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                    Safety, amenity and performance reviews

                    Busker playing drums
                    City of Melbourne is responsible for safely and effectively managing activities in public places. Buskers must also take responsibility for their actions while performing in a public place. Assessment through a safety, amenity and performance review forms part of the permit application process.

                    The safety, amenity and performance review will determine if your act fits into the description of busking and assess the safety and amenity aspects of the performance in accordance with the guiding principles. All applications are assessed according to the relevant assessment criteria for each permit type. 

                    An audition is not required for general area, pavement art or circle act buskers. However, minimum performance standards must be evident in order to be eligible for a busking permit. 

                    Applications for premium permits, including Bourke Street Mall, will be assessed with additional quality criteria as well as a live audition (excluding short-term interstate or international applications).

                    If you have any questions or require clarification on any points, please ask at the review session.

                    Please note that your performance will be judged on level one and level two review criteria. Please see the FAQs for more information.

                    Requirements for each permit type

                    General area, pavement art and circle act performers without dangerous goods

                    To book a Safety, amenity and performance review, please fill out the Busking Safety and Amenity Review/Q&A Session form

                    You may be required to provide a demonstration of your intended street performance by video before the safety and amenity review, or a live demonstration after the seminar has completed. If this is the case, please bring all equipment required for your proposed performance to the review session.

                    Circle act performers with dangerous goods

                    ​You must demonstrate your skills, experience and understanding of safety for both the public and yourself while using dangerous goods in the public space. 

                    You will be assessed at a specialist peer safety assessment session. See Circle act permits for more information. 

                    Note: Circle act with dangerous goods performers are still required to attend the safety, amenity and performance review.

                    Premium permits (Bourke Street Mall)

                    Applicants must have held a current and valid general area permit for a minimum of six months, without incident. Please note that your performance will be judged on level one and level two review criteria – see the FAQs for more information.

                    All premium busking permit applicants must bring instruments, costumes (if applicable) and provide a display of the intended street performance. All members of the group must attend.

                    Visiting professional acts seeking a temporary permit may apply without holding a general area permit first. 

                    Safety, amenity and performance review FAQs

                    Where are the reviews conducted?

                    For general area, pavement art, circle act without dangerous goods and Bourke Street Mall permit applicants, review sessions will be held in:

                    Nat Bonacci Room
                    Mezzanine level, Council House 2
                    240 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 

                    The room is accessible for those travelling around Melbourne by wheelchair or scooter. Parents can bring prams. There is a bathroom attached to the room.

                    Please be on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will need to rebook your place at another review session.

                    Ensure you factor in additional time to sign in and register (around 5 to 10 minutes) at Security Concierge in the foyer of Council House 2.

                    Security staff may ask you to present bags for inspection. These security measures are precautionary and are not in response to any specific threat.

                    Please note: Filming or photography within City of Melbourne buildings is not allowed without permission from the City of Melbourne.

                    Premium permit auditions are held in the Bourke Street Mall busking sites.

                    Circle act with dangerous goods safety assessments are held at Queensbridge Square, Southbank.

                    More information

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