Insurance and legal issues

It is important that groups running events have sufficient insurance that will cover them in case something goes wrong. If the event is not organised or ‘auspiced’ by an incorporated body, individual members of the organising group are at risk of being held legally responsible for any accidents. 

Event insurance

Public liability insurance is required for public events. Copies of Certificates of Currency from all participants and service providers will be required to illustrate they have adequate Product and Public Liability Insurance. Also ensure that you comply with any additional requirements imposed by your insurer with particular regard to public liability.

Incorporation

Incorporation is the process of making your group a legally constituted organisation. By being incorporated, your group will be able to continue regardless of any changes to its membership.

An incorporated organisation is able to:

• Operate a bank account

• Sign contracts, hire venues and facilities

• Apply for funding and grants

• Sue or be sued

• Protect group members from being sued and limit the personal liability of individuals within the group.

Non-incorporated groups - auspicing

If your group is not incorporated and wants to run events or apply for funding it may be necessary to identify an auspice.

An auspice is an incorporated sponsoring organisation that is nominated by the organising group to act on their behalf to administer funds and take on legal responsibility for the event.

Your auspice should be an organisation that shares similar ideas and objectives to your group, for example:

• A sports active festival could be auspiced by a local football/netball club

• A community art project could be auspiced by a local arts group

You may be eligible to receive financial assistance and Officer support to help you through the incorporation process. To enquire, email the Community Development Team.