Client: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) is a specialist school within Edith Cowan University, internationally recognised for its rigorous training in the performing arts, including acting, music, dance, and technical production, and for producing industry-leading performers and creatives across Australia and internationally.

Background

WAAPA operates in a complex, high-risk environment where creative excellence is delivered through physically demanding, technically complex, and time-critical activities involving staff, students, contractors, and specialised equipment.

WAAPA demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence through leadership-led health and safety governance that prioritises the wellbeing of staff and students, provides a secure and supportive learning environment, and enables the delivery of world-class artistic training and performance outcomes.

Objective

DBell Consulting was engaged to undertake an audit of identified high-risk areas and activities within WAAPA operations, and the effectiveness of existing risk mitigation practices.

The brief was to determine the degree to which WHS regulatory obligations were being met, identify any gaps, and to develop a clear and detailed report, including actionable recommendations to improve WHS standards.

Implementation & Outcomes

This project involved a comprehensive review of existing practices, and how WAAPA staff and students are actively engaged to participate towards robust health and safety outcomes.

DBell Consulting achieved this through:

• Project kick-off meeting with key ECU / WAAPA stakeholders.
• Detailed reviews of existing documents and records relating to the identified high risk areas and activities.
• Discovery meetings with WAAPA stakeholders to understand how high risk activities are being operationalised.
• Operational observations of pre-production, production and performance activities.
• Preparation of a final report for ECU / WAAPA leadership, with recommendations for enhancing the already-exceptional WHS practices.

Testimonial from Client