Meet the Team Keeping Your Event Safe
By Bree Pagliuso|
Behind every forklift reversing, every exhibitor setting up, every show opening its doors on time, there’s a Safety Team making sure it all comes together—smoothly, safely, and without surprises.
This year, you’ll spot a few new faces in hi-vis vests stamped SAFETY. They’re not just there to keep an eye on things (though they’re great at that). They’re here to back you up, helping with inductions, paperwork, and the big stuff like high-risk activities, so your event keeps moving without a hitch.
You’ll see them during bump-in, on event days, and bump-out—sometimes joining toolbox meetings, which are quick safety briefings held with contractors and exhibitors. If there’s anything relevant to your event, they’ll share updates through your MCEC Event Operations Specialist (EOS), so you’re always kept in the loop. They may also carry out induction checks during bump-in, so having inductions done early is the easiest way to keep things flowing without delays.
Here’s what to know
When onsite you’ll spot some new faces in hi-vis vests marked SAFETY.
They’re here to support you during bump-in, event days, and bump-out.
Toolbox meetings are quick check-ins with contractors; your EOS will share anything important with you.
Get inductions done early so your event kicks off without delays.
Our Safety Team is here to help you make every event safer, smoother, and easier for everyone.
Above all, the Safety Team’s role is to keep events safe for everyone in our venue—organisers, suppliers, exhibitors, and visitors. And in doing that, they’re here to make your life easier: preventing delays, keeping everyone safe, and setting your event up for success from the moment the first truck rolls in.
Now, let’s meet some of the people behind the vests.
Shane D’silva
Shane is one of the most visible people onsite—literally. “I’m a Safety Coordinator at MCEC, making sure events run smoothly and safely. You’ll usually spot me in my hi-vis vest with SAFETY on the back—hard to miss! I also make a point to pop into the organiser’s office each day to introduce myself and check in.”
When bump-in begins, he scans the site for the biggest risks: forklifts, EWPs (elevating work platforms such as scissor lifts and boom lifts), knuckle booms—anything that could cause hazards if not managed well. For Shane, the secret to smooth sailing is simple: pre-planning. Inductions completed, paperwork submitted, timelines clear. “Bump-outs can get chaotic, but the smoothest ones are staggered and well-communicated.”
Shane says the smoothest events happen when everyone’s proactive and communicative. With paperwork sorted, teams inducted, and a collaborative approach to safety, everything runs seamlessly.
He’s quick to bust the myth that safety slows things down. “In reality, good safety planning speeds everything up. Fewer incidents mean fewer delays—and a smoother event for everyone.”
The little things matter too. Shane says keeping exhibitors and subcontractors in the loop—by making sure they’re inducted and aligned with venue safety systems—keeps everything moving without a hitch.
Rajnita Batra
As Manager of Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Rajnita looks after the full safety picture — everything from big-picture risk management and compliance, down to the day-to-day details that keep staff, contractors, exhibitors, and visitors safe onsite. “I provide guidance on risk management, ensure compliance with safety standards, respond to incidents, and provide support to anyone who requires assistance, so events run safely and smoothly.”
At bump-in, her eyes go straight to the details: material handling equipment, clear aisles and exits, correct PPE, and safe setups for high-risk activities. “I focus on spotting hazards early so we can prevent incidents before the event begins.”
She knows that clear communication is the organiser’s superpower. When organisers, venue staff, exhibitors, and contractors all understand the schedule and safety rules upfront, bump-ins and bump-outs run smoother with fewer delays.
For Rajnita, a great day is when the flow works. “A great event at MCEC is one where everything runs smoothly, people feel safe, and there are no incidents or near misses. It’s when organisers, contractors, internal teams and the safety team work together, communication flows well, and at the end of the event everyone goes home safely and happy.”
Her practical tips?
Keep aisles, fire exits, and access ways clear. It might seem small, but it makes a huge difference to how smoothly the space works.
Stay proactive. “If you see a risk, let us know straightaway. Follow the agreed processes and encourage your team and exhibitors to do the same. It shows you care about safety as much as we do — and that makes working together easy.”
Marisa Davies
Marisa is helping build a positive safety culture at MCEC. As a Safety Coordinator, she supports the business with safety and injury management, but her role also extends to organisers and their teams. By guiding safe practices, answering questions, and smoothing out potential challenges, Marisa helps create an environment where everyone — staff, contractors, exhibitors, and organisers — can focus on delivering a successful event.
At bump-in, her first check is visibility. “I usually look for everyone wearing hi visibility vests/jackets/jumpers. I also look to see where mobile plant is operating and how that may be impacting the space and people.”
The organisers that win her over are the ones open to collaboration. “Having site safety coordinators is a new process for everyone but its intent is to ensure everyone has a successful show with everyone going home unharmed at the end of the day. Working together will ensure we are all on the same page and following the same rules.”
She also wants to challenge the idea that safety always costs a lot. “While some safety fixes need time, effort, and money, there are so many cost-effective solutions that can make a big difference. We just need to be creative sometimes to reach our goals.”
If you’re stuck on inductions or paperwork, she recommends starting with your Event Planner or, “if you have issues logging in and/or completing inductions, you can email the safety team at cms@mcec.com.au.”
Her small but mighty tip? It’s often the little things that make a big difference. Having a few basics on hand—like a step ladder or other simple equipment—can make setup safer and easier for exhibitors, and helps keep everything moving smoothly from the start.
For Marisa, the most rewarding part has been seeing organisers embrace the change. “I have had the benefit of several organisers being open and accommodating the changes since the introduction of our roles. They have been supportive of any requirements and expectations which have not necessarily been enforced prior to this year.”
And she’s clear-eyed about what’s next. “As these roles are so new, we are still finding our way in the business and understanding the best way for us to support everyone including our organisers. If there is any feedback good or bad we would like to hear it. This will go a long way in creating the safety-positive culture we are aiming for.”
Working Together
What do Shane, Rajnita, and Marisa all agree on?Safety isn’t about slowing things down. It’s about creating events that are smoother, faster, and more successful for everyone.
So, the next time you see a hi-vis vest with SAFETY across the back, don’t just walk past. Say hello. Ask a question. Share your feedback. Because when we work together, the results are seamless.
Need a hand?
Contact the team anytime at cms@mcec.com.au