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A liquor forum is a meeting of licensees, police, local council and liquor industry representatives who meet regularly.

Benefits of attending liquor forums:

  • Improve the operation of your business, making it safer for your community.
  • Keep up to date with your responsibilities.
  • Network and build relationships with other local businesses and police.
  • Develop local harm prevention actions.
  • Share knowledge and experience.

Joining a liquor forum

If you are a licensee or manager and want to join a liquor forum, contact your forum from the list below.

If you can’t find one in your area, contact your local police to see if there is an active forum or plans to establish one.

List of forums in Victoria

  • Apollo Bay

    Apollo Bay Police Station
    Telephone: (03) 5237 6750

    Ararat

    Sergeant Damian Ferrari
    Ararat Police Station
    Telephone: (03) 5355 1500
    Email damian.ferrari@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Ararat liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Bairnsdale

    Bairnsdale Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5150 2600
    Email bairnsdale-liq-acc-mgr@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Bairnsdale liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Ballarat

    Inspector Dan Davison
    Ballarat Police Service Area
    20 Dana Street, Ballarat
    Ph: 53366060

    Email:daniel.davison@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Ballarat liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Banyule (Heidelberg)

    Acting Sergeant Dani Muntz
    Heidelberg Police Station
    Telephone (03) 9450 8000
    Email Dani.Muntz@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Banyule liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Bellarine (Ocean Grove)

    Sergeant Mark Thompson
    Telephone (03) 5225 3145
    Email: mark.thompson@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Bellarine liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Benalla

    Senior Sergeant Mark Byers
    Benalla Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5760 0200
    Email: mark.byers@police.vic.gov.au

    Contact LCV if you would like to join the Benalla liquor forum.

    Bendigo

    Inspector Shane Brundell
    Victoria Police
    Telephone (03) 5448 1443
    Email: shane.brundell@police.vic.gov.au

    Vanessa Wait
    City of Greater Bendigo
    Telephone (03) 5434 6389

    If you would like to join the Bendigo liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Birchip

    Leading Senior Constable Scott Bastow
    Birchip Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5492 2300
    Email scott.bastow@police.vic.gov.au

    Sergeant Jeremy Cook
    Donald Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5495 1530

    If you would like to join the Birchip liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Boroondara

    Sergeant Chris Gordon
    Boroondara Police Station
    Telephone (03) 8851 1111
    Email: christopher.gordon@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Boroondara liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Brimbank

    Sergeant Timothy Lane
    Keilor Downs Police
    Telephone (03) 9363 3333
    Email timothy.lane@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Brimbank liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Cardinia

    Sergeant Darren Shaw
    Pakenham Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5945 2500
    Email darren.shaw@police.vic.gov.au

    Inspector Robert Wallace
    Pakenham Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5945 2500

    If you would like to join the Cardinia liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Central Goldfields (Maryborough)

    Sergeant Steve Cunningham
    Maryborough Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5460 3300
    Email steven.cunningham@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Central Goldfields (Maryborough) liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    City of Casey

    Mark McGuire
    City of Casey
    Telephone (03) 9705 5163
    Email mmcguire@casey.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the City of Casey liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Colac

    Warwick Newman
    Union Hotel
    Telephone (03) 5231 5644

    Aaron Riches
    Geelong Liquor Licensing Unit
    Telephone (03) 5226 3145

    If you would like to join the Colac liquor forum, phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Dandenong Ranges (Belgrave)

    Sergeant Andrew Herdman
    Olinda Police Station
    Telephone (03) 9754 6677

    Email: andrew.herdman@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Dandenong Ranges (Belgrave) liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Darebin

    Sergeant Lee-Anne Hamilton
    Northcote Police
    (03) 9403 0200
    Email: lee.anne.hamilton@police.vic.gov.au

    Daylesford

    Leading Senior Constable Leslie Glenn
    Daylesford Police station
    Telephone (03) 5348 2342
    Email Leslie.glenn@police.vic.gov.au

    Sergeant Matthew Flood
    Daylesford Police station
    Telephone (03) 5348 2342
    Email Matthew.flood@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Daylesford liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Echuca (Campaspe)

    Jacinta Whipp
    Victoria Police
    Telephone (03) 5348 2342
    Email jacinta.whipp@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Echuca (Campaspe) liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Falls Creek

    Inspector Pauline Williams
    Telephone (03) 5723 0827
    Email: pauline.willaims@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Falls Creek liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Far East Gippsland (Orbost)

    Jo Geddes
    Orbost Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5154 1073
    Email jo.geddes@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Far East Gippsland (Orbost) liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Frankston

