Event Guidelines

  1. Approach the NCA to conduct an event
    • Select and book appropriate venue
  2. NCA Events will provide a list of documentation required to be submitted prior to event approval being granted
  3. NCA Events will provide an event specific quote for your event
  4. Submit necessary documentation with any application fees
  5. Liaise with other agencies and Operational Stakeholders
    • ACT Government, Police, Emergency Services, Action Buses etc.
  6. Attend a coordination conference with the NCA and the relevant agencies (if required)
    • Conduct an on-site meeting with the NCA and the relevant agencies (if required)
  7. Obtain the permit / works approval and /or licence agreement
  8. Arrange a pre and post event inspection of area
    • Restoration of area if required.
  • Contact the NCA’s Events Team at events@nca.gov.au or on (02) 6272 2901
  • Discuss the suitability of various venues and availability of booking
  • Select a preferred venue
  • Submit a completed Event Permit Application Form
  • Complete an application for Works Approval form if the event involves structures to be erected (Pre-event inspections may be required)
  • Submit a map indicating the approximate location of each piece of infrastructure.
  • Advise of any documentation required to be submitted to the NCA prior to final event approval being granted
  • Quote the event accordingly
  • Issue a permit / works approval and/or licence agreement once payment is made and all documentation is received and deemed satisfactory.
  • Advertise any relevant Road Closures
  • Conduct a pre-event site walk through (if applicable) and provide venue keys
  • Request feedback on the venue, our services and the success of your event
  • Conduct a post-event site walk through and inspect the site post event for any damage to the site and adjacent areas.

A checklist of appropriate plans, consultation and approval requirements for an event have been developed by the National Capital Authority (NCA) to guide event organisers when planning an event.

Suitable venues for various activities on National Land are detailed in the NCA events and venues factsheets.

Major events checklist

Consultation and planning 

  • Access Canberra
  • ACT Policing
  • Roads ACT
  • EPA
  • Emergency Services – Fire Brigade and Ambulance
  • Workcover
  • Office of Fair Trading – liquor licensing, security staff etc  
  • Neighbours, Cultural Attractions and Businesses  
  • Stakeholder briefing 

Works Approval      

  • Works Approval Application Form
  • Maps indicating all structures associated with the event
  • Engineers certificates/structural diagrams (if applicable)

Event establishment

  • Pre-event inspections
  • Liaison with NCA Open Space and Built Assets contractors

Post event

  • Post event inspection
  • Site rectification works
  • Debrief with stakeholders
  • Bond reconciliation

The NCA charges for the use of National Land. Fees are charged to recover costs associated with the administration and management of National Land. This will also include a bond that has been determined based on the level of risk that damage could occur to Commonwealth assets.

Preamble
The National Capital Authority (NCA) is responsible for managing and promoting the National Triangle. The area is home to a range of national cultural institutions and commemorative sites that tell national stories. One way of telling the national story or commemorating significant occasions is through illumination of buildings.
 

The list below is of Building /Assets that we coordinate to be illuminated: 

  • National Carillon - Queen Elizabeth II Island, Parkes
  • John Gorton Building - King Edward Terrace, Parkes
  • Treasury Building - King Edward Terrace, Parkes
  • Old Parliament House (MoAD) – King George Terrace, Parkes
  • Questacon Building - King Edward Terrace, Parkes
  • Ian Potter Learning and Technology Centre – Denison St, Deakin
  • Captain Cook Memorial Jet (CCMJ) - Barrine Dr, Acton (additional conditions apply, see below)


This policy sets out the criteria and approval process for the illumination of these buildings. The policy is subject to periodic review and may be updated as required.


Criteria for Approval
Lighting requests will only be considered if they meet one of the following criteria:
 

  1. Commemorative Occasions:
         o Public celebrations and commemorations of national significance: such as national days, historic anniversaries, or nationally recognised civic milestones.
        o Diplomatic and ceremonial occasions supported by the Australian government.
  2. Promotion of non-political, registered national charitable awareness campaigns.
  3. Promotion of events hosted by ACT Government or Australian Government entities (including Cultural Institutions)

Lighting requests will not be considered for:

  • Commercial purposes (e.g. Advertising)
  • Personal occasions (e.g. Weddings, birthdays, engagements, memorials)
  • Religious observances


Requests involving foreign governments and/or foreign-related events may be referred to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for consideration and approval.

All requests for lighting of Old Parliament House will be subject to approval by Museum of Australian Democracy.


Captain Cook Memorial Jet (CCMJ) – Additional Conditions:
The CCMJ operates daily from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The CCMJ may be requested to operate between 6:00pm-9:00pm, in line with the approval criteria above.
Operation of the CCMJ is highly weather dependent. The CCMJ will not be operated in the event of strong winds as well unsuitable condition of the Lake Burly Griffin’s water quality.
A fee of $1,000 applies to approved CCMJ lighting requests. In the event the CCMJ operation is cancelled by the NCA, the fee will be refunded.


Application process:
All applications must be made through the NCA website as an online application Venue hire | National Capital Authority, or by emailing events@nca.gov.au directly.

All lighting applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the proposed illumination date. Applications received within this timeframe may be subject to restrictions, including limited availability of buildings or structures that can be illuminated.

Lighting approvals are granted on a first come, first served basis, and are limited to one night per request. Multiyear applications are not available—new applications must be submitted each year.

The NCA reserves the right to alter or cancel any approved application due to unforeseen circumstances, or on advice from government authorities.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.

We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

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