Policies

Weapons and Props Policy

Weapons & Props Policy

Victoria Police prohibit and control weapons within Victoria.  However, while props for costume role playing (Cosplay) are permitted under Victorian Law, there is a possibility that these props may be considered dangerous articles and pose a potential risk to our attendees.  As the organizers of the Melbourne Anime Festival (Manifest), we have a duty of care to our attendees.  To ensure their safety, Manifest requires that the following rules be adhered to by all attendees.

  1. Persons who breach these requirements may be expelled from Amaranth. This is at the discretion of the management of the event. Amaranth will not tolerate persons who breach these rules as it will be considered as a breach of the Terms and Conditions of entry. Manifest also reserves the right to hand a person over to Victoria Police if they believe a legal offence has been committed.
  2. Victorian Law applies. All attendees must adhere to all laws and statutes under the Victorian and Australian Governments. In any case where this or any other Amaranth Policy conflicts with Victorian and/or Australian Law, the relevant Victorian and/or Australian Law shall apply.
  3. No weapons shall be brought to Amaranth by any person. This includes prohibited weapons, controlled weapons and dangerous articles as defined by Victoria Police. A database of these weapons can be found on the Victoria Police Website.
  4. Please specifically note that swords are prohibited weapons in Victoria, as are any form of ninja weapon and all replica firearms. If a weapon is brought to Amaranth, Amaranth reserves the right to hand it over to police in the interest of community safety.
  5. For the purposes of Amaranth, all weapons permits shall be considered void. Due to not having the correct resources available to Manifest to verify such exemptions, we will not consider any exemptions that have been granted to individuals and/or groups for items mentioned in the above point. Exemptions will only be recognised for Law Enforcement and Venue Security.
  6. Any prop containing exposed metal or a sharpened edge shall be assumed a dangerous article. This is because metal hurts more than any other material when contact is made and sharpened edges draw blood regardless of what they are constructed of. The risks posed are too high in a crowded environment such as Amaranth and Amaranth recommends the construction of props from alternative materials. Thus any prop containing exposed metal or sharp edges will be considered a risk to attendees and banned at Amaranth. Exceptions may be made to this rule, but attendees are advised to seek this prior to Amaranth.
  7. Any prop that is unwieldly shall be considered a potentially dangerous article. Amaranth defines “unwieldly” as being beyond the holder’s ability to easily control. This may be if the prop is constructed to be too heavy and beyond the strength of the bearer to properly hold, or if the prop is too large to prevent it from impacting upon other attendees. Such potentially dangerous articles must be stored in the cloak room or equivalent and access shall only be granted in special circumstances, such as for participation in the competitions.
  8. Props rules apply to elaborate costumes. Some costumes can be  constructed to resemble body armor or other large and elaborate suits.  Others may also contain built-in components that resemble weapons.  Such costumes shall be considered within these rules as if they were regular props.
  9. Props must be turned over to the Cloak Room or equivalent on request. This is to protect our attendees against any mishap a potentially dangerous article may cause.
  10. Props that resemble firearms must have a band of bright-coloured paint or tape around the nozzle. This is to indicate to any police officer or member of security that the prop is a toy.  If in any doubt, Victoria Police will assume any firearm they see is real and act accordingly.

These are subject to variation, in which becomes in effect when posted on the website in this page.

 

Terms and Conditions

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Contents:


Attendees' Code of Conduct

General Terms and Conditions

 

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Attendees' Code of Conduct

We ask you to observe the following rules during the event (Amaranth 2011), for everyone’s safety and enjoyment:

1. Attendees are reminded that not all people wish for their photos to be taken. Should you wish to take a photo of someone, please ask for permission first.

2. Please be kind and courteous to your fellow attendees, guests, and staff at all times. Disruptive behavior that disturbs others is not allowed. This includes running, screaming, yelling, horseplay, unsolicited physical contact, or any other such behavior as deemed disruptive by venue staff.

3. No sexual, racial, political harassment or harassment of any other kind is permitted. Amaranth encourages its members to have fun, but not at the expense of other members.

4. Heckling during the event is NOT acceptable. Those found heckling will be dealt with as deemed appropriate. Offensive and/or revealing attire is prohibited.

5. Offensive and/or revealing attire is prohibited. Casual attire and denim are prohibited. Amaranth strongly encourages attendees to wear attire of a formal or semi-formal/cocktail nature even when cosplaying.

