Are you aware of our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and the importance it has for both us and the community in supporting the rights of children?
We are seeking your thoughts on child and young people’s safety in your community and your feedback will help us moving forward. Community information sessions will also run during October, to educate and inform on child safety.
The Shire is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We have zero tolerance of child abuse. Robust training, policies and procedures are in place to protect children from abuse and respond to any risks, allegations or safety concerns.
Our newly endorsed Policy comes after changes to Victoria’s Child Safe Standards in July 2022 and communicates our intent and commitment to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children and young people
The updated Standards have a greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people, increasing efforts to inform and involving families and communities and managing the risk of child abuse in online environments.
How can you contribute?
We want to hear from you what you think is important when it comes to child safety and wellbeing. Your feedback will shape our procedures on how we keep children and young people safe.
Have your say before Friday 22 September 2023. Visit our website today: mornpen.vic.gov.au/childsafe
Hard copies of the Policy and feedback forms are also available for printing on request at our Customer Service Centres and libraries.
To access the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, please visit our webpage: mornpen.vic.gov.au/childsafetycommitment
Child Safe Standards information sessions
We all have an obligation to do the best we can to keep children safe from harm and abuse.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is keen to assist the local community, businesses, cultural, sport or recreation groups and volunteers, in becoming Child Safe and strengthening your capacity to provide a safe and empowering environment for all children and young people.
Our Child Safety Coordinator will be speaking at various community information sessions to help you understand our obligations to keep children safe from harm and abuse.
Community sessions will be held at the following locations:
- Monday 23 October, Hastings Community Hub, 1-2pm
- Wednesday 25 October, Mornington Council Chambers, 1-2 pm
- Thursday 26 October, Rosebud Council Chamber, 5.30-6.30pm.
Tickets to these sessions are free. Please book your spot via our website:mornpen.vic.gov.au/childsafe
Please note that the content in the session is not suitable for children
To view our Child Safety Commitment, please visit our website:mornpen.vic.gov.au/childsafetycommitment.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
“We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Council has created this policy following the development of Victoria’s Child Safe Standards in July 2022. We are now seeking your feedback and encourage you to attend one of our community information sessions to find out more.”
Quotes attributable to Health and Wellbeing Committee Chair, Councillor Antonella Celi:
“The Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy outlines the Shire’s commitment to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children and young people on the Mornington Peninsula. We look forward to working alongside our community sectors to help understand the obligations and procedures under the Victoria’s Child Safe Standards that will promote optimal Child Safe environments.”
