Diwali Fireworks in Victoria 2026: Only Licensed Pyrotechnicians Can Use Fireworks

Diwali fireworks laws Australia › Victoria

Legal information last verified: 25 October 2026. Official rules verified on the sources linked below.

Quick answer: can you use fireworks for Diwali in Victoria?

• Not at home. In Victoria fireworks can only be used by licensed pyrotechnicians or people under their direct supervision. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)
• Before any display, the pyrotechnician must give WorkSafe at least seven days' notice, and notify the council or shire and the fire authority. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)
• WorkSafe no longer issues single-occasion licences for Chinese firecrackers or theatrical fireworks. WorkSafe Victoria: Pyrotechnician licence
• Complaints about fireworks go to your local council or shire. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)

What the Victorian law says

WorkSafe Victoria regulates fireworks as explosives under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2022. Its rule is short: fireworks can only be used by licensed pyrotechnicians or people under their direct supervision. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)

New dangerous goods laws have passed Parliament and are planned to start in April 2028. Until then, the current Act and regulations still apply, so the rules for Diwali 2026 are unchanged. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)

For families in Melbourne's west and south-east, where many Diwali celebrations take place, that means no fireworks or firecrackers in the backyard, the street or a park.

Diwali displays for temples and community groups in Victoria

A temple or community association that wants a Diwali display must engage a licensed pyrotechnician. The pyrotechnician gives WorkSafe at least seven days' notice for display fireworks, theatrical fireworks or Chinese firecrackers. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)

The council or shire and the fire authority must also be notified at least seven days ahead, and they may ask for a longer notice period or more information if they have restrictive by-laws. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)

WorkSafe does not approve notifications, but it assesses them, checking separation distances from the public and property under regulation 156 of the Explosives Regulations. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)

WorkSafe no longer authorises licences that allow Chinese firecrackers or theatrical fireworks to be discharged on a single occasion, so a one-off permit for a temple volunteer is not an option. WorkSafe Victoria: Pyrotechnician licence

What the official sources say about Victoria

Each point below is taken from the official source linked after it. Read the source itself before you rely on it.

• In Victoria fireworks are classed as explosives and can only be used by licensed pyrotechnicians or people under their direct supervision. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)
• A licensed pyrotechnician setting off display fireworks, theatrical fireworks or Chinese firecrackers must give WorkSafe at least 7 days' notice. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)
• The local council or shire and other bodies such as the fire authority must also be notified at least 7 days before the display, and may require longer notice. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)
• WorkSafe does not approve notifications; it assesses them against the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2022, including separation distances from the public. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)
• Pyrotechnicians must comply with the separation distances in regulation 156 of the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2022, or get written approval from WorkSafe for shorter distances. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)
• Complaints about fireworks displays by residents or the public go to the local council or shire. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)
• Changes to Victoria's dangerous goods laws have passed Parliament and are planned to commence in April 2028; until then the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 still applies. WorkSafe Victoria: Using fireworks (reviewed 18 August 2026)
• WorkSafe no longer authorises licences that allow the discharge of Chinese firecrackers and theatrical fireworks on a single occasion. WorkSafe Victoria: Pyrotechnician licence

Diwali 2026 dates in Australia and the fireworks rules

HinduTone's Drik Panchang-aligned calendar lists Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) on Sunday 8 November 2026 for this region, with Dhanteras on Friday 6 November, Govardhan Puja on Tuesday 10 November and Bhai Dooj on Wednesday 11 November. Naraka Chaturdashi falls on the morning of the same day as Diwali. The dates differ from India because the tithis are calculated for local time.

If your temple plans a display for Diwali weekend, the pyrotechnician's notice to WorkSafe, the council and the fire authority must go in at least seven days before the event, and councils may need longer.

Key rules in Victoria at a glance

What we could not verify

These points are still open. Do not treat them as settled until the official authority confirms them:

• Whether sparklers or other small novelties may be sold to or used by the public in Victoria.
• Penalties for using fireworks without a licence in Victoria.
• Energy Safe Victoria's role, if any, in consumer fireworks.

Diwali fireworks safety tips for Victoria

• Check your state fire service for fire danger ratings and total fire bans on the day; November is early bushfire season in much of Australia.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose ready, and soak every spent firework before it goes into the bin.
• Never go back to a firework that has failed to go off. Leave it well alone, then soak it in water once it is safe to approach.
• Tell your neighbours in advance, especially older people and pet owners, and stop on time.
• Keep children well back and hand them nothing that is lit. Sparklers stay hot long after the spark ends.
• Buy only from a licensed or registered seller in the jurisdiction where you will use the fireworks, and keep the packaging so the product category and instructions stay with it.

Lawful ways to celebrate Diwali without fireworks

• Clay diyas: a row of oil lamps at the door and windows is the heart of Deepavali and needs no permit. Stand each one on a metal plate or a tray of sand.
• LED diyas and string lights: battery diyas are safe for balconies, dormitories, rented flats and anywhere open flames are restricted.
• Rangoli: a coloured-powder, rice-flour or flower rangoli at the entrance welcomes Lakshmi and gives children a creative part in the festival.
• Temple and community celebrations: most Hindu temples and community associations hold Lakshmi Puja, aarti and cultural programmes during Diwali week; check their own website or notice board for the 2026 schedule.
• Authorised public displays: a professional display run under a permit or licence gives the family a fireworks moment without the legal risk.
• Lakshmi Puja at home: the evening puja, aarti, sweets shared with neighbours and a family meal are what most people remember about Diwali.

Who to contact

For fireworks licences and displays, contact WorkSafe Victoria on 1800 136 089 (WorkSafe Victoria: using fireworks). For complaints about fireworks, contact your council or shire. For an emergency, call 000.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fireworks at home for Diwali in Melbourne?

No. WorkSafe Victoria says fireworks can only be used by licensed pyrotechnicians or people under their direct supervision.

Can I get a one-off licence for Diwali firecrackers in Victoria?

No. WorkSafe says it no longer authorises licences that allow the discharge of Chinese firecrackers and theatrical fireworks on a single occasion.

How can a temple hold a Diwali fireworks display in Victoria?

By engaging a licensed pyrotechnician, who must give WorkSafe, the council or shire and the fire authority at least seven days' notice before the display.

Who do I complain to about fireworks in my street?

WorkSafe says complaints about fireworks by residents or the public go to the local council or shire. For immediate danger, call 000.

Are sparklers allowed in Victoria?

We could not confirm this from WorkSafe's pages. Ask WorkSafe Victoria before buying sparklers for Diwali.

Important

This page is general information, not legal advice; local rules and temporary fire bans can change. Always check with the official authority for your exact address before buying or using fireworks.

Editor's note (25 October 2026): HinduTone checked the Victoria rules on this page against the official sources linked above. We review this guide every year before Diwali; the next scheduled review is 15 September 2027. If you are an official and see an error, please contact us so we can correct it.

Related guides

• Diwali fireworks laws in Australia
• NSW Diwali fireworks rules
• South Australia Diwali fireworks rules
• Tasmania Diwali fireworks rules
• Diwali 2026 events in Australia and New Zealand
• Eco-friendly, cracker-free Diwali ideas