Live or background music in and around an SLSC, or at an SLS special event can help keep members of the SLSC and the public entertained and engaged and create a better atmosphere. Surf Life Saving also respects and supports songwriters and recording artists.
Suppose anyone uses or permits copyright music within your SLSC, or at an SLS special event. In that case, copyright legislation requires permission in the form of a music licence from the creators of that music.
In Australia, music creators generally authorise two organisations to administer their rights and collect their royalties—APRA AMCOS (composers and music publishers) and PPCA (recording artists and record labels).
A One Music Licence bundles all those rights into one licence and further simplifies the process of gaining the required permission to use music.
SLSNSW has been able to negotiate for SLSCs in most cases to be categorised as a community hall.
Where SLSCs operate commercially (e.g., bar & bistro activities), the community hall classification would likely not apply. SLSCs should refer to the latest OneMusic Community Halls Information Guide and the Australian Copyright Council for more information on music licences required at SLSCs.