Enhanced Protections directors Lachie Taylor (middle) and Bashar Malaie (right) signed their first security gig at The Birdy Bar, and the staff, including booking manager Jack McGuire, couldn’t be happier with their services. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
For young security guards Lachie Taylor and Bashar Malaie, it is important for patrons to enjoy a night out in safety.
The pair had worked in the industry for years, and noticed security standards were gradually slipping. So they started their own company, Enhanced Protections, with the idea of providing security guards patrons could talk to and socialise with, while also getting the guarantee they would be looked after.
While Lachie and Bashar were at odds with each other when they first met, their business is flourishing and only nine months after signing their first venue they are responsible for a team of more than 20 guards serving at venues across the Riverina.
“Basheer and I didn’t get along that much when we first met,” Lachie admitted.
“We hated each other, but we eventually became gym buddies at Empire Gym.
“After a few conversations with each other, we thought we could do a better job starting our own thing. That’s how Enhanced Protections started.”
The pair said the key to being an effective security guard was making patrons feel safe while also being able to mingle and understand a venue.
“It’s hard to get both. It’s hard to get a guard that’s good at actually doing their job and also communicating with patrons,” Bashar said.
“A lot of guards who are sort of too heavy in industry and can be aggressive or rude or violent, and then guards who are very friendly with people, but they also will avoid doing their job as much as possible.
“We like to try and find guards and also craft our guards to be almost capable of doing both.”
Lachie said in places such as Wagga, where a lot of the people who went out were regulars, it was just as important to de-escalate as it was to step in physically.
“We want everyone to enjoy their night out. So a lot of the time, it doesn’t mean kicking people out or being physical,” he said.
“Obviously, a lot of the time, people can be a bit loud or have a couple of drinks. You don’t want to ruin their nights but you can’t let them get carried away.
“That’s where the understanding comes in. Yes, you have to be able to step in and remove someone if it’s getting too much, but sometimes just going up to a person and saying, ‘C’mon mate’, is enough to settle a situation down.
“It’s important to identify that not everything needs to be spectacle.”
Enhanced Protections offers services at some of Wagga’s biggest venues, including the Blamey Hotel in Lake Albert. Photo: Supplied.
In early 2025, Enhanced Protections booked its first contract, offering security to the popular Wagga venue, The Birdy Bar.
“The Birdy Bar was the first guys to take us on; we’re obviously really thankful to them because they helped us get our start,” Lachie said.
“Whenever we’re here, we really like to look after them. It’s always a good time working here.
“We’ve worked at a few other places since then, like The Jungle Duke, The Farrar, The Vic, The Blamey and even a few places out of town, like The Australian in Young, a couple of places in Tumbarumba, and we’re also in talks for a couple of places in Albury.
“Each place asks for something different; some want you to be a bit more strict, others a bit more casual. Part of the job is finding that balance.”
Not even a year old, Enhanced Protections is going from strength to strength.
“A lot of people said at the start, don’t work with your friend, it’s not a good idea, but it’s been awesome so far,” Bashar said.
“We’re offering something a little different when it comes to security. We’re younger and a bit more eager and we believe a lot of places are noticing that.
“If you see us on a night out, come say hi. We’re more than happy to have a chat. If you’ve got a problem, please come and let us know, and we’ll help sort it out.”
To follow Lachie, Bashar and the team at Enhanced Protections, visit their Instagram @enhancedprotections or on Facebook here.
