The Good Things Festival organisers have issued a formal statement in response to reports of harassment and misconduct during their recent events in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
The statement, shared with PEDESTRIAN.TV, addresses concerns raised by attendees and advocacy organisations about inappropriate behaviours, including upskirting, groping, and other forms of harassment.
“Good Things Festival denounces any and all forms of sexual harassment, misconduct, abuse, and assault. Anyone who condones or engages with these abhorrent behaviours is not welcome at our events. The festival should be a joyous, fun, and safe escape for all who attend, without exception,” the organisers stated.
The organisers emphasised their commitment to cooperating with local authorities. They encouraged individuals needing assistance or wishing to report incidents to contact them via their official email at [email protected]. Attendees were called on to support one another and promote safety within the festival community.
Victoria Police confirmed that three reports of sexual assault at the Melbourne event on December 6 are under investigation. These cases are being handled by the Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT). While no arrests have been made yet, the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, police in New South Wales and Queensland reported no formal complaints related to the festival in their states.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said, underscoring the importance of public cooperation.
The festival organisers’ statement follows conversations on social media, where some attendees voiced dissatisfaction with how their concerns were addressed during the events. In response, Good Things Festival stated its commitment to working with authorities and emphasised the importance of safety at their events, focusing on cooperation with authorities and reinforcing their commitment to ensuring attendee safety.
Advocacy groups and festivalgoers are calling for industry-wide improvements to safety protocols at large-scale music events. Advocacy efforts and collaboration within the music industry will be crucial in setting benchmarks for accountability and the prevention of misconduct at large-scale events.
For those of us who have spent countless hours in the heart of mosh pits and the electrifying chaos of festivals, I can’t stress enough how vital it is for the music scene to create safer spaces. Festivals are meant to be an escape—a place where people can let loose, feel seen, and connect with something larger than themselves. But that can only happen if everyone, from organisers to attendees, takes accountability for fostering an environment where safety isn’t an afterthought.
This isn’t just about one festival. It’s about recognising that harassment and misconduct are issues deeply embedded in event culture. The industry as a whole needs to go beyond reactive statements. We need proactive measures, visible support systems, and a shift in the culture that makes these behaviours unacceptable in every corner of the scene. Until then, the onus remains on all of us to call out what’s wrong and demand better—not just for ourselves, but for the next generation of festivalgoers who deserve to experience the music without fear.
to help an injured fan.
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