Safer Spaces and Accessibility at Freeza Events | Youth Central

Security & staffing

As outlined in the 2016-2018 Freeza Guidelines and Conditions of Service Delivery, it is a requirement of all Freeza providers to have a youth worker with drug and alcohol training present at all Freeza events. This is to ensure that any situation involving young people under the influence is handled appropriately and safely.

Before each event, brief your security guards to make sure any potential situations are responded to in the presence of a youth worker, as this will assist to de-escalate a situation with young people who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please explain to security guards that the event is for and prioritises young people, and that it is our duty of care to ensure that all patrons are safe at all times.

It is the responsibility of each Freeza provider to determine how to best respond to and manage young people under the influence of drugs or alcohol, however The Push recommends that young people who may be affected should in no circumstances be removed from the event without permission from a parent or guardian. Instead they should be monitored at the event by a Freeza worker or security member. It is helpful to communicate to them why their behaviour isn’t appropriate, talking to them in a calm and rational way so they don’t feel isolated or judged.

Safer space & accessibilty

Brainstorm with young people in your committee about how the event could be a space where EVERYONE feels equal and included, safe to attend, comfortable to express their identity freely and without judgement or discrimination.

Some factors to consider are:

  • Prioritising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of colour, female, non- binary, trans and queer folk, people with disability

  • Hiring an AUSLAN interpreter for attendees with impended hearing

  • Not assuming peoples’ pronouns - introducing yourself and your pronouns when you meet someone new

  • A “zero tolerance” policy towards racism, sexism, misogyny, transmisogyny, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia, xenophobia, classism, ableism

 

Some questions to ask are:

  • Is the venue accessible to attendees in a wheelchair or with a physical impairment/injury?

  • Is the venue in a central location in your area, and/or easy/safe to get to by public transport?

  • Are there non-gendered bathrooms in the venue?

  • Is the event ticketed and if so, are there payment options for young people experiencing financial difficulties?

  • Will there be people or security at the event to monitor and appropriately deal with any display of unsafe or discriminatory behavior towards other patrons?

The Push encourages you to research and discuss ways in which you could be creating safe, inclusive and accessible spaces that feel relevant to you, your committee and your community. Opening the conversation up with your committee and brainstorming ideas together is a great way to ensure the needs and values of young people are considered and met.