The Commission for Children and Young People has recently introduced seven mandatory Child Safe Standards for Victorian organisations providing services to children. Such organisations include those that exercise care, supervision or authority over children, whether as part of their primary function or otherwise.
All organisations (including sporting organisations and yacht clubs) are required to adopt these mandatory standards with effect from 1st January 2017. Vicsport (the peak body for sport and active recreation in Victoria in conjunction with the State Government and VicHealth) has provided advice and templates to yacht clubs through Australian Sailing.
At its meeting on January 8th 2017, the General Committee considered the appropriate manner in which to implement these standards at QCYC, bearing in mind that QCYC is a volunteer run club with no employees. Whilst QCYC does not provide specific services for children, children are welcomed as members of the Club as part of a family membership.
In order to continue to engender a culture of child safety within the Club and to meet the requirements of the standards, the Committee has recommended the modification and adoption of two of the templates provided by VicSport. The two new documents - a Code of Conduct and a Statement of Commitment to Child Safety - are available on the website for reading by all members.
Vicsport will be providing information posters that will also be displayed in the clubhouse when available.
The topic of Child Safety will also be included as an agenda item at future Committee meetings, as recommended by the standards.
Any comments or feedback should be addressed to the Secretary: secretary@qcyc.org.au or PO Box 77, Queenscliff, Victoria 3225.
Last Modified on 12/02/2017 09:15