Get Directions

Hornsby Bahá’í Centre

Hiring Contact, Terms & Conditions of Use

PURPOSE OF HORNSBY BAHÁ’Í CENTRE

Thank you for considering hiring the Hornsby Bahá’í Centre (HBC) for your event. We look forward to being of service to you. Please ensure you study the information below, especially the primary purpose of HBC and the ‘Things You Must Know’ section.

The HBC is facility, established for the benefit of the members of the Bahá’í community, visitors and residents of Hornsby shire. Its purpose is to facilitate community building and unity promoting activities, with the primary focus of supporting Bahá’í functions, all guided by the aspirations of the Baha’i teachings to utilise the insights of religion, science, and the arts for the spiritual and intellectual development of individuals, institutions and communities, be they children, youth or adults, as we confront the challenge of building a peaceful and sustainable world community in the context of an ever advancing civilization. All activities that fall under this category take precedence over any other activity and all programs held at the HBC must adhere to this unique purpose.

Usage and hiring priority are given to:

• Members of the Bahá’í community and Bahá’í activities
• Anyone who wishes to run activities that support the primary purpose of the HBC for the social, material and spiritual advancement and transformation of society and are consistent with the Bahá’í teachings

THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE BOOKING THE HBC

  1. HBC hiring fees are fixed and are not negotiable.
  2. HBC is an alcohol, smoking and drug free centre (both inside and around the gardens).
  3. Use of music and dancing is limited to display of cultural performances only, i.e. no dance parties.
  4. No Leave Behind Policy. Hirer cannot leave anything behind, including disposable cups and plates, paper, books, decorative materials and so on. This policy means that all items brought to the HBC by hirer must be taken back. A $100 fee will apply if HBC management needs to dispose leftover item(s).
  5. No items should be left in the fridge by the hirer, no exceptions. HBC management will dispose all items left in the fridge. A $100 disposal fee will apply.
  6. No Storage Policy. Hirer cannot store any item at HBC, such as mats, rugs, boxes, etc. Prior discussion and approval of HBC management is required if you need to store any item at HBC. Storage of bulky items will attract a storage fee determined by the HBC management. All items stored at HBC without prior approval will be disposed and a disposal fee of $180 will apply.
  7. In cases where Centre’s door(s) are left open and/or alarm left disarmed by the hirer after the booking, a call out fee of $180 will be charged.
  8. Any damages caused to HBC property and its facilities, during use by the hirer, must be covered by the hirer.
  9. A 24/7 surveillance and monitoring system is used at HBC.
  10. The hirer must provide own public liability insurance to cover all liabilities of the hirer while using the HBC. Minimum coverage must be $20 million. A certificate of currency must be provided before booking can be finalised.
  11. The setting up, stacking and storage of chairs, tables and other equipment is the responsibility of the hirer. For safety reasons chairs are to be stacked no more than 5 high and are not permitted to be placed in front of cupboards, fire extinguishers, equipment or exits and emergency doors to which others may need access. Chairs and tables must be returned to the allocated storage area at the end of the hire period.
  12. The hirer is responsible for any breakages, theft or damage caused to the facility or supplied equipment. Should such an incident occur, HBC Management should be contacted immediately. Where such damage or loss exceeds the security deposit, a tax invoice for the balance due will be payable by the hirer within 14 days.
  13. Any spillage should be cleaned immediately by the hirer to avoid the likelihood of injury and possible liability.
  14. At the conclusion of the hiring period, all rubbish must be removed from the facility and disposed of in the bins located behind the facility. It is the responsibility of the hirer to take with them any rubbish that does not fit in the HBC bins. Please ensure that the bins are not too full that the lids cannot close properly. A cleaning fee of $100 will apply if rubbish is left outside the bins.
  15. All sections of the Centre must be left in a clean and tidy condition, all tables and chairs are wiped clean before being put away by the hirer, floors swept, kitchen and bathroom cleaned, and decorations removed.
  16. The hirer is responsible for the safety and supervision of all guests and invitees while at the HBC. Children under the age of twelve (12) must always be supervised by a responsible adult over the age of eighteen (18).
  17. The hirer is responsible for personal belongings at all times while using the HBC. No items can be left behind as the centre does not have a lost property facility.
  18. The hirer is responsible for managing health and safety risks while using the centre. The HBC management does not take any responsibility for any injury and cannot provide any emergency assistance or medical treatment.
  19. The hirer must read and agree to the HBC Terms of Hiring Contact.

HBC Terms of Hiring Contract

The hirer must disclose an accurate description of the intended purpose of hire. The facility may only be used for the manner described.

