TERMS and CONDITIONS (Please read, applies to all users)
Right of Admission
St Columba Church reserves the right to refuse to hire out the facilities to any party without explanation. The hirer must use only the area in the venue that has been booked and confirmed for use by the hirer. The person resonsible for the hire must remain on the premises for the duration of the hire period.
Hours of Activity
Functions must cease by 11pm and the premises vacated no later than 11:30pm including clean up. Hirers may not enter any facility until the time booked and the booking period must include setting up, dismantling, and cleaning of the venue. We allow up to half an hour before and after your booking at no charge, for setting up and clearing away.
Cleaning
No food or drink is permitted in the Auditorium or Chapel unless prior approval has been given. Hirers are responsible for cleaning and vacuuming any area that they have used and removing all rubbish from the premises. A cleaning recovery fee up to $300 may be charged - this does not include carpet cleaning if it is required. Dishes must be washed and put away and chairs and tables stored as they were found or as agreed.
Noise Complaints
Due care and respect must be shown to other users of the CHurch premises and to neighbouring properties with regard to noise both during and after the event. Noise from loudspeakers (especially from live bands ) must be kept to a moderate level. Windows and doors should be closed in that part of the facility in which a noisy activity is being undertaken. Failure to comply may result in the early closure of your function and the forfeiture of your bond. .
Traffic and Parking
Parking is available on-site. ALWAYS leave the front entrance to the building clear for emergency vehicles and for vehicles dropping off disabled people.
Smoking
The whole church property is a smoke free area - smokers may go to the public footpath to smoke and must contain their cigarette butts. Due to sensitive smoke sensors, we cannot allow vaping, smoke machines nor snow machines indoors.
Safety and Security
The hirer is responsible for the health, safety and well-being of all people attending their function or activity. You are required to explain the Fire Evacuation procedures to all people under your care at the start of your session. The hirer is responsible to ensure that rooms or equipment that have not been hired are not entered, doors that are locked remain so, and that all windows and doors are secured before leaving the premises. The stage ladder may not be used without prior approval.
Attachments and Decorations
Under no circumstances may ANY decorations etc be hung, stapled or adhered to any part of the building without prior approval of the Facility Manager. Suitable floor protection is to be used if stipulated. Loose glitter or confetti are not allowed inside the premises.
Loss or Damage
St Columba Church accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to any property of the hirer or any guest or participant with the hirer including vehicles parked on the premises. No insurance is available to cover loss or damage including property that St Columba has given permission to be stored or is left secured in any storage facility which may be provided.
No equipment or goods are to be stored on the premises without prior agreement. Any items left on the premises after the event without prior arrangement, will be held as lost property for one month.
Liability for damages
The hirer assumes full responsibility for any damages caused by the hirer and any persons at the event including rooms that were not booked for the event. The hirer is liable for the cost of repairs or replacement of equipment that is lost, stolen or damaged beyond what is deemed normal wear and tear, and if not covered by the bond, an additional charge may be applied.
Deposit and Payment
A deposit is required before a booking can be confirmed. The deposit amount will depend on the type of event, but will be no less than 25% of the total hireage cost. Full payment of the hire fee including the bond is due 14 days before the date of the first event, and for each sucessive month or period as agreed. Where these conditions of payment are not met we have the right to cancel the booking.
Separate Charges
Additional charges may apply if St Columba musical instruments or piano are to be moved. Please make sure to identify any special requirements when booking, to avoid unexpected charges for the use of AV equipment, projectors or TV monitors etc. Some of these may incur an extra cost for an operator.
Bond
A bond of $300 is required for all bookings and will be refunded in full, subject to all the conditions of hire being met. A larger bond may be required for some events. St Columba has the right to withhold all or part of the bond and charge the hirer for any additional costs incurred including but not limited to - repair or damage to the premises or furniture or equipment, tidying away furniture, re-arranging seating to its original configuration, extra cleaning, staying beyond the contracted time, disturbance to adjoining properties/neighbours, loss or non-return of keys or security tags.
Hire Rates
Hire agreement and rates between St Columba and hirers will be reviewed annually and price changes may apply. The minimum hire time is one hour, and minimum hire fee is $50.
Cancellation of Bookings
Cancellations made more than seven days before any single event in the hire period will receive a full refund minus a $50 administration fee. If insufficient notice is given, St Columba has the right to withold the full hireage fee for that period.
Changes to venue
St Columba reserves the right to re-arrange a booked venue if church requirements change unexpectedly, such as for a funeral. All realistic attempts will be made to minimise any disruptions this may cause the hirer.