On this page
Legal considerations when holding an event
There are many reasons why your organisation may hold an event.
Your organisation may hold an event to raise money for its activities or for a particular cause, or just to promote the great work it does.
Events may include a conference, a stall in a local market, an annual dinner and awards night, or a weekend away for members. Some community organisations may be set up solely for the purposes of holding an annual event, like a music festival.
There are many legal issues to consider when holding an event.
We have published checklists to help you work through these issues when you hold an event.
Use the checklists together with the guide on legal considerations when holding events that is relevant to your state or territory.
In general, the following types of activities are fundraising:
- requesting donations to help a person, cause or organisation (whether in person or online)
- selling merchandise or memberships where some or all of the profits will go towards helping a person, cause or organisation, or
- holding events to raise money for a person, cause or organisation
Holding events in each state or territory
Our guides highlight particular considerations for different kinds of events, including information about:
- permits that your community organisation may need to obtain before holding an event and what to think about when hiring a venue or equipment
- copyright, marketing and promotions
- event insurance, legal obligations around event safety and providing accessible events and activities
- sponsorship for an event and raising money
- tax considerations concerning events
- events that involve food, and
- events that involve alcohol
Select the state or territory where your organisation is based and download the relevant guide:
The content on this webpage was last updated in December 2024 and is not legal advice. See full disclaimer and copyright notice.
Apply for free legal help
This is legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should always contact a lawyer for advice specific to your situation.