  1. The hirer will have exclusive access to the designated area during the hire period only, which includes any time required to set up and packing up. The venue must not be entered prior to the hire period and similarly must be vacated by the time the hire period ends as per the Hire Agreement.
  2. The hirer, guests and invitees, will have nonexclusive rights to use the common areas for the purposes of ingress and egress during the Hire Period and for a reasonable period (not exceeding 15 minutes), before and after the Hire Period, and to use the bathroom(s) during the same period.
  3. The hirer acknowledges that areas of the HBC, including the common areas and bathroom(s) but excluding the designated area, may be hired to others or used by the Bahá’í community during the Hire Period. We will endeavour to ensure that all HBC users during the Hire Period treat each other with mutual respect and consideration.
  4. The hirer must ensure that the maximum capacity of the designated area is observed and not exceeded. Functions are to be contained within the HBC; guests are not permitted to congregate in the outside areas, including car parks or adjacent streets.
  5. The hirer is responsible for the safety and supervision of all guests and invitees while at the HBC. Children under the age of twelve (12) must always be supervised by a responsible adult over the age of eighteen (18).
  6. It is the responsibility of the hirer to inspect the condition of the designated area immediately prior to commencement of the hiring period. The hirer acknowledges that the designated area is appropriate for the intended use and to immediately advise of any changes since the time of the initial inspection.
  7. Hirers must familiarise themselves with entry and exit points and the emergency evacuation procedures displayed within each designated area.
  8. The hirer is required to inspect the emergency exit routes and access ways to ensure that a clear and immediate exit point is always provided.
  9. The hirer must notify the HBC Management as soon as possible after any incident occasioning physical injury to any of the guests or invitees while at the Centre, by Phone to (02) 9446 2556 or Email to booking@hornsbybahais.org.au
  10. Consumption of alcohol, smoking or use of drugs are prohibited at the HBC, including the surrounding grounds. It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure this condition is strictly adhered to. The hirer’s security deposit will be forfeited if HBC Management identifies a breach of these conditions.
  11. The only dancing permitted within the HBC are traditional dances associated with the expression of a culture, provided the underlying theme or story being represented by the traditional dances are in harmony with the ethical and moral standards of the Bahá’í Faith.
  12. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras may be in operation on HBC premises. Recorded images are collected and held by the HBC Management. CCTV cameras in operation have signage on display.
  13. The hirer will occupy and/or use the facility at his/her own risk.
  14. The Hiring of the HBC is not transferable and the approved hirer must be present and is held responsible for all aspects of this contract.

HBC Terms of Hiring Contract

  1. Bookings are for a minimum of one hour and in half hour increments thereafter. If the agreed booking time is exceeded, additional hiring fees will be applicable and will be deducted from the security deposit. Should the amount exceed the security deposit, a tax invoice for the balance due will be payable by the hirer within 14 days.

  2. Bookings will not be accepted less than five working days prior to the requested date unless approved by the HBC Management.

  3. The hirer must be at least 21 years of age. A proof of identity is required for all bookings.

  4. For regular hirers (those organisations or individuals hiring the HBC facility ten or more times per calendar year), hire charges will be calculated and invoiced in advance on a quarterly basis. Payments are due within 14 days from the date of the invoice or 7 days prior to the starting date of the booking, unless otherwise agreed to by the HBC Management. If payment is not received by the due date, action will be taken to recover the amounts due.

  5. Failure to make a payment may result in HBC terminating any future hire agreements, following which the facility keys will need to be returned.

  6. For Casual Hirers (those organisations or individuals hiring the HBC facility no more than ten times per calendar year), hire fees are payable at the time of booking unless written agreement is provided by HBC Management.

  7. HBC Management reviews fees and charges each calendar year (Jan–Dec) and any changes will be effective from 1st January each year. Any increase to fees and charges will apply to bookings already confirmed.

HBC Terms of Hiring Contract

  1. The hirer may forfeit the full security deposit in the event that the key is not returned or that the hirer commits a breach of the Hiring Agreement and/or any of the Conditions of Hire.

  2. Security deposit refund process is determined by method of payment.

  3. Payments are accepted by bank transfer only.

Cancellation Policy

  1. HBC’s Cancellation Policy is as follows:
    • More than 14 days’ notice – 100% refund
    • 7–14 days’ notice – 50% refund
    • Less than 7 days’ notice – full hire fees will be charged
  2. Notification of cancellation for all hirers must be made by Email to booking@hornsbybahais.org.au

Public Liability Insurance

  1. The hirer, apart from Bahá’í institutions, must obtain and maintain public liability insurance for an amount adequate to cover any liability of the hirer connected to the use of the HBC and shall be at least $20 million or as otherwise required by the HBC Management. This must be provided prior to the commencement of the hire period.

