needed to host an event or associated activity.

To discuss the key elements and requirements requiring consideration when planning an activity or event in Yarra, contact Council’s Arts Development Officer, Festivals and Events on 9205 5109.

Contacting the Yarra City Council

Contact details for Council officers responsible for a range of activity-related requirements are listed below.

If you make contact via email, your enquiry will automatically be forwarded to the relevant officer. An automatic reply will respond to your email with a reference number. It is helpful to include the officer or the unit title in the subject line of the email, so that your enquiry is forwarded to the correct officer.

If you wish to meet with an officer in person, please organise an appointment directly with the officer in advance.

Where permits, permissions or application forms are required, please refer to the relevant section of Council’s website or contact the relevant officer. Hard copy forms are available on request from the Access Yarra Unit by phoning or emailing the relevant officer or by downloading directly from the website.

Do you need a permit?

There is no way to categorically determine when an activity requires permits or notifications. Key indicators include:

• size of the activity
• numbers attending
• amount of infrastructure being used
• impact on environment e.g. traffic, waste, parkland, noise
• impact on the public or residents.

Council must be contacted when activities are held in a council-owned facility, a council-controlled open space (this includes parks, reserves and sportsgrounds) or on a road in the municipality. When an activity impacts on roads and reserves controlled by other authorities or private property owners, these people and organisations may also need to be contacted in addition to Council.

To determine if a planned activity requires permits or permissions, you should initially contact one of the Council staff listed below:

Yarra City Council Contact Details 

Places of Public Entertainment (POPES)

Some public events require a Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) permit to ensure they meet public safety standards required by Victorian law.

A POPE is defined as as an area greater than 500m2 which is used for Public Entertainment and is either:

• Enclosed or substantially enclosed or
• To which admission is gained by giving of money or other consideration.

You can find out more about POPE permits here.

Further information
Systems and Business Support Unit
9205 5063
info@yarracity.vic.gov.au