News and updates

This a reminder to all Clubs that the Pre-Event Safety Checklist, becomes mandatory for all events from 1 April 2026. 

The checklist is intended to be a simple, high-level prompt to help Clubs undertake a common-sense assessment of the venue and facilities on the day of the event. It is not a technical risk assessment, and Clubs are not expected to be experts in safety or risk management.

The purpose of the checklist is simply to demonstrate that reasonable and practical steps have been taken to review the conditions of the grounds and facilities and to identify anything that may potentially be unsafe or could cause injury. The checklist is designed to prompt Clubs to look at obvious matters such as ground conditions, hazards, weather, access and equipment prior to the commencement of the event.

Unfortunately, a number of incidents reported in recent times may likely have been prevented if basic checks of the grounds and event setup had been undertaken before the event commenced. The checklist is intended to prompt exactly that process — a practical review of conditions on the day to ensure that obvious issues are identified and addressed where possible.

Importantly, completion of the checklist does not create personal legal responsibility for volunteers or Committee Members. In fact, having a written record that the venue and event setup were reviewed is far more protective than having no documentation at all. It demonstrates that the Club has exercised reasonable care when conducting the event.

Who should complete the checklist

The checklist should be completed by a member of the Club’s Committee as part of the event setup process or during the final preparations prior to the event.

The checklist should not be completed by the Show Representative, as the responsibility for reviewing the venue and event setup sits with the Club conducting the event.

Where multiple clubs are using the same venue

Where several Clubs are conducting events at the same venue on the same day, or where combined shows are held across multiple days, only one checklist needs to be completed for the venue for each day.

However, a copy of that completed checklist must still be submitted with the Representative’s Report for each show conducted that day.

This ensures that the same documented inspection applies to all events while avoiding unnecessary duplication.

The checklist is designed to be quick and practical to complete and to formalise the common-sense checks that most Clubs already undertake when setting up for their events.

DOGS NSW acknowledges and appreciates the ongoing commitment of volunteers who conduct events across NSW. This initiative is intended to support Clubs, strengthen practical risk management practices, and help protect both Clubs and the organisation in the event of an incident or insurance claim.

For Instructions on completing the Checklist, please click here.

To view and download the Checklist click here.