Good Practice Guide for Staging All-Ages Music Events in NSW

The Push is proud to launch an Australian-first resource: a practical guide to leading industry and community practice for staging all-ages events in New South Wales. Backed by Sound NSW through strategic project funding and created in partnership with MusicNSW, this guide is all about making live music more inclusive and accessible for young people across the state. 

The live music landscape for young people has changed a lot over the past decade but the demand hasn’t gone anywhere. Two-in-three young Australians aged 16–25 say attending music events is important to them. Yet access hasn’t kept up, with the number of all-ages shows steadily declining and new barriers making it harder for under‑18s to get involved. The Good Practice Guide is here to tackle those challenges head-on, giving venues, promoters and artists the tools to create safe, inclusive, and vibrant all-ages events that young people can actually attend and enjoy. 

The Good Practice Guide provides a set of robust frameworks and resources for venues, event organisers, and music industry professionals to create safe, engaging, and inclusive environments for young people. Based on a rigorous consultation process led by MusicNSW, The Push has consulted industry experts, young people, and community stakeholders via a series of roundtables and in-depth conversations to ensure the guide reflects the diverse perspectives and aspirations of the industry.  

“Contemporary music plays a vital role in the daily lives of young people. However, with promoters and venues increasingly prioritising 18+ events in licensed premises, there have been reduced opportunities for underage young people to experience and build a connection to live music culture across New South Wales,” said Kate Duncan, CEO of The Push. “Sound NSW’s investment in the Good Practice Guide sets the benchmark nationally.” 

Joe Muller, Managing Director of MusicNSW, adds, “MusicNSW understands the critical importance of increasing participation in live music for young people both on and off the stage. The Good Practice Guide demystifies the steps involved for industry at all levels to deliver safe and inclusive all-ages events across the state.”  

Emily Collins, Head of Sound NSW said “Young people are key to building a more viable music industry. By supporting initiatives like The Push’s Good Practice Guide, Sound NSW is helping to ensure that the next generation of music lovers and creators can experience and contribute to the state’s rich cultural landscape.” 

Download the Good Practice Guide for Staging All-Ages Events in NSW: