Safety Assist Program
Index
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Safety Assist statistics
  • First Aid Post


    • The Safety Assist program is a voluntary network of approved residences, offices, shops, public buildings and public transport that display the Safety Assist sign as an indication to people of all ages that reliable help is available.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does a Safety Assist sign mean?
    Safety Assist signs indicate the locations of places where people can seek help. The problem could range from being lost, injured, bullied, frightened or feeling unsafe to needing to contact road service or call for emergency services.

    How do I find a Safety Assist location?
    Look for the distinctive Safety Assist logo on a letterbox, near the front of a house, in a window of a shop or other business premises, in shopping centres, on the side of buses and any other places that display the Safety Assist signs in your community.
    Many areas have street signs pointing to the nearest Safety Assist location. The street number might also be on this sign.

    What help do occupants of Safety Assist premises give?
    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. A Safety Assist occupant does not give food, drink, medication, transport or unnecessary shelter, except in special circumstances.
    While you would enter Safety Assist business premises to seek help, you do not go inside private residences. Safety Assist occupants will come to the door and you will wait there while they call for appropriate help.
    Any person, any age, can seek help at a Safety Assist location at any time.

    Where do people look for Safety Assist locations?
    Originally residences; now residences, offices, shops and shopping centres, Australia Post corporate outlets, National Bank branches, public libraries, public transport buses, Surf Life Saving patrol bases, schools and other approved locations that display the Safety Assist sign.

    Who can use Safety Assist locations?
    Originally primary aged children; now people of any age.

    Are there limited times when Safety Assist locations can be used?
    Originally going to and from school times; now all day every day of the year.

    Why do people use Safety Assist?
    For any reason of personal distress eg lost, hurt, bullied, emergency, vehicle breakdown, threatened.

    What is the role of Safety Assist people?
    Safety Assist people do not manage the distress but contact the most appropriate agency eg parents, family, police, ambulance, fire etc.
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    Safety Assist statistics

    Number of Safety Assist locations
    Throughout South Australia, there are approximately 4,000 residences, offices, libraries, surgeries, banks etc that display the Safety Assist logo, indicating the willingness of those who live or work inside to help people, especially children, who need help.

    Safety Assist usage
    Each year there are approximately 150 recorded uses of Safety Assist locations in South Australia. Actual usage is considerably higher.

    The Safety Assist network includes:
  • All 24 hour metropolitan fire stations
  • Businesses, including doctors’ surgeries, delicatessens, offices, etc
  • All Australia Post corporate offices
  • Some banks
  • Police stations
  • Electorate offices
  • Surf Life Saving patrol bases
  • Hospitals
  • Pharmacy chains
  • Public libraries
  • Members of Parliament Electorate Offices
  • Fast food outlets
  • University campuses
  • Many other businesses and institutions


    • Common reasons for use
    Some of the most common reported usages of Safety Assist locations include:
  • Lost or disoriented
  • Injured or ill
  • Harassed or bullied
  • Domestic violence situations
  • Car break down
  • Reporting an incident – vandalism, fire, etc
  • Frightened by animals


    • More Safety Assist locations are needed to provide protection for our community. Any responsible adult can apply to become a member of the Safety Assist program.
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    First Aid Post

    Safety Assist members may extend their community service by becoming a part of St John’s First Aid Post. This is a collaborative program between Safer Communities Australia and St John Ambulance.

    As a participant of the First Aid Post program, members can provide first aid treatment to anyone seeking help.

    Conditions of membership to St John’s First Aid Post:
  • First Aid Post membership is offered to Safety Assist residents in private premises.
  • Members require a current Senior First Aid Certificate and continuing certification. Training is provided by St John, with the cost of the course being reimbursed after 6 months in the program.
  • A suitable First Aid Kit is essential. This is available through St John at a discounted price to members.
  • A First Aid Post sign needs to be displayed


    • First Aid Post premises are identified with the words “First Aid Post” under the Safety Assist sign.
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    Lost? Hurt? Feeling unsafe?
    Look for the Safety Assist sign for help.
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