Code of Conduct

Oz Feline Fair Anti-Harassment Policy

Oz Feline Fair is dedicated to providing a welcoming and harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance (including costumes), body size, race, or religion.

We do not tolerate harassment, bullying, or assault of anyone in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate at any Oz Feline Fair venue, including in talks. People violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the Oz Feline Fair organisers, and authorities may be contacted.

The definitions of harassment extend to everyone including performers, media personnel, cat exhibitors, vendors, contractors, workers & volunteers, venue staff, and celebrity guests. Harassment from or towards anyone, anywhere, is not acceptable.

Definition of Harassment

Harassment / Bullying includes, but is not limited to:

• offensive verbal or written comments or profanity
• audible or visual threats or blackmail
• deliberate intimidation, stalking, following (whether in person or online)
• harassing / inappropriate photography or recording
• sustained disruption of talks or other events, or disturbance to the detriment of others or cats
• inappropriate physical contact, or contact that causes pain or injury
• unwelcome sexual attention
• sexual images or displays in public spaces
• making someone fearful through certain behaviours
• assault of a physical nature
• slander and/or unsubstantiated claims

It is up to everyone to be conscious of their behaviour and the behaviours of others and call out those who are behaving inappropriately. What a person may think to be cool to their friends, may not be cool to others nearby, so everyone should be aware of their surroundings and the feelings and opinions of others at all times.

Consequences of Behaviour

Oz Feline Fair or our Venue Security Teams may take any action they deem appropriate within the scope of the Law – People asked by staff to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately. 

One warning only will be given. Oz Feline Fair will expel offenders who repeatedly violate these policies; organisers may also notify local law enforcement authorities.

All recorded details of the incident gathered for its reporting (which may include but are not limited to security footage, video playback and photographs, statements from victims and witnesses, etc) will be handed over to the Police if required.

Reporting Harassment

If you are being harassed or bullied Oz Feline Fair please contact a member of staff immediately or go to the Information Desk for help. Oz Feline Fair staff and volunteers can be identified by coloured vest or shirts with Oz Feline Fair printed on them. 

If you wish to make a report, staff will record all relevant details, including witness statements, in an Incident Report Form, and further assist you to contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel supported for the duration of the event.

If you witness harassment or bullying immediately contact Oz Feline Fair Staff or Security and notify them, do not engage directly yourself. Take note of the person’s appearance and any other information, like the time and location the incident occurred, what was said or done and by whom, and whether the person or persons moved to a different location after the incident. You may also be called upon to provide a witness statement in the case of an Incident Report being completed.

Oz Feline Fair discourages individuals from taking any personal physical action against someone they have witnessed engaging in harassing or bullying behaviour, or whom they suspect to be a perpetrator of such behaviour.

We expect all people to follow this Anti-Harassment Code of Conduct at all Oz Feline Fair venues across Australia and related events.