Personal safety

On the Victoria Police website, you can find several personal safety tips and recommendations.

Here are a few ways to prevent theft:

• Keep your valuables, such as bags, wallets, jewellery, and electronics, close to you always.
• Avoid displaying cash in public. After transactions or ATM withdrawals, securely store your money before leaving.

Racism: Understanding your rights and protections

In Australia, racism is unacceptable and illegal. If you experience racism, there are ways to report it and receive support.

• What to Do: If you face racial abuse or feel unsafe, call Triple Zero (000). For non-urgent matters, contact the National Police Assistance Line at 131 444.
• How to Report Racism: Gather evidence such as videos, screenshots, dates, and witness information.

Get support from:

• The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission: Discuss discrimination, sexual harassment, and human rights issues.
• Education Providers: Reach out to campus support services.
• Work: Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
• Online: Lodge a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission or the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

Walking safety

No matter where you are, it is a good idea to stay in populated, well-lit areas - such as main streets and restaurant districts. If you can, avoid walking alone in quieter areas when it’s dark, such as public parks or low-lit laneways. This may help you feel safer and more comfortable navigating the city on your own at night .

Drink safety

When possible, we recommend keeping an eye on your beverages - alcoholic or otherwise. Although it’s rare, drink spiking can happen so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself against this risk. If you need to leave your drink for any reason, consider asking a trusted friend to hold onto it.

According to Victoria Police, you can become more vulnerable to violence and accidents when you drink in excess. You can learn more about staying within your limits and other personal safety tips via the Victoria Police website.

Staying safe in groups

When you’re  going out in Melbourne at night, you may feel more secure by going out with a group of trusted friends. It is always advised to explore the city in a group and to

share your location on your phone using the Find My Phone app or privately on socials., .

SafeZone is another great option. This free-to-download app hosts a Check-in and Check-in Timer feature, which enables you to share your live location with security responders. When using the timer, an alert is automatically sent on your behalf if you fail to extend or cancel it.

Travel safety

Your safety on the road is very important. Make sure you understand our road rules if you are driving, cycling, or working in jobs such as food delivery.

Food Delivery Riders

Follow the road rules

• Ride on the road, not the footpath - to keep pedestrians safe.
• Stop at red lights and stop signs - to make sure intersections are safe for all road users.
• Pull over if you need to scroll on your mobile phone – to stay focused and keep your eyes on the road (read more information below).
• Check your e-bike is legal before renting or buying. There are only two types of e-bikes that are legal to ride on Victorian roads. Each one has specific requirements you must follow. Check with a bicycle mechanic if you are not sure if your e-bike is legal or not.

Fines apply if you don’t follow the road rules.

Make sure you know what you can and can’t do, and how to share the road safely with others.

You can also view information on walking, cycling, and other forms of active transport.