Function Centre Worker Pay Rates 2025–26
Last updated: March 2026 · Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000009
Function work is casual-heavy, often runs on weekends and late into the night, and involves exactly the conditions where underpayment is most common and least visible. If you work events, the single flat "event rate" you're being paid is often applied regardless of what day it is or what time the event finishes. This page shows what each type of function shift should actually pay.
If you work at events, weddings, conferences, or functions at a hotel venue or function centre — this applies to you.
Real example
Scenario: Casual function attendant, Level 2. Saturday wedding — 4-hour setup, 3-hour break, 5-hour service finishing at midnight.
What they were paid: $0.00/hr flat for all 9 working hours
What should have happened: Saturday casual rate ($0.00/hr) for all working hours + evening loading after 7pm
Underpayment: ~$70–90 for that single event
Why it happens: Employer quotes a flat "event rate." Worker has no reference point to check it against.
Function centre casual pay rates 2025
| Shift type | Level 2 casual | Level 3 casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary weekday | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Saturday | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Sunday | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Public holiday | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Evening loading (7pm–midnight) | +$0.00/hr | +$0.00/hr |
| Late night (midnight–7am) | +$0.00/hr | +$0.00/hr |
| Minimum per shift | 3 hours | 3 hours |
Rates based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000009, effective 1 July 2025. Evening/late-night loadings stack on top of the applicable day rate.
If your event rate doesn't change on Saturdays and Sundays, check your pay now.
Not sure if your Hospitality Award pay is right?
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⚠️ Common underpayments for function staff
Flat "event rate" regardless of day
Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday penalty rates apply to function work exactly as they do to regular shifts. A $35/hr "event rate" might cover a weekday but falls short on a Sunday or public holiday.
Setup and pack-down time not paid
If you're required to set up before the event or pack down after, that time is working time and must be paid. Paying only for "service hours" is often underpayment.
Evening and late-night loadings missing
Functions regularly run past 7pm and midnight. Each threshold attracts an additional loading on top of the day rate. Shifts ending at 1am or 2am that pay a single flat rate are frequently underpaid.
Minimum engagement not honoured
If an event ends early, you're still owed 3 hours' pay. Many function workers are sent home after 2 hours and paid only for time worked.
Incorrect rate when shift crosses midnight
From midnight, Sunday rates apply — regardless of when the shift started. A Saturday evening event running past midnight should switch to Sunday rates at 12am.
These issues rarely happen in isolation — and even one can result in hundreds or thousands in underpayments per year.
If you're on site but not being paid for setup or pack-down, check your pay now.
Not sure if your Hospitality Award pay is right?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Hospitality Award cover all function centres?
Most function centres connected to a hotel or accommodation venue are covered. Standalone event venues may fall under the Hospitality Award or the Restaurant Award depending on their primary business.
My employer quotes an "all-in event rate" — is that legal?
It can be — but only if that rate demonstrably exceeds all award entitlements across every possible shift scenario including late Saturday nights and public holidays. Without the calculation, there’s no way to confirm this.
I work for a catering company — does this award apply?
Probably yes, if hospitality services are the company’s core business. Check your contract or ask your employer which award applies.
Don't guess — small underpayments add up fast.
Enter your shifts below and see exactly what you should have been paid.
It takes 2 minutes — and you'll know for certain if you've been underpaid.
Based on official pay rates from the Fair Work Commission (MA000009).
Not sure if your Hospitality Award pay is right?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required
Rates sourced from the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000009, effective 1 July 2025. General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.