9.1 FOOD

If you are serving food at your event you may be required to notify the NSW Food Authority. You should also ensure food counters are accessible to people in a wheelchair (also see 11. Accessibility).

Food suppliers to your event must comply with the Food Standards Code. Liquor licences also require that food must be available if liquor is served.

For more information on notifying the NSW Food Authority phone 1300 522 406 or go to www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/f-notification.htm

For more information on the Food Standards Code phone Food Standards Australia on (02) 6271 2222 or go to www.foodstandards.gov.au/thecode/foodstandardscode.cfm
                                                                                                                         

9.2 WATER

It is vital that you make drinking water available to attendees, participants, staff, volunteers, contractors, performers, etc at your event particularly if:

• you are expecting large crowds (also see 6. Safety and security)
• the weather is likely to be hot (also see 6. Safety and security)
• participants are required to walk a long distance e.g. in a parade
• there is the chance participants will overheat (e.g. if there is a mosh pit, space is limited, etc.).

It is a legal requirement that you have free drinking water readily available when selling alcohol (see 6. Safety and security). 
                                                                                                                        

9.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT

Even small events can generate large amounts of waste. You may be required to submit a “Waste management plan” as part of your application for event approval to the local council or landowner (see 4. Who should you talk to?).

Some aspects for consideration are:

• waste receptacles—type, quantity and placement
• emptying of receptacles—frequency, operational issues (e.g. will waste trucks be able to access necessary areas at your event)
• managing waste which has not been placed in receptacles
• managing waste during and after your event
• types of packaging used in order to minimise waste
• recycling.

For advice on waste management contact the local council (see 4. Who should you talk to?). The NSW Department of Environment and Conservation also has some valuable information outlining seven steps you can take to ensure a “Wastewise Event”. Phone them on (02) 8837 6000 or go to their website at www.wastewiseevents.resource.nsw.gov.au 
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9.4 TOILET FACILITIES

It is essential that there are sufficient toilet facilities at your event for the number of expected attendees. If alcohol is being sold, this could increase demand.

If there are not enough permanent toilet facilities at the site you may need to provide portable toilets. You should talk to a reputable supplier about the number and placement of toilets, and arrangements for emptying during the course of the event, as required. A visit by a supplier to the site before the event would help them to advise you.

You should also consider providing:

• sanitary bins
• toilet facilities that are accessible to people with a disability
• baby change rooms. 
                                                                                                                       

9.5 FIRST AID

It is essential that you provide adequate facilities and qualified personnel to administer first aid. Advice as to the necessary facilities should be sought from qualified first aid practitioners. It is also a good idea to ascertain whether any key staff have basic first aid training.

If an event is being held on water you will need to have qualified aquatic personnel present.

There are several first aid suppliers to events including St John Ambulance, Unimed and Paramedical Services Pty Ltd. Check your telephone directory under First aid. 
                                                                                                                             

9.6 NOISE

It is illegal for offensive noise to emanate from a public place so it is important to carefully consider the impact that noise will have on the surrounding environment. Consult with the venue/landowner and local council about managing noise at your event, especially as some venues have maximum noise levels.

If using a public address system you should consider the following:

• times of use
• position of speakers
• direction of speakers
• sound checks
• noise monitoring—who will do this and how?

Also important is the ability to adjust noise levels immediately in the event of a noise complaint or a request from authorities. If it is considered that your event is generating offensive noise you can be issued with a warning or fine.

You may also need to provide protection for staff and volunteers working in noisy areas (see 6. Safety and security). Depending on the equipment being used at the event, qualified sound/audio technicians might be required to operate it.