6. In courtesy to other guests, please ensure that your mobile phones are turned into the silent mode as not to disturb the event.

7. Please treat the venue facilities with respect. Do not damage or deface the facilities or their property in any way.

8. Smoking only in designated areas. The rule of no smoking inside any buildings or within 10 metres of an open doorway or air intake applies in any other case.

9. Each attendee must retain possession of his or her own ticket for the duration of the event and may not loan or give their ticket to anyone else except as directed by Amaranth staff.

10. Roller blades, skates, skateboards, scooters, and bicycles are prohibited in the venue center.

11. Due to concerns regarding space and safety, large props will not be permitted within the venue. This includes (but is not restricted to): large wings, swords, staffs etc. For further information please refer to the Dress Code.

12. If you are wearing body makeup, please ensure that it does not readily rub off on seats, others’ clothes, etc.

13. Do not leave your bags unattended! Any bag left unattended will be turned over to the appropriate authorities. This may include the members of Amaranth staff, security staff of Colonial Hotel, or the Melbourne Police Department.

14. Large bags or backpacks are discouraged. Large bags or backpacks must be placed in the cloakroom or equivalent. In the interest of safety, any book bags, briefcases, suitcases, cosplay accessories, or other items deemed unwieldy by the security staff may be temporary confiscated by security.

15. Due to the identification processes required prior to entering the venue, it may be necessary to wait in line prior to gaining entry. Please be patient and understanding with us. We will do our best to accommodate everyone as quickly as possible.

16. Disabled persons, staff, on-duty volunteers, and venue guests of honor are not required to stand in line for entry. If you have any questions, please contact venue security.

17. Please follow the directions of the venue staff and venue security. They are there to make your experience more enjoyable, not to hinder or hurt you. Anyone who refuses to obey either venue staff or venue security will be subject to removal from the venue.

18. ID must be presented if purchasing alcohol. Standard alcohol service rules apply and individuals found purchasing alcohol for minors will be penalised accordingly.

19. Attendees under the influence of alcohol must still abide by the code-of-conduct and maintain a respectable behaviour. Security and staff have the right to eject attendees from the venue if behaviour is deemed inappropriate.

18. If you have any problems, questions, or concerns, please contact an Amaranth staff member. They will be happy to assist you.

Terms and Conditions

1. Attendees are reminded that participation of the event constitutes as compliance with the Attendees Code of Conduct, and the Dress Code set for this event. Inappropriate behavior or breaches to these rules may result in immediate ejection from the venue without refund.

2. All attendees must be aged 15 or above at the time of the event.

3. Attendees under age 18 at time of the event must be approved by a valid parent/caretaker in their registration.

4. Attendees 18 and over must present government-issued photo ID; school IDs are acceptable for attendees under 18. All identifications presented must clearly display a date of birth.

5. Staff reserve the right to check ID for anyone they suspect breaching the age restrictions of the event.

5. Any person found attempting to forge a ticket or presenting forged ID, will be removed from the venue and may be banned from future Manifest events.

6. No refund and/or exchange is provided for ticket except as required by law, or as specified in the Amaranth Refund and Exchange Policy. All refunds and/or exchanges must be authorised only by the registration coordinator. If a refund is made, Amaranth, to the extent permitted by law, will charge a fee of $10 for each ticket purchased.

7. The right is reserved to add, withdraw, re‐schedule or substitute various advertised programs and/or prices, venues, seating arrangements and audience capacity.

8. The right of admission is reserved and is subject to Amaranth's and Colonial Hotel's terms and conditions of entry. Late arrival may result in non‐admittance.

9. Amaranth holds no responsibility in regards to attendees arriving and leaving the venue. Attendees are expected to make their own arrangements to and from the venue, and arrange for their own accommodations if required.

10. By attending a Manifest event, you agree to possibly being filmed or photographed and that resulting footage to be used in future promotional activities related to Manifest.

11. Cameras, audio and video recorders are permitted, however Amaranth claims all rights pertaining to commercial use of all audio and video recordings, as well as photography. Meaning that when Amaranth uses audio, video and photography it has the right once given permission to have the media. It is for when Amaranth uses these in relation to promotional material and the like. Credit for any media must be given in the proper means for each media type by Amaranth. Amaranth does not have the right to take / steal the media without the consent of the copyright owner(s). Furthermore, rights to the media with exception of the commercial use for Melbourne Anime Festival Incorporated (Manifest) are with the copyright owner.