  2. Should your policy expire during the term of the hire, the HBC Management is to be provided with a copy of the insurance renewal prior to the expiry of the previous policy.

  3. Casual hirers employing professionals, i.e. jumping castles, fairies, catering, disk jockeys, and the like, need to provide HBC Management with a copy of the service provider’s public liability insurance for not less than $10,000,000.00 within two weeks of making the booking.

Use of Facility

  1. The setting up, stacking and storage of chairs, tables and other equipment is the responsibility of the hirer. For safety reasons chairs are to be stacked no more than 5 chairs high. Chairs and tables must be returned to the allocated storage area at the end of the hire period, and should not be placed in front of cupboards, fire extinguishers, equipment or doors to which others may need access.
  2. Furniture and equipment required, other than that already provided, must be supplied by the hirer at the hirer’s expense and shall be the liability of the hirer.
  3. Property not belonging to HBC, which is kept at the facility during the currency of the agreement will be at the owner’s risk. Once the term of agreement has concluded, the hirer must remove all property unless otherwise authorised by HBC Management. The HBC Management shall not be held responsible for any personal property left at the facility and is authorised to remove and dispose of any item left at the centre.
  4. Candles may only be used if secured in a glass (or similar) holder that will contain the flame if knocked over and which will prevent wax from dripping onto surfaces. Moreover, no open fires of any type may be lit in the surrounding grounds of the facility.
  5. No physical activity which may impact on other hirers or the facility.
  6. No ball sports are permitted inside facilities unless written permission is provided by HBC.
  7. Drawing pins, nails, screws, adhesive tape or any other item or substance that may damage infrastructure must not be used to affix decorations. All decorations are to be completely removed at the conclusion of the event.
  8. Signs may not be displayed by hirers except on designated notice boards where provided. Any non-compliant signs will be removed. External signage, such as frames, teardrops, banners are permitted for the duration of individual bookings but must be taken down prior to leaving the facility on each occasion. Please ensure that signs do not cause any damage to HBC and are not placed over existing signage at facilities.
  9. No advertising of any description or kind (e.g. billboards, posters, banners, stands etc.) shall be permitted in any part of the HBC without the approval of the HBC Management.
  10. Any external advertising (e.g. the internet, including social media and forums, flyers, websites etc.) must be approved by the HBC Management and must clearly indicate that the hirer is only hiring the HBC facilities and the event is not connected to the Bahá’í Faith or endorsed by Bahá’í institutions.
  11. If media coverage is planned or anticipated by the hirer, the hirer must obtain the prior permission of the HBC Management.
  12. The hirer indemnifies HBC for any breach of copyright for an original work, including not obtaining adequate permission for the public performance or playing of a literary, dramatic or musical work.
  13. The hirer is responsible for any breakages, theft or damage caused to the facility or its supplied equipment. Should such an incident occur, HBC Management should be contacted immediately. Where such losses exceed the security deposit amount, a tax invoice for the balance due will be payable by the hirer within 14 days.
  14. The hirer is not permitted to copy any HBC issued keys without written permission. If additional keys are required, the hirer must contact the HBC Management.
  15. Keys must be returned immediately at the completion of the hire period by placing them in a clearly marked sealed envelope in a designated box unless otherwise agreed to by the HBC. Failure to return the keys may result in charges being imposed for replacement of locks for the facility. Security Deposit will not be refunded.
  16. The hirer must ensure that all lights, air conditioners, heaters, sound systems and cooking appliances are turned off, windows and doors closed, locked and secured prior to leaving the facility.
  17. NSW noise regulations must be adhered to at all times. Amplified music and general noise levels must be kept at a reasonable level so as not to disturb the neighbours.
  18. Guests must vacate the facility and all noise must cease by:
    • 10:00pm Sunday–Thursday
    • 12:00am (midnight) Friday, Saturday and/or a day immediately preceding a public holiday
  19. It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that guests leave in a quiet and orderly manner and do not disrupt or cause a nuisance to the surrounding residents.
  20. Any spillage should be cleaned immediately by the hirer to prevent falls due to slips.
  21.  Hirers must bring own cleaning products including garbage bags, to ensure that the facility is left in a clean and tidy condition. All tables and chairs should be wiped clean before being put away by the hirer, floors swept, kitchen equipment cleaned, decorations and rubbish removed. If the facility is left in an unsatisfactory condition that requires additional cleaning, hirers will be charged for this service and it will be deducted from the security deposit. Should the amount exceed the security deposit, a tax invoice for the balance due will be payable by the hirer within 14 days.
  22. At the conclusion of the hiring period, all rubbish must be removed from the facility and disposed of in the HBC provided bins located behind the facility. It is the responsibility of the hirer to take with them any rubbish that does not fit in the HBC bins. Please ensure that the bins are not too full that the lids cannot close properly. Failure to do so will result in the Garbage Disposal Fee being deducted from the security deposit.
  23. If a HBC owned fire extinguisher is utilised unnecessarily by the hirer or any person associated with the hirer or attending the facility, HBC Management reserves the right to deduct the cost of refilling or replacing the extinguisher from the Security Deposit amount. Should the amount exceed the security deposit, a tax invoice for the balance due will be payable by the hirer within 14 days.
  24. Neither the HBC Management nor members of Bahai institutions and HBC employees or contractors shall be liable for any loss, theft or damage sustained by the hirer or any person associated with the hirer or attending the facility.

