Our Commitment to Child Safety – NSW, ACT, SA and NT

We want to reaffirm our shared commitment to making our fellowship a safe and respectful place for all — especially for children and young people. It is our sincere desire that no incident of harm or abuse ever occurs among us.

We stand by our apology and our hearts remain with every survivor who has suffered harm.

These documents have been carefully prepared to help us all understand our responsibilities in creating and maintaining a child-safe environment. They outline how concerns or allegations will be handled with fairness, compassion, and independence, and how we can each play a part in keeping everyone safe.

These policies reflect the principles of state-based child protection laws and the Child Safe Standards that apply to our jurisdictions. They also follow the guidance of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to child sexual abuse, which advised all faith communities of the importance of clear, transparent, and accountable processes for protecting children.

• Code of Conduct (NSW & ACT - SA & NT) sets out how we treat and care for one another.

• Child Safe Policy shows our commitment to making our fellowship a safe place for children and young people. It explains the steps we take to prevent harm, promote wellbeing, and respond when concerns arise.

• Child Safety and Allegations Management Policy outlines how independent specialists help us manage any concerns or allegations fairly, respectfully, and in line with the law.

Each of our child safety documents has been reviewed by ChildSafe Australia. Their independent review helps us reflect current responsible practice in child safety and alignment with legal standards.

We recognise the need for professional expertise in managing these matters.

We have engaged Kooyoora, an independent, not-for-profit professional organisation, to assist with child safety and reporting processes. Kooyoora provides a confidential reporting line for survivors and anyone with safety concerns, and offers expert guidance to overseers, workers, and elders to ensure all matters are handled lawfully and sensitively. Their qualified, trauma-informed investigators will bring independence to any investigations and they will be able to advise us on appropriate safety planning as needed.

We recognise that coming forward to report abuse or misconduct can be a difficult and emotional experience. To help make this process as safe and respectful as possible, Kooyoora will refer survivors to independent counselling services, thanks to funding provided by friends in New South Wales and South Australia.

We encourage everyone — parents, workers, elders, and friends — to take time to read these documents. Together, they represent our shared commitment to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person in our fellowship.

Graeme Dalton

Trevor Joll

18th October 2025