12. It may be a condition of entry to individual events that a search of persons and/or their possessions will be required at the time of the entry to the venue.

13. Entry may be refused if tickets are damaged or defaced in any way or are not purchased from Melbourne Anime Festival Incoporated (Manifest).

14. Tickets may not be resold or offered for resale at a premium (including via online auction sites) or used for advertising, promotion or other commercial purposes (including competitions and trade promotions) or to enhance the demand for other goods or services, either by the original purchaser or any subsequent bearer unless written consent from the registration coordinator. If a ticket or tickets are sold or used in breach of this condition, the ticket may be cancelled without a refund and the bearer of the ticket may be refused admission.

15. No replacement will be provided for lost tickets.

16.  Because Amaranth has a limited amount of places, even if you register on time, you may not be guaranteed a seat due to the event being sold out.

17.  Attendees agree to provide complete and accurate registration information.

18. NO WEAPONS are to be brought to, worn or carried at any time during Amaranth. This includes but is not limited to real or replica firearms, knives, metal swords, water pistols, ammunition, shotguns, hand guns, BB guns, pellet guns, cap guns, air‐soft weapons, paintball guns, tazers, explosives, rocket launchers, daggers, sword canes, switchblades, bali‐song (butterfly) knives, axes, hatches, pole arms, clubs, metal bats and paddles, bows, crossbows, arrows, Nerf guns, live martial arts weaponry and swords (unless written consent by the committee of management is given), brass knuckles, pepper spray, military weaponry, mace, medieval metal weaponry, projectile weaponry, capsicum spray, spray paint, toy or real working weapons that are loaded, or in usable condition, laser pointers, laseraiming devices, or similar devices, pyrotechnics, flash powder, itching powder and/or any other device that is designed to harm or kill animals and/or humans.

19. All Cosplay props MUST pass the Weapons & Props Policy.

20. No flash powder, lasers, explosions, pyrotechnics or open flames of any kind will be permitted.

21. Amaranth is a strictly drug free event. No illegal drugs are to be brought, sold, on‐sold or consumed on site. All persons found in the possession of drugs (or under its influence) will be immediately expelled from the premises and relevant authorities may be notified.

22. Alcohol may be purchased by overage individuals on site upon presentation of ID. Minors are required to leave the premises by no later than 9.30pm. Alcohol may only be purchased on site and may not be bought in. Security or staff from the Colonial Hotel or Amaranth hold the right to eject individuals if behavior is deemed inappropriate.

23. Attendees are not allowed to sleep on the site. Any attendee found sleeping on site will be asked to leave the venue.

24. Attendees carrying and requiring the use of medication on the night must report to the venue manager at the beginning of the event.

25. Amaranth and Colonial Hotel are not liable for any missing or damaged belongings. Please keep a close eye on your items. If you should lose something please contact venue security.

26. By attending a Manifest event, you agree to possibly being filmed or photographed and that resulting footage to be used in future promotional activities related to Manifest.

27. No damaging or defacing of the venue. This includes leaving any marks; e.g. during bathroom usage; where costumes, makeup, and/or hair products such as colour dye may need to be altered or reapplied.

28. If you are wearing body makeup, please ensure that it does not readily rub off on seats, others’ clothes, etc

29. No smoking inside any buildings or within 10 metres of an open doorway or air intake.

30. No sexual, racial, political harassment or harassment of any other kind of another person at Manifest is permitted.

31. Manifest organisers reserve the right to EJECT individuals from the event itself (either temporarily or permanently) should they feel any of the above rules have been violated. In extreme cases, Melbourne Anime Festival Inc. reserves the right to BAN an individual from future Manifest Conventions and events. If an ejection happens, the ticket of the individual is required to be surrendered to the registration coordinator prior to leaving the venue.

32. These policies may be modified at any time, as determined necessary by Manifest 2011.

 

Exchange and Refund Policy

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Contents:


Cancellation of Amaranth

Change of date or venue

When are refunds and exchanges not offered?

What happens if I believe I have special circumstances?

How do I find out about changes to events, competitions or memberships of Manifest?

How do I obtain a refund?

Method of refund

Can I exchange my membership?

