How to Book a Hall or Community Centre

Long-term bookings

Every year in October, Council writes to long-standing regular hirers to ask for expressions of interest in hiring our facilities in the coming year.

Facilities will be allocated on a needs basis.

Where two community groups bid for the same space, Council will negotiate with the two groups to see if one can be accommodated elsewhere nearby. Council’s final decision on allocations will be based on what is the most practical and fairest.

Short-term bookings

Where vacancies exist in the facilities after long-term bookings have been allocated, Council will allocate bookings to community groups who want short-term access. While long-term groups will have priority, Council is flexible in trying to meet long-term as well as short-term needs by seeking cooperation between users.

To book a community facility, register online through the link below:

BOOK A HALL

Cut off time when making a booking

Councils has a cut of time for social functions on the weekend the cut off is close of business on Wednesdays.

Alternatively contact Council’s Customer Service Centre from Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm on 9725 0222.

Costs

Hire fees depend on the size and type of facility and whether the booking is for commercial or community purposes. See Fees and Charges (below) for details about Council’s hire fees.

Conditions of hire

Please read our Community Facility Conditions of Hire(PDF, 483KB) carefully. In case of an emergency or any problems with Council's communities facilities please contact Council's after hours on-call Officer on 9725 0222.

Picking up Keys

Keys for facilities must be collected from Council's Customer Service Centre at the main Administration Building at 86 Avoca Road, Wakeley. Keys must be collected between 8.30am and 4pm on the last working day before the function.

Liquor Permits

All facilities are licensed as a Place of Public Entertainment. Liquor may be consumed on the premises only if a permit has been obtained from the Licensing Sergeant at the nearest police station. 

Fairfield City Council has three categories of hire fees.

The category of each user group is determined on the information provided by the applicant on the application form. Hire fees are charged according to the category which the applicant falls under.

The fees and charges for hiring a hall can be found within Council's Pricing Policy and Fees and Charges.

Social/Private Hire

Hall hire is available for private functions held on weekends and public holidays (excluding Christmas and New Year).

Examples include:

• Weddings
• Christenings
• Engagement parties
• Birthday parties

Council has classified organisations or groups that fall into this category as those not involved in business for the purpose of generating a profit.

Examples include:

• Registered charities
• Non-funded community groups (e.g. playgroups)
• Religious/church groups
• Clubs
• Groups that charge a fee on a cost recovery basis only
• Proof of incorporation, or
• Endorsement from the Commissioner (Australian Taxation Office) that the group or charity is income tax exempt.

Commercial/For Profit Groups

The commercial hire rate applies to the use of Community Facilities that do not fall into either of the above categories.

Community/Not-for-Profit Hire

In order to be classified as Community/not-for-profit, one of the following must be provided with the application form:

• Proof of incorporation, or
• Endorsement from the Commissioner (Australian Taxation Office) that the group or charity is Income tax exempt.

For Community Groups

If a community group no longer needs a space, Council must be advised as soon as possible so the space can be allocated to others. Council needs 4 weeks notice, but will be flexible under special circumstances.

Community groups that fail to notify Council that a facility space is no longer required will be charged the hire fee.

For Casual Hire

As per the hire agreement, the hirer may cancel any booking by contacting the Booking Officer either verbally or in writing at least 4 weeks before the date of the function, in which case Council may refund any deposit paid. If less than 4 weeks notice is given then the hirer will lose their deposit.

All hirers are to notify the Regional Booking Officer if there is any change to the application form.