North Curl Curl SLSC is committed to the protection, welfare and well-being of all members and is dedicated to providing a positive and safe environment in line with the SLSA Member Protection Policy and SLSA Child Safe Policy.
We take an inclusive approach, dedicated to being open to all members of the Australian community and providing a safe environment, ensuring all members are treated with respect and dignity and are protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse.
Our aim is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all members participating in surf lifesaving by following the Member Protection Code of Conduct.
OUR MEMBER PROTECTION TEAM
Our club has a group of dedicated volunteers who look after member protection practices and issues. These include a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO), Complaints Manager and Child Safe Coordinator.
MPIO: Kadie Wegenaar
Complaints Manager: David Murray
Child Safe Coordinator: Kiri Wegenaar
COMPLAINT MANAGEMENT
An MPIO is available to provide information to members who may have an issue or grievance at the club. The MPIO may be a first point of contact for any member wishing to raise a concern.
To contact the MPIO, please email Kadie Wegenaar to arrange a call back.
After contacting the MPIO, should a member wish to proceed with a formal complaint, this can be lodged via the online complaints portal:
https://complaints.sls.com.au/
All formal complaints are handled by a Complaints Manager, who will take action to resolve complaints after they are lodged via the portal.
We understand that in a community organisation where everyone knows each other, conflicts of interest can arise. We want members to feel they are able to raise any concerns they have, and if there is a conflict of interest and members would prefer to speak to someone else within the club regarding their concern, please email David Murray Alternatively, you can contact the MPIO at your branch <Insert email> or any SLS MPIO.
CHILD SAFE
CHILD SAFE COMMITMENT STATEMENT (link to current club Child Safe Commitment Statement, signed by the Club Executive)
Our Club is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who takes part in our activities, programs, events or services and will work to create an environment in which children and young people are safe and feel safe at all times.
North Curl Curl SLSC recognises the importance of protecting young people under the age of 18 from abuse, harm and exploitation. It is everyone’s responsibility to treat children and young people respectfully and follow child safe legislation and the SLSA Child Safe Policy. The Child Safe Code of Conduct applies to all members and associated parties as outlined in the Child Safe Policy.
Resources, webinars and online training courses are available to all members, providing clear guidelines of appropriate behaviour when engaging with children and young people. All members are encouraged to complete the Child Safe Awareness online course found in the e-learning section of your members portal.
Child Safe Reporting
Keeping children and young people safe relies on community members reporting their concerns.
All North Curl Curl SLSC members have a responsibility to speak up if they become aware of or observe something considered inappropriate. Please contact an MPIO, wegenaars@optusnet.com.au and/or submit the concerns through the online reporting portal:
- Visit https://complaints.sls.com.au/ and click on ‘Child Safe Matter’.
- Follow the question prompts, noting you may wish to remain anonymous.
- Click submit once finished. Your report will then be sent to SLSNSW for investigation.
All reports submitted will be treated in confidence and with the utmost respect for all those involved.
NORTH CURL CURL & SLSA: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
North curl Curl young members, leaders and the organisation reserve certain rights as members and carry with them certain responsibilities.
Young Members have the right:
- to be safe;
- to be listened to;
- to be respected;
- to privacy;
- to take calculated risks in a protective environment;
- to an inclusive environment;
- to be referred to professional help if needed;
- to be protected from abuse by other members or outside sources.
Young members are responsible for:
- Showing respect to other young members and SLSA leaders;
- Keeping themselves safe;
- Accurately report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations for youth members
North Curl Curl leaders have the right to:
- access to ongoing training and information on all aspects of leading/managing surf lifesaving activities for youths, particularly member protection;
- support in the reporting of suspected abuse;
- access to professional support services;
- fair and equitable treatment by SLSA according to SLSA
Nort Curl Curl leaders are responsible for:
- fostering team work to ensure the safety of young members in their care;
- using appropriate team management behaviour;
iii. responding to youth members’ statements concerns about alleged abuse;
- ensuring the rights and responsibilities of youth members are enforced;
- reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate SLSA authority;
- not abusing members physically, emotionally or sexually;
vii. maintaining confidentiality about sensitive information as designated by the appropriate SLSA authority.
SLSA REPORTING GUIDELINES
All North Curl Curl SLSC members have a responsibility to speak up if they become aware of or observe something considered inappropriate.
All reports submitted will be treated in absolute confidence and with the utmost respect for all those involved.