Falls Festival has introduced a patron safety initiative. Photo David Lowe
Organisers of Falls Festival, held at the North Byron Parklands in Yelgun, say they will be introducing sexual assault counsellors to all sites.
Assisting alongside onsite medical teams and police, organisers say the counsellors ‘will be able to provide immediate crisis care, introduce victims to local support services for short- and long-term help and guide them through the various processes should they want to engage police to pursue further action.’
It’s part of a ‘constant process of improvement’ for Falls Festival, say organisers.
Other measures to improve safety include increasing number of CCTV cameras across the site and security in the campgrounds. Key event staff will also undertake psychological first aid training
Zero-tolerance
Falls co-producers Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco said, ‘Falls has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to dangerous and irresponsible behaviours; the safety of our patrons is our foremost concern.’
‘We work year round to bring together incredible events at some of Australia’s most iconic locations – we want everyone to feel free and safe in our spaces and to leave with great memories.’
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