Police will today join health, emergency services and music festival industry experts and leaders at a forum in Melbourne that is putting safety at music festivals at the forefront.
Hundreds of thousands will attend music festivals across Victoria this summer, and the Music Festival Industry Forum is key to preparing for the vibrant season.
The Music Festival Industry Forum, organised by Victoria Police, will be hosted by Professor John Fitzgerald and will include guest speakers, interactive workshops and discussion from a range of stakeholders.
The aim of the forum is to facilitate meaningful discussion and ideas that can translate into outcomes at music festivals. The main themes for the forum include:
• Strategies for reducing drug use and minimising drug harm
• Ensuring road safety for those who live near festivals and are going to and from festivals
• Preventing sexual assaults and crimes against the person at music festivals
• Improving data and information sharing among industry and emergency services
Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said the forum was a joint effort to promote safety and prevent harm at music festivals.
“Victoria is home to a thriving and vibrant music festival scene and we want to support that with the safety of those attending, and the broader community in mind,” DC Nugent said.
“The response from the industry and emergency services to this forum has been fantastic and demonstrates everyone’s commitment to keeping people safe.
“Promoting safety and preventing drug and other harm occurring at these events is a key priority and requires a collaborative approach to address.
“We want Victorians to enjoy the music festival season for what it is, without putting themselves or anyone else in danger.
“Last year we saw a large number of road accidents, drug use and other crimes occurring at festivals which jeopardised the safety of those people, and the broader community.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners in health and education, as well as the industry itself to ensure these vibrant events are celebrated safely and responsibly.”
Alanna Jarry
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