Food Handling and Cooking

  1. All food preparation and cooking within the facility is to be conducted in the designated kitchen area only. No cooking is permitted in other areas without prior written consent from the HBC Management.
  2. No barbeques, spit roasts or gas bottles are permitted within the facility (building) or other areas without prior written consent from the HBC Management.
  3. For outdoors, if permission is granted for use of barbeques and the like, at no time should an open flame be left unattended. In the event of a Total Fire Ban, hirers are obligated to follow the restrictions set by the NSW Rural Fire Service in regard to cooking with solid fuels and/or open flames. Visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
  4. Any food preparation and cooking activities must be carried out on an appropriate surface to ensure that surfaces (e.g. tables, benches, and floor) are not damaged in any way. The hirer must protect the flooring from grease and oil spills. The hirer must ensure that after use, all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned to ensure that no food, oil or grease remains.
  5. Where food is offered for sale, the hirer must register their event on the NSW Food Authority website at www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
    and meet all food safety requirements as established by the NSW Food Authority. Confirmation of registration must be provided to HBC Management no less than two weeks prior to the booking.

Indemnification and Termination of Agreement

  1. The hirer will indemnify and keep HBC Management indemnified for and against loss of, or damage to, HBC property including buildings, furniture, fittings, flooring surfaces, grounds and landscaping where the loss or damage was reasonably preventable.
  2. The hirer will indemnify and keep HBC Management indemnified for and against all claims, actions, suits, costs and demands which may be made or recovered against HBC by any person whatsoever in respect of any loss, injury (including death) or damage sustained in respect of or arising out of the hiring or use of the facility except to the extent that such loss, injury or damage is caused by the negligence of HBC Management, its servants or agents.
  3. In the event that the hirer commits a breach of the Hire Agreement and/or any of the above conditions of hire, HBC Management may immediately terminate the agreement and request immediate vacation of the facility without prejudice to any right or action which may arise prior to such termination. Any fees and charges paid by the hirer will be forfeited.
  4. In the event of an emergency, please phone emergency services on “000”. In the event of damage sustained to HBC facilities that requires an immediate response, please call (02) 9446 2556. To report any other issues or provide feedback, please Phone (02) 9446 2556 or Email booking@hornsbybahais.org.au

Definitions

In this Hire Agreement, and the Terms and Conditions of Hire, the following definitions will apply:

• The bathroom(s) mean the toilet(s) labelled as such.
• The HBC means the Hornsby Bahá’í Centre situated at 19 Dural St, Hornsby including the part of the building that we occupy and all grounds and its authorised servants and agents.
• The cleaning and damage bond means the amount payable in connection with your hire of the designated area set out in the Hire Agreement.
• The common areas mean those areas of the building that you have non-exclusive access to during the hire period.
• The designated area means that part of the building subject to the Hire Agreement.
• The hire fee is the amount payable by you for the hire of the designated area set out in the Hire Agreement.
• The hire period means the duration of the hire granted to you over the designated area set out in the Hire Agreement.
• The permitted use is the purpose for which you may use the designated area during the hire period set out in the Hire Agreement.

Stay Connected

Join the Hornsby Bahá’í Community mailing list. Together we share uplifting words, news of our gatherings, and ways to serve with love and unity.

We are the Hornsby Bahá’í Community, united by love and faith. Together we learn, pray, and serve with open hearts to build a peaceful and caring neighbourhood.

Menu

Useful Links

Get in touch

© 2025 The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Hornsby Ltd. All rights reserved.

Powered by Burst NET Technologies.