The City of Gosford has a great community spirit. We enjoy our sport and we enjoy our community events. In recent years, however, public liability issues have threatened the survival of several sporting activities and special events. There have been more and more cases of liability affecting everyone from local and state government to private business, from event coordinators to charities, hospitals, clubs and community organisations. These days groups need to know just where they stand and need to know they've covered all bases.

This guide has been produced as a result of community consultation and the need to answer the many puzzling and often confusing questions related to issues such as public liability, risk management, health and safety, running a committee, financial reports and insurance. It aims to give you a better understanding of your legal requirements as a group.

It does not cover every individual aspect related to your obligations - that would take too long - but the guidelines and information in this guide will greatly benefit your group or organisation and help overcome the hurdles that stand in the way of many activities and events and the basic running of committees.

Throughout this guide, there are references to other helpful publications and websites. They too will provide valuable information. And if you don't have access to the internet, you can visit any of Gosford Council's library branches for free internet access. Branches are located at Gosford, Woy Woy, Umina, Niagara Park, Kincumber, Erina, Wyoming and Kariong.

Community groups and organisations have become much more professional over the years. You need to be more transparent and accountable. You don't want to be caught out by not knowing your responsibilities.

This guide aims to make things a little easier for you and your group. It aims to help you work smarter – not harder.

Index to Insurance Guide Documents

• Public Liability Insurance
• Insurance Policies
• Health & Safety for Volunteers
• Risk Management
• Requirements for Section 355 Committees Operating within Council's General Ledger
• Financial Management
• Council Policies - and where to view them

Risk Management Forms

• Risk Management Matrix - Example (PDF file, 24kb)
• Risk Assessment Control Forms with Example (PDF file, 25kb)

Application Forms

• Public Liability Premium Grant - Application Guidelines (PDF file, 50kb)
• Public Liability Premium Grant - Application Form (PDF file, 62kb)