How to join the
Safety Assist Program

Responsible adults can apply to have their houses or businesses registered as Safety Assist premises. There are no restrictions on the times that residents are required to be available at the premises.

The occupants of Safety Assist premises are not expected to solve the problem but will contact police, family, ambulance or other appropriate agency as the situation requires. Applicants must have access to a telephone at their premises at all times.

A Safety Assist location may be:
  • A private residence
  • A commercial establishment – eg shop, supermarket, office
  • An institution – eg fire station, hospital


    • Application forms must be completed. Please download the application form below and send it to the Safer Communities office. Alternately contact Safer Communities during office hours on (08) 8373 0818 to have a form sent out to you.
    Application Form (PDF)
    NOTE: Requires Adobe Reader
    A National Criminal History Record Check Application Form (PD267) is available from the SAPOL website or Download Here.
    Download a free copy of Adobe Reader

    Police and community checks are undertaken on applicants.

    Commercial and institutional premises nominate the proprietor, manager or other responsible employee who will act as the Safety Assist contact.

    Approved applicants are presented with signs and guidelines. Local committees undertake regular monitoring in their areas to ensure Safety Assist signs remain clearly visible and to maintain checks on the occupancy of the premises.

    Occupants of Safety Assist:
  • Assist children and other members of the community who are frightened, injured, sick, lost, harassed or in need of help in any way.
  • Provide a temporary refuge for those in need.
  • Contact parents, families, police, Crisis Care, or other agency as the situation requires.
  • Do not give food, drink, medication, transport, first aid or unnecessary shelter except in special circumstances.
  • Record all uses of Safety Assist and forward reports to the Association office.


    • Guidelines for commercial establishments and institutions
    The Safety Assist network includes private premises as well as shops and shopping centres, offices, fire stations, banks, doctors’ surgeries, Australia Post locations, electorate offices, public transport buses, Surf Life Saving patrol bases and so on.

    Application forms must be completed. Please download the application form below and send it to the Safer Communities office. Alternately contact Safer Communities during office hours on (08) 8373 0818 to have a form sent out to you.
    Commercial Application Form (PDF)
    NOTE: Requires Adobe Reader
    Download a free copy of Adobe Reader

    Criteria for commercial establishments and institutions
  • There must be a prominent position for a Safety Assist sign to be attached to the premises so that the sign is clearly visible, particularly for anyone looking for help. The selected position must not be surrounded by advertising material that may detract from the sign or obscure it. An ideal situation for the sign is inside the front window nearest the front entrance to the premises.
  • There must be easy access to the front door of the premises, as well as an easily accessible reception area or front counter.
  • A responsible person must normally occupy a position that ensures that anyone needing assistance does not have to search for help.
  • Personnel must have a clear vision to the entrance at all times.
  • The physical aspect of the premises must be such that members of the community will not be afraid to enter, and will receive help immediately. Beware of deserted stairways and corridors between the entrance and your personnel.
  • The occupation of the premises must not, in itself, present a possible danger, eg panel beaters, engineering works and so forth.
  • Safer Communities Australia Inc must be contacted if the business closes or there is a change in proprietor or contact person.


    • Premises normally suitable are delicatessens, chemists, butchers, medical clinics, fast food premises etc.

    Most situations can be dealt with at the front counter. It is not usually necessary to take a child or other person behind the counter. One telephone call is usually all that is necessary to contact the appropriate authority to deal with the situation.

    Application forms for commercial establishments and institutions are available on request from the Safer Communities Australia office.

    Need further information?
     Guest speakers are available to present talks at meetings of service clubs, church groups or other community organisations.

    Safety Assist is an important element in community safety and security. Many more Safety Assist locations are needed in every suburb and in every country area. You don’t need to be home all the time and you don’t invite strangers into your home. Usually only a single phone call is required to call for appropriate assistance.

    Would you offer assistance to a distressed person who came to your door? Being a member of the Safety Assist program asks no more than that.

    Safety Assist – sign of a Safer Community.
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