Blue cards for fetes, fairs, expos, festivals and shows

You need a blue card if your business, paid work or volunteer activities mainly provides services to children.

Events that may need a blue card include:

• fetes
• fairs
• festivals
• expos
• regional shows in Queensland.

You may not need a blue card if an exemption applies. For example:

• the parent volunteer exemption
• the 7-day frequency exemption.

Before you continue, check when you don't need a blue card.

Find your industry requirements

Many industries work at fetes, fairs, festivals, expos and shows.

To find out exactly who needs a blue card choose the page that matches your role.

Amusement rides and stalls

You operate rides, jumping castles, or run side-show alley games.

See amusement parks and arcades.

Sport and active recreation

You run community sports, martial arts or active recreation courses.

See sport or active recreation, gyms and play facilities.

Performers and event talents

You are a:

• face painter
• costumed character
• children's DJ
• event photographer.

See entertainment, beauty and photography services.

Show societies and committees

You are part of an executive board or committee organising regional shows.

See the tourism industry.

Community groups and volunteers

You are part of a church, club, Scout group or community association.

See churches, clubs and associations.

Event coordinators and committees

If you plan, run or manage a fete, fair or show, your blue card requirements depend on your role.

This includes groups such as:

• P&C associations
• P&F associations
• community committees.

Executive committee members

You need a blue card if you:

• are on an executive committee, and
• make decisions about activities or services for children.

See executive officer and board requirements.

Hiring vendors

If you hire ride operators, face painters or other providers, they are responsible for their own blue card requirements.

You can check their blue card status using our online validation tool.

Do you need a blue card?

You may not need one

You do not need a blue card if you only help with general event jobs and do not provide services to children.

Examples include:

• cooking or serving food
• helping at a BBQ food stall
• setting up equipment
• working with staging, sound, or lighting
• working alone in a ticket booth
• working at an information stall accessible to the public.

You need one if you provide services to children

You need a blue card if your role mainly provides child-related services.

Examples include:

• providing children’s entertainment
• supervising children during activities
• working as a costumed character
• face painting.

You also need a blue card if you are a committee member who makes decisions about activities for children. For example, a P&C or P&F vice-president who helps choose children’s activities at a school fair.

More information

We have more information available about:

• executive officers and board or committee members
• linking requirements for organisations
• when you don’t need a blue card
• applying for a blue card or exemption card.