About BARS Training Australia
At BARS Training Australia, our multidisciplinary team of professional trainers brings together a wealth of experience to specialize in Bouncer And Responsible Service (BARS) training across Australia.
Leadership
Our team is led by Director Garry Oliver, a seasoned professional with over 43 years of expertise in policing, security, and liquor licensing. Garry’s extensive career includes 24 years with the Queensland Police Service, where he achieved the rank of Senior Sergeant and led operations at Fortitude Valley. He also played a pivotal role in harm reduction initiatives, coordinating up to seven agencies to develop and maintain effective strategies.
Garry is the original founder of the Liquor Enforcement and Proactive Strategies (LEAPS) process, an integral part of the Brisbane City 17 Point Safety Action Plan, which has since been adopted across Queensland. He has lectured on these strategies in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Industry Contributions
Since transitioning from the Queensland Police Service, Garry has held significant roles such as Compliance Manager for the Recreational Tourism Group, overseeing Base Backpack Group and Nomads World—the sixth-largest backpacker group globally. Additionally, he has managed major events including Full Moon Events, Magic Millions Race Day, Bondstock Music Festival, and Dalby Picnic Day Races. His qualifications as a licensed crowd controller, bodyguard, security guard, private investigator, and approved manager under the Liquor Act 1992 exemplify his expertise.
Garry also serves as a first aid medic at large-scale events and concerts throughout Queensland. He holds the following diploma-level qualifications:
* Diploma of Government Investigations
* Diploma of Work Health and Safety
* Diploma of Security and Risk Management
* Diploma of Public Safety (Policing)
* Diploma of Justice Administration
* Diploma of Business
Garry is a National Director of the Security Providers Association of Australia (SPAAL), having served as National President for three years, and has provided expert testimony before the Queensland Parliament on tackling alcohol-related violence. He actively contributes to several national and state committees, including
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* Security Advisory Board – Jobs Queensland
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* National Committee of Industry Leaders
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* Australasian Council of Security Professionals
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* Combined Industry Advisory Committee – National
* Queensland Attorney General Industry Advisory Committee
* Standards Australia – National
* Security Industry Advisory Council of Victoria
Our Mission
BARS Training Australia collaborates with its business partners to support the security and hospitality industries through tailored training and consulting solutions. These programs aim to enhance the skills of staff, enabling supervisors and management to deliver superior services to customers. By upskilling staff, businesses can boost their competitiveness, adapt to change more effectively, and foster a positive working environment, reducing stress and improving communication and motivation.
Training Approach
Our facilitation style focuses on practical, real-world applications. Students graduate with a comprehensive understanding of security and hospitality practices, equipped with the confidence to make informed decisions and optimize their skills.
Resources and Infrastructure
BARS Training Australia provides modern facilities and technologies across multiple Queensland locations, ensuring:
Industry Expertise
At BARS Training Australia, we believe in the adage, "If you can’t do, you teach" – but with a twist. All our facilitators are active professionals in the industry, undergoing continuous professional development to remain current with industry standards. Our facilitators include security company owners, liquor and security consultants, former industry regulators, and event managers, a number of whom serve on the executive board of the Security Providers Association of Australia.
By leveraging real-world expertise, we ensure our students receive the highest standard of practical education. At BARS Training Australia, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled training solutions to prepare our clients for success.