Below is a Statement of Commitment to Child Safety which the Cronulla Golf Club aspires to achieving in coming months. These commitments will be met through initiatives our management team will be driving .
As all members know, we have a significant number of children and young people who regularly participate in a range of golfing activities, from training and development, through to playing competition and in some circumstances, representing our club in interclub events. In addition, we employ several young people directly or under contractor arrangements. We also have children regularly entering our registered club when accompanying an adult attending the children’s play area and restaurant.
Aligned with findings and recommendations from the Royal Commission, The NSW Government has created legislation that compel organisations and individuals take responsibility and behave in a manner that demonstrates commitment to Child Safe standards. In support, the NSW Government Office of the Children’s Guardian has recently introduced the child safe scheme which aims to protect children by encouraging organisations to adopt the standards as a primary framework for child safe practices.
In the near future and in an ongoing manner, the Board and or Club Management will communicate child safe policy framework, and advise members of their responsibilities, to help ensure we as an organisation and individuals comply with all requirements.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to raise them with our General Manager.
Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
Cronulla Golf is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children within our care and responsibility. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, emotional, and psychological welfare of children. As an organisation operating in Australia, we align ourselves with the highest standards of child safety as outlined by Australian laws and regulations.
Our commitment to child safety is driven by the following principles:
1. Child-Centred Approach: We prioritise the best interests of children in all aspects of our operations. Their safety, welfare, and rights are at the forefront of our decision-making processes. We support the equity and diversity of all children we work with and care for and have their needs understood and met.
2. Prevention of Harm: We are proactive in preventing harm to children by implementing comprehensive measures to identify and minimise potential risks. This includes the assessment of physical spaces, activities, and interactions to ensure they are safe and age appropriate.
3. Empowering Children: We recognise the importance of empowering children to voice their concerns, seek support, and participate in decisions affecting their safety. We encourage open communication and create opportunities for children to express themselves in a safe and respectful manner.
4. Staff Selection and Training: We are committed to selecting and training staff and volunteers who share our commitment to child safety. Our recruitment processes include thorough background checks, reference checks, and mandatory training in child protection policies, procedures, and practices.
5. Clear Policies and Procedures: We maintain clear and comprehensive policies and procedures that outline expected behaviour and conduct towards children. These policies are regularly reviewed and communicated to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and stakeholders involved in our organisation.
6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns: We have established effective mechanisms for reporting, responding to, and managing concerns or allegations of child abuse or neglect. Our staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse and are obligated to report any suspicions or disclosures in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policies.
7. Partnerships and Collaboration: We actively collaborate with parents, guardians, families, communities, and relevant authorities to create a collective responsibility for child safety. We foster partnerships that promote a culture of vigilance, openness, and ongoing improvement in safeguarding children.
8. Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement in our child safety practices. We regularly review and evaluate our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure they remain effective, up to date, and compliant with the latest Australian standards.
This Statement of Commitment to Child Safety reflects our dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for children. We understand the critical importance of safeguarding their well-being, and we strive to ensure that all children under our care can grow, learn, and thrive in an environment free from harm.