    The Licencing Inspector
    Frankston Police
    Telephone (03) 9784 5634
    Email FRANKSTON-LAC-OIC@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Frankston liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Gannawarra (Kerang & Cohuna)

    Sergeant Andrew Neil
    Kerang Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5452 1955
    Email: andrew.s.neil@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Gannawarra (Kerang & Cohuna) liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Geelong

    Andrew Harris
    Geelong Police
    Email: andrew.harris@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Geelong liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Geelong (Packaged Liquor)

    Andrew Harris
    Geelong Police
    Email: andrew.harris@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Geelong (Packaged Liquor) liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Greater Dandenong

    Sergeant Pat Green
    Springvale Police Station
    Telephone (03) 8558 8600
    Email: patrick.green@police.vic.gov.au
    View the Greater Dandenong Liquor Accord

    If you would like to join the Greater Dandenong liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Indigo

    Inspector Paul Henry
    Telephone (02) 6049 2600
    Email: paul.henry@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Yarra liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Hastings

    A/Snr Sgt Jason Iles
    Hastings Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5970 7806
    Email: jason.iles@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Hastings liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Horsham and District

    Sergeant Adam Bronca
    Horsham Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5382 9200
    Email: adam.bronca@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Horsham liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Kingston

    Inspector Bruce Kitchen
    Kingston Local Area Commander
    Telephone: (03) 9559 9530
    Email: bruce.kitchen@police.vic.gov.au

    Snr Sgt Hans Harms
    Cheltenham Police Station
    Telephone: (03) 9583 9767

    Knox

    Samantha Spooner
    Knox City Council
    Telephone (03) 9298 8265
    Email samantha.spooner@knox.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Kyabram (Campaspe)

    Sergeant Grant Jones
    Kyabram Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5853 1777
    Email grant.jones@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Kyabram (Campaspe) liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Lakes Entrance

    Sue Hine
    Lakes Entrance Police
    Telephone (03) 5155 1206
    Email: susan.hine@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Lakes Entrance liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Mallee Track

    Senior Sergeant Anthony Keely
    Ouyen Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5092 2502
    Email: anthony.keely@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Mallee Track liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Mansfield

    Julie King
    Mansfield Police
    Telephone (03) 5775 2555
    Email: julie.king@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Mansfield liquor forum, phone the contact listed above.

    Maribyrnong

    Inspector Paul Morgan
    Footscray Police Complex
    Telephone (03) 8398 9800
    Email: NWM-MARIBYRNONG-PSA@police.vic.gov.au 

    If you would like to join the Maribynong liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Maroondah

    Robyn Williams
    Safe and Liveable Communities Officer
    Telephone: 9294 5745
    Email: Robyn.Williams@maroondah.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Maroondah liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Melbourne CBD

    Clinton Moore
    City of Melbourne
    Telephone (03) 9658 9658
    Email: Clinton.Moore@melbourne.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Melbourne Licensees Forum, visit melbourne.vic.gov.auExternal Link .

    Melton

    Melton Police Station
    Telephone (03) 9747 7999

    If you would like to join the Melton liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Mitchell Southern Cluster

    A/Sgt Penni Lyons
    Wallan Police Station
    Telephone 03 5783 0400
    Email vp38823@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Mitchell Southern Cluster liquor forum, phone the contact listed above.

    Moe

    Sergeant Don Webb
    Moe Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5128 1100
    Email don.webb@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Moe liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Moonee Valley

    Sergeant Brett Treloar
    Flemington Police Station
    Email brett.treloar@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Moonee Valley liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Moorabool (Bacchus Marsh)

    Sergeant Mark Bacon
    Bacchus Marsh Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5366 4500
    Email mark.bacon@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Moorabool (Bacchus Marsh) liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Merri-bek

    Merri-bek Licensing Inspector
    Telephone (03) 9355 6191
    Email MORELAND-LAC-OIC@police.vic.gov.au

    Mornington

    Shalyce Eastwood or Karen Gibbons
    Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
    Telephone (03) 5950 1446
    Email business@mornpen.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Mornington liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Morwell

    Sergeant Graham Madin
    Victoria Police
    Telephone (03) 5131 5000
    Email graham.madin@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Morwell liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Mount Alexander (Castlemaine)

    Sergeant Trev Bailey
    Castlemaine Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5470 4100
    Email trevor.bailey@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Mount Alexander (Castlemaine) liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Mt Buller

    Julie King
    Mansfield Police
    Telephone (03) 5775 2555
    Email julie.king@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Mt Buller liquor forum, phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Mt Hotham

    Inspector Pauline Williams
    Telephone (03) 5723 0827
    Email pauline.willaims@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Mt Hotham liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Murrindindi

    Senior Sgt Mark Hesse
    Murrindindi Region
    Email mark.hesse@police.vic.gov.au

    Sgt Andrew Walker
    Alexandra Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5772 1040
    Email Andrew.x.walker@police.vic.gov.au

    Sgt Trevor Connell
    Yea Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5797 2630
    Email trevor.connell@police.vic.gov.au

    Sgt Michael Mannix
    Eildon Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5774 2104
    Email michael.mannix@police.vic.gov.au

    Sgt James Lee
    Marysville Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5963 3222
    Email james.r.lee@police.vic.gov.au

    Sgt Matthew Wheeler
    Kinglake Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5786 1333
    Email matthew.wheeler@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Murrindindi liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Phillip Island

    Sergeant Robyn Heal
    Cowes Police Station
    Telephone 5952 2037

    If you would like to join the Phillip Island liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Port Phillip

    Angela Dawson
    Director Amello Pty Ltd
    Port Phillip Licensees Assocation

    If you would like to join the Port Phillip liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Port Fairy and Koroit

    Port Fairy Police Station
    Telephone: (03) 5568 1007

    Portland

    Sergeant Tom Dempsey
    Portland Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5522 1500
    Email tom.dempsey@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Portland liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Queenscliff

    Senior Sergeant Ferrara
    Bellarine Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5257 2698

    Sergeant Steve Brand
    Queenscliff Station
    Telephone (03) 5258 4285

    If you would like to join the Queenscliff liquor forum, phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Robinvale

    Sergeant Arthur Cassidy
    Robinvale Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5026 3002
    Email arthur.cassidy@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Robinvale liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Sale (Wellington)

    Sergeant Jason McCoy
    Wellington Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5143 5070
    Email jason.mcCoy@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Sale (Wellington) liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Seymour

    Ross Andrews
    Seymour Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5735 0200
    Email ross.s.andrews@police.vic.gov.au

    Senior Constable David Duff
    Seymour Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5735 0200

    If you would like to join the Seymour liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Shepparton

    Steve Williams
    Shepparton Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5820 5777
    Email Steve.williams@police.vic.gov.au

    Gavin Sech
    Shepparton Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5820 5777
    Email Gavin.sech@police.vic.gov.au

    South Gippsland

    Senior Sergeant Brad Steer
    Wonthaggi Police Station
    Telephone 5671 4100
    Email brad.steer@police.vic.gov.au

    Lauren Bowman
    Leongatha Police Station
    Telephone: 56622285
    Email lauren.bowman@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the South Gippsland liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Southern Peninsula

    Seargeant Dean Matthews
    Rosebud Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5986 0444
    Email: dean.matthews@police.vic.gov.au

    Shalyce Eastwood or Karen Gibbons
    Mornington Peninsular Shire Council
    Telephone (03) 5950 1446
    Email: business@mornpen.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Southern Peninsula liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    St Arnaud

    Trevor Schmidt
    St Arnaud Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5495 1000
    Email trevor.schmidt@police.vic.gov.au

    Senior Constable Joy Jenkins
    St Arnaud Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5495 1000

    If you would like to join the St Arnaud liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Stawell

    Rob Weppner
    Telephone (03) 5358 8222
    Email rob.weppner@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Stawell liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Stonnington

    Jessica Dyer
    Economic Development Unit
    Stonnington Council
    Telephone (03) 8290 1333
    Email: liquoraccord@stonnington.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Stonnington liquor forum, contact the City of Stonnington.

    Sunbury

    Sergeant Justin Pollock
    Sunbury Police
    Telephone (03) 9744 8111
    Email justin.pollock@police.vic.gov.au

    Sergeant Heath Merry
    Sunbury Police
    Telephone (03) 9744 8111
    Email heath.merry@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Sunbury liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Sunraysia (Mildura)

    Inspector Simon Clemence
    Mildura Police
    Telephone (03) 5018 5422
    Email simon.clemence@police.vic.gov.au

    Sergeant Scott Olsen
    Mildura Police
    Telephone (03) 5018 55300
    Email scott.olsen@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Sunraysia (Mildura) liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Surf Coast

    Nicole Brown
    Geelong Police
    Telephone (03) 5225 312
    Email: nicole.a.brown@police.vic.gov.au

    Swan Hill

    Stan Atkins
    Swan Hill Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5036 1600
    Email: Stan.Atkins@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Swan Hill liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Traralgon

    Sergeant Steve Owen
    Traralgon Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5174 0900
    Email steven.owen@police.vic.gov.au

    View the Latrobe City Liquor Accord

    If you would like to join the Traralgon liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Wangaratta

    Inspector Pauline Williams
    Telephone (03) 5723 0827
    Email: pauline.willaims@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Wangaratta liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Warragul (Baw Baw)

    Alison Crombie
    Warragul Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5622 7111 or 0438 014 543
    Email alison.crombie@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Warragul (Baw Baw) liquor forum, phone the contact listed above.

    Warrnambool

    Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Merry
    Warrnambool Police Station
    Telephone 5560 1333
    Email Craig.merry@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Warrnambool liquor forum, email or phone the contact listed above.

    Whittlesea (Mernda)

    Acting Sergeant Giuseppe Vari
    Mernda Police
    Telephone (03) 9216 1200
    Email Giuseppe.Vari@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Whittlesea (Mernda) liquor forum, phone the contact listed above.

    Wodonga

    Sgt Owen Clarke
    Wodonga Police Station
    Telephone (02) 6049 2600

    If you would like to join the Wodonga liquor forum, phone the contact listed above.

    Wonthaggi (Bass Coast)

    Sergeant Glenn Birt
    Wonthaggi Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5671 4100
    Email glenn.birt@police.vic.gov.au

    Barry Mc Coy
    Wonthaggi Police Station
    Telephone (03) 5671 4100
    Email barry.mccoy@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Wonthaggi (Bass Coast) liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Wyndham

    Sergeant James Ridsdale
    Wyndham North Police Station
    Telephone (03) 8734 1100
    Email james.ridsdale@police.vic.gov.au

    Inspector Brooke Walker
    Werribee Police Station
    Telephone (03) 9216 7480
    Email brooke.walker@police.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Wyndham liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Yarra

    Steph Ashby
    City of Yarra
    Telephone (03) 9205 5555
    Email Steph.Ashby@yarracity.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to join the Yarra liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

    Yarram

    Rosemary Uwins
    Yarram Police
    Telephone (03) 5182 5033
    Email rosemary.uwins@police.vic.gov.au

    Michelle Leadoux
    Commercial Hotel Inspector Bernie Edwards
    Victoria Police
    Telephone (03) 8420 3610 or (03) 8420 3600
    Email bernie.edwards@police.vic.gov.au
    Telephone (03) 5182 5419

    If you would like to join the Yarram liquor forum, email or phone one of the contacts listed above.

Setting up a liquor forum

Forums are a local initiative and are usually set up by police, who then work together with council representatives and licensees.

Forums may be formalised with the establishment of a liquor accord; a written document that sets out specific aims, actions, objectives and strategies addressing local alcohol-related problems.

Participation in forums

Forum attendees may include:

  • licensees from various venue types including sporting clubs, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and packaged liquor outlets
  • Victoria Police members
  • council representatives (planning departments play a role in liquor licensing and council representatives often act as chairpersons too).
  • community, industry groups and organisations with an interest in alcohol issues.

The more venues represented at forums the better. It can be helpful to visit licensed venues to promote the benefits of attending forums.

Frequency of meetings

Most liquor forums meet 3 to 4 times a year for an hour. Setting meeting dates in advance can help licensees plan and can increase meeting attendance.

Location of meetings

Some liquor forums rotate the location so each forum member can chair the meeting.

Other forums hold their meetings at the police station or local council. The most common meeting times are 10am, 2pm or 3pm. Meetings held during busy meal service times don’t usually suit.

Some forums include local sporting clubs and opt to have an occasional meeting in the evening to allow for volunteers to attend. Ultimately, the timing is up to members.

Dedicated email address for the liquor forum

Email is a quick and easy way to communicate with members.

Having a generic forum email address for communication with members, allows the administration of the forum to continue if the usual contact person is on leave or away, e.g. blackhill_liquor_forum@police.vic.gov.au

Running a liquor forum

Make meetings interesting

There are several ways to make the meeting interesting for the members such as:

  • guest speakers – presenting on a topic suggested by the members. Speakers may not be required at every meeting but they help keep interest at meetings. A list of suggested guest speakers for liquor forums is below.
  • case studies – a discussion of a recent incident and how it was managed encourages sharing of successful strategies and improvements. This can assist other licensees in the future.
  • training opportunities – such as first aid, Responsible Service of Alcohol or handling difficult customers.

Agendas and minutes

Agendas prepare members for the meetings and promote guest speakers. It also helps the meeting stay on schedule.

Minutes are useful to record actions and to give an overview of what was discussed for members unable to attend. Minutes don’t have to be extensive; they just need to capture the main points of discussion and any action items.

Forum resources and materials

Reviewed 11 September 2023

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