Parks, Public Spaces And Planning Permits; Everything You Need To Know To Cater For A Successful Corporate BBQ
The great Australian BBQ is always a crowd-pleasing event for your corporate catering function. Add in top quality fresh produce, meat and seafood and it becomes a memorable occasion for people to unwind and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere.
Corporate BBQ catering is popular in all types of locations; from office balconies to bowls clubs, private homes, and the most popular option – one of Melbourne’s many parks. But despite the relaxed nature of the corporate BBQ event, there can be a bit of unexpected planning if it is being held in one of Melbourne’s wonderful parks or public spaces.
To assist you with this process, we’ve created this guide to cover everything you need to know about planning a corporate BBQ event in a park or public space.
Firstly, let’s begin with selecting a location. We are often asked for park recommendations by our clients and we can highly recommend a number of parks in the Melbourne city area.
Here are a list of popular parks for corporate BBQs, you are sure to find one within a short walk from your office:
When organising your corporate BBQ catering make sure to take into consideration:
- You have a functional BBQ with a full gas bottle and cooking tools
- Wind barrier: depending on the location the wind can wreak havoc on the BBQ flame
- Shade; umbrellas, foldout marquee
- Tables, chairs, picnic rugs etc.
- Tables for food service
- Someone to cook the BBQ; you may want to consider hiring a chef it you don’t want to cook the BBQ yourself
- Plates, cutlery, serviettes and serving utensils
- Beverages and ice-tubs
- Miscellaneous items such as a gas lighter, matches, bottle openers, sunscreen, insect repellent etc.
And of course, we can’t talk about having an outdoor BBQ catering in Melbourne without mentioning a wet weather plan! With the fickle weather in Melbourne a viable wet weather plan is always worth considering when planning any function to be held outside. Obtain quotes for a marquee so you are aware of the cost should you need one on the day otherwise you may end up with a nasty additional, last minute cost. In the case of a total fire ban day, your caterer should be able to cook the BBQ at their premise using electric equipment and then deliver it to you cooked and warm to your park location.
Outdoor BBQ Catering Permit in Melbourne
If you are organising or catering for a corporate BBQ event in any public space, whether it be one of the above options or elsewhere, you will need to check with the relevant local council if you need an event permit. Permits ensure public safety and amenity in public spaces and assist in the sustainable management of parks and gardens.
If you are hosting a corporate BBQ event in any parks within the City of Melbourne you will need to apply for an event permit if one or more of these conditions apply to your event:
- You plan to erect infrastructure (for example, a marquee)
- There will be 50 attendees or more
- You require vehicle access into the park itself to drop off equipment
- You are charging participants a fee
Most permit applications can be made online. For larger parks, when submitting an application you will need to select a specific lawn area with the park of your choice, some parks and lawn areas do have restrictions on the type of event that can be held in the space. The City of Melbourne has a handy interactive map that can be viewed online here to assist you with locating a lawn number and other types of public spaces.
Most of the BBQ catering we provide is for less than 50 attendees, as a general rule, for corporate BBQ catering between 50 – 200 people you’ll need to apply for a permit 10 – 30 days prior to the event and to cater for 200+ guests you’ll need to allow 6 weeks to 3 months. For larger scale events, please note that you’ll need to allow between 3 – 12 months depending on the size of the event. For less than 50 attendees generally you won’t need to apply for a permit.
Application fees do apply, currently the application fee is $60. Fees also apply for the site; sites are usually classified as either premium, unique or standard and fees range from $400 – $550.
As part of the permit application process you’ll need to submit an event plan for review. Some of the following information may be required as part of the event plan; event details, event description, running sheet, contact list, public liability insurance, signage, site plan, stakeholder notification plan, noise plan, infrastructure and facilities list, list of vendors (if you are selling anything as part of your event), crowd management plant, risk management plan, emergency management plan, waste management plan and traffic management plan.
Most parks don’t allow you to book the actual BBQ to cook on that is within their parks or gardens so to guarantee access to a BBQ you may want to consider hiring them regardless of if there are any onsite. Only gas-operated BBQ’s are allowed and must be operated within Energy Safe Victoria guidelines. BBQ’s must not be within 4.5m of any foliage and protective matting must be placed on the ground under the BBQ to prevent scorching of the grass and to collect any waste. Gas BBQ’s may not be used on a declared total fire ban day.
Liquor is allowed however, alcohol can only be consumed in conjunction with food. If you are planning to serve alcohol you may require a liquor licence. Most caterers will have the relevant licence should you arrange for them to supply the alcohol for you in conjunction with your BBQ catering.
Elizabeth Andrews Mobile BBQ Catering
At Elizabeth Andrews, we have a number of BBQ menus available, from a basic BBQ menu to gourmet BBQ catering packages. All of our BBQ catering packages can be dropped off to you uncooked, for you to prepare and serve at your leisure.
For a little extra, enjoy the ultimate corporate BBQ event and employ one of our chefs so you can take time out to really relax. And for your gourmet BBQ catering you can upgrade your serving ware to ceramic plates and stainless-steel cutlery for a small additional cost.
We specialise in corporate BBQ catering in Melbourne, but if you want to see more Corporate Event Catering options Click Here or Call us on 9670 4361 and we can help ensure your next BBQ event is a huge success.
