Evangelical church Hillsong’s summercamp NSW ‘festival’ avoids action over banned singing and dancing

While the NSW Government’s ban on singing and dancing has seen the cancellation or postponement of several music festivals in the past week, it has emerged that evangelical church Hillsong has staged a ‘summercamp’ with attendees singing and dancing inside a large tent with performers on stage.

The three-day Hillsong event is being held at the Glenrock scout camp south of Newcastle.

With the emergence of video showing hundreds of maskless participants singing and dancing, NSW Health has demanded that such activity at the event stop immediately, deeming the event in breach of COVID-19 rules,

Commenting on the summercamp, NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard stated “while the order does not apply to religious services, it does apply to major recreation facilities and this event is clearly in breach of both the spirit and intent of the order.”

Hillsong initially defended holding the event, saying it was "not similar to a music festival in any way".

A Hillsong spokesperson advised “our camps involve primarily outdoor recreational activities including sports and games.

"We follow strict COVID procedures and adhere to government guidelines."

However, after NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said he was "completely shocked" by video from the event, Hillsong issued an apology late this afternoon, noting "we regret giving any perception that we were not playing our part to keep NSW safe and we sincerely apologise to the community at large.”

Nonetheless it maintained the youth camp was not a music festival, with its statement advising “these are high school-aged events that include sporting activities and games.

"They are alcohol-free events, held outdoors, and the number of students attending each camp is just over 200."

Despite this NSW Police has confirmed Hillsong will not be fined over the event.

NSW Police acting Assistant Commissioner, Peter Glynn was quoted by the ABC as saying “following discussions with organisers and after consultation with NSW Health, no infringement will be issued.”

Earlier, Premier Perrottet had said it was his "expectation" a fine would be issued, noting "I'll take the advice in relation to the legal teams at NSW Health and if they are in breach, which is what the information I've received from the Health Minister is, then a fine should be issued."

The maximum penalty for a corporation breaching public health orders is $55,000.

Recent changes to public health orders banned singing and dancing at music festivals, hospitality venues, nightclubs, entertainment facilities and major recreation facilities.

While the order does not apply to religious services, NSW Health has deemed the event a major recreation facility and therefore subject to the ban on singing and dancing.

Premier Perrottet said he understood that, following cancellations and postponements, the live music and entertainment industry would be "outraged" at the Hillsong event, comment "I very much appreciate the sacrifices those festival organisers have made.”

Julia Robinson, Managing Director of the Australian Festival Association, labelled public health orders dealing with music festivals as "inconsistent", stating “(we are) seeing that in other sectors and other settings that singing and dancing might actually be allowed, but the risk to health might be seen as being similar to a music festival.

“It is pretty frustrating and really disheartening for the industry itself."

Hillsong is planning similar events in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia later this month. 

Images: Images from the video of Hillsong's summercamp at Glenrock. Credit: Facebook.