In June, the Parish Safeguarding Committee, chaired by Parish Pastoral Council member, Frank Peck, met to discuss several safeguarding initiatives across the parish.
During the meeting, we reviewed the completion of the Safeguarding Self-Assessment Tool. This tool was created by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and helps parishes evaluate and monitor their safeguarding practices in accordance with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. These standards serve to ensure that safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of parish life and ministry, minimising the potential for harm. They also provide a framework for Catholic organisations to create safer environments for everyone, especially children and vulnerable adults.
The committee will continue its work by identifying strengths and key areas for improvement, with a particular focus on empowering children and adults to have a voice in decisions and practices that affect them in the parish. We look forward to sharing the committee’s progress in the coming months.
Safeguarding training was also a key focus for discussion at the recent committee meeting. It is mandatory for everyone involved in ministries in our parish, including clergy, employees and volunteers, to complete the Safeguarding Essentials training module provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. Once completed, this training remains valid for three years.
The Safeguarding Committee has organised face-to-face training sessions in the parish in August, conducted by the Archdiocese’s Safeguarding Professional Standards Unit. While many parishioners have already completed the online module, this one-hour session offers an additional opportunity to fulfil the requirement. The training will be held on:
Alternatively, the training can be completed online via the Safeguarding Training Essentials online module. To login, you will need your Working with Children Check (WWCC) number and an email address.
Further details regarding the upcoming training sessions will be shared shortly. Those involved in parish ministry who still need to complete the Safeguarding Essentials training will be contacted directly.
Just a reminder, everyone involved in parish ministry must also have a current Working with Children Check that is linked to our parish. If you need to update your details, you can do so easily via the Safeguarding page on our website. Should you need assistance, a member of our staff is always happy to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact the parish office.
The Safeguarding Committee will continue its work, with the next meeting scheduled for 16 September. Safeguarding remains a regular item at all Parish Pastoral Council and parish staff meetings and continues to be a central priority across our parish. Together, we are committed to ensuring that our parish and churches remain safe and welcoming places for everyone.
If you have any concerns or suggestions regarding safeguarding, please contact the parish office or speak with one of our Parish Life Team members during weekend Mass.
By Tricia Norman
Safeguarding Committee members include Frank Peck (Chair), Fr Sang Ho (Parish Priest), Fr Hoang Dinh (Assistant Priest), Tricia Norman (Senior Pastoral Associate) and parishioners, Kath Curtain, Ben Fung, Kerry Hersom, Declan Keating, David Rush and James Whelan.
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm