In 2004, the City of Greater Geelong established a multi-agency group designed to provide a smoother and more efficient connection between event organisers and stakeholders in the community.

The Events Multi Agency Working Group (EMAWG) will provide consistency and coordination between City departments, relevant authorities and official agencies, with the authority and responsibility to approve events and activities in the region.

The agencies involved in EMAWG include: State Emergency Services (SES), Rural Ambulance Victoria, Workcover, Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Victoria Police.

The group's key purpose is to work with you as an event organiser in ensuring all responsibilities are met in the planning, approval, and staging of a safe and successful event in the Geelong region.

As an event organiser, you may be required to attend a meeting of EMAWG at least ONE MONTH prior to your activity to present key details relating to your event including traffic management, risk management, and marketing. The Events and Marketing Services Unit will advise you of the necessary process.

Post event, you may also be required to provide a debrief presentation to EMAWG. This usually occurs within two months after the event being held.

EMAWG's terms of reference: EMAWG Terms of Reference (PDF-45KB)

The proposed objectives of the EMAWG are to:
>  Work as an integrated team of multi disciplinary professionals to achieve positive outcomes
>  Provide a consistent manner for information transfer regarding events
>  Ensure that event organisers give appropriate consideration to their responsibilities
>  Improve the level of general event awareness through more effective planning and communications

Event organisers are asked to present:
>  An event description and project plan
>  A Site Plan identifying roads / sites to be used
>  A Risk Assessment
>  A Traffic Management Plan (if applicable)
>  Emergency Management procedures 
>  Information on relevant event permits
>  Information on environmental health issues
>  A copy of their Certificate of Currency
>  Details relating to their promotion and marketing campaign

All events that are funded via Geelong Major Events are required as part of their funding criteria to attend a pre event planning meeting with the group and a post event debrief once their event has been conducted.

EMAWG meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at City Hall from 11:00am. Meetings are by appointment only and are not open to the public.