Several bodies expect written notice rather than an application. They are easy to do and easy to forget, and their absence is noticed only when something goes wrong and someone asks who was told.
Emergency services in particular plan their own rosters around local events, and they notice when something appears on their patch unannounced.
What applies, and when
4 requirements sit under this topic, longest lead time first. Lead times are counted back from the first public day of your event.
Notify the local Chamber of Commerce
3 months before
We draft it
Local Chamber of Commerce · At least 3 months prior (permit condition)
The Shire's permit conditions require written notification to the local Chamber of Commerce at least three months prior to the event, as consultation and input may be required.
Why this mattersThree months notice to the local Chamber is an actual permit condition, and almost nobody knows it exists. It's also free marketing: the Chamber's members are your food vendors, sponsors and neighbours. One email, big goodwill.
Verified against: Condition on Shire event permit EVT2025/090; not stated in the Shire guide.
Councillor Duties & Speech Request Form
2 months before
We draft it
Mornington Peninsula Shire · Email to councillor.support@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Required to invite the CEO, Mayor or Councillors to your event.
Why this mattersIf you want the Mayor to speak, the request form needs to go in early; diaries fill and speeches get scheduled through Councillor Support, not on the day. Give them a time, a duration and a contact person. A well-hosted Councillor is worth a lot at your next permit application.
Advertising signage approval
2 months before
Apply to another body
Shire Local Laws · One approved signage board is included with your permit
One approved signage board is included with your event permit; additional boards must be approved through Local Laws. Do not place posters, flyers or signage on public infrastructure (poles, fences, bins, trees, bus shelters) without approval. Signage in Melbourne Water areas needs Melbourne Water approval.
Why this mattersOne approved signage board comes with your permit; more than that needs Local Laws approval, and nothing goes on poles, trees, bins or bus shelters, ever. The roaming flyer hand-out is also banned at event sites. Plan your wayfinding signage into the site plan instead.
Notify nearby residents and businesses
1 month before
We draft it
Community · At least 1 month before your event
Event name, date, location including bump in/out times, purpose, expected attendance, activities, disruptions (noise, transport, road closures), and a contact number for queries or complaints. Use a letterbox distributor if needed. Roaming distribution of flyers at event sites is not permitted without prior Shire approval.
Why this mattersA notified neighbour rings you; an un-notified neighbour rings the council, and complaints logged with the Shire follow your event into next year's application. Letterbox the streets around the site with dates, bump in and out times, what to expect and your number. Include the fireworks warning so pets get locked in.
Find out which of these apply to your event
Answer plain questions about your event once. Sorted Permits works out exactly which of the 47 requirements apply, when each is due, and drafts the documents for you to review.
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