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The Conditions of Attendance provide the circumstances under which refunds or exchanges will be offered by Manifest Organising Committee Incorporated (“us”) to purchasers of memberships (“you”) to the Amaranth Anime Ball. We have set out the following information in further detail to ensure that you are able to understand easily the policy in relation to refunds and exchanges.

Cancellation of Amaranth

If Amaranth is cancelled, we will refund the face value of the membership.

Change of date or venue

If Amaranth is rescheduled to another date or venue, we will offer you the opportunity to exchange the membership for a membership of the same or lower face value to the rescheduled Amaranth. In some circumstances we may refund the face value of the membership.

When are refunds and exchanges not offered?

Refunds and exchanges are not available:

  • If after Amaranth has started and it is cancelled for any reason, including due to inclement weather.
  • If there is a change to Amaranth in which specific events and /or competitions are cancelled, postponed, begin before or later then the scheduled period of time, run shorter or longer then the scheduled period of time then originally advertised. These are all matters which may change between the time when you purchased your membership, and the time Amaranth is held.
  • If you experience a change in your personal circumstances or you change your mind.
  • If you do not attend Amaranth on the night without prior application for a refund (i.e. last minute decision to not attend).
  • If you refuse a search of you and / or your possessions at the time of entry to the venue.
  • If you do not provide suitable and valid identification.
  • If you do not apply for a refund or exchange 2 weeks prior to the event, due to loss of trade.

What happens if I believe I have special circumstances?

In addition to the above, if you believe you have a valid enquiry in relation to a request for a refund or exchange, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We will review your request and confirm if a refund or exchange is available. Each request is considered on an individual basis.

In the event that the above policy has not otherwise dealt with a matter appropriately, we naturally are committed to complying with all laws. This means that if you are entitled to a refund or exchange under the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Commonwealth), Fair Trading Act 1999 (Victoria) or any other relevant legislation for any reason, we will ensure that you receive it.

How do I find out about changes to events, competitions or memberships of Amaranth?

All events, competitions and memberships are published with the most up-to-date information available at the time.

We will ensure that all changes are published on the official Manifest website, under the Amaranth section. If you are subscribed to the mailing list, any important changes will be automatically e-mailed to you.

How do I obtain a refund?

If we confirm you are entitled to a refund, refunds will be processed within 20 working days upon receipt of your request. All refunds will be charged a fee of $10 for each membership purchased. If contact is necessary, this will be done according contact details provided within your original registration. You will be removed from the list of registered members and, hence, will no longer be able to attend the event. This will apply, even if you present an invitation/ticket on the night.

Method of refund

The face value (minus the refund fee) of the membership purchased using a cheque / money order will be refunded via a cheque posted to the address provided on the original application form, unless you instruct otherwise.

Can I exchange my membership?

If there is a change in venue, your original invitation will serve as an invitation to the changed date, and no exchange process is required.If we confirm you are entitled to exchange your ticket for another type of ticket, the original ticket must be received by us before an exchange can be made. An exchange of ticket is issued subject to availability. This process may differ according to the registration system in place at the time.

 

 

Dress Code

This event allows both cosplay and regular formal attire, however there are a few things to consider when choosing what to wear. Here are some guidelines as to what is suitable or unsuitable. If you have any queries about what's listed here, feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Masks

It is not compulsory to wear a mask. However, if you are not cosplaying or wearing some sort of alternative fashion (e.g. gothic lolita), you are encouraged to wear a mask to fit in to the atmosphere of the event.


General Code
As this is a semi-formal to formal event, please ensure that you wear something that is suitable in such an event. If common sense is used, then there will be little trouble. However, if you are still unsure about things, here are some general guidelines. In compliance with these guidelines, your attire must also abide by the Attendees’ Code of Conduct.

  1. No casual street clothing (e.g. denim, thongs etc.)
  2. Formal or semi-formal/cocktail attire is greatly encouraged
  3. Footwear must be worn at all times
  4. Do not wear anything that is an obstruction to others or yourself (e.g. Pikachus, Domo-kuns, Kons, Evangelions, etc.)
  5. No weapons or large items (e.g. large wings, life-size FFVII Cloud swords, etc. You may bring the item, but we'll just make you put it aside where it may be subject to damage)
  6. Inappropriate attire and use of clothing will not be accepted (E.g. wearing underpants over your head is not proper.)
  7. Modesty in showing skin (e.g. if it's inappropriate to wear in public, it will not be appropriate to wear to the ball.)
  8. Have fun!