Safety & Welfare
Our Commitment
We affirm that all people have the right to be emotionally and physically safe, respected, and have their views and opinions always valued. We recognise that we have a spiritual, moral, and civic duty to ensure that Bacchus Marsh Parish is a safe place to be. Throughout the Bible God continually calls out the vulnerable for protection and care despite their powerlessness (Ex. 22:21-22, Deut. 10:17-19, Jer. 22:2-4, James 1:27).
We also live in a country that legislates for people’s safety. As a parish, we have committed to complying with all national, state, and diocesan policy and legislation to ensure that everyone is safe within Bacchus Marsh Parish We maintain a culture of safety and wellbeing though a culture that has a zero tolerance for violence of any kind. We provide safe and independent avenues for anyone to speak up.
Everyone who is engaged in ministry at Bacchus Marsh Parish is trained to recognise and respond to situations that put our members and community at risk. And we take appropriate and right action. This extends to:
Ensuring the safety of children and young people
Recognising and responding to family and domestic violence including our elders
Recognising and responding to bullying and abuse of power
Eradicating all violence against women and members of the LGBTQ community
Ensuring the health and safety of everyone who uses our church and facilities
Reporting and Making a Complaint
Kooyoora Ltd has been appointed by the Melbourne Diocese to respond to all complaints of misconduct including sexual, physical, spiritual or emotional abuse by clergy or Church officers. Kooyoora Ltd is an independent Professional Standards company which undertakes Professional Standards work for not for profit charitable entities. To learn how to contact Kooyoora Ltd and the process of making a complaint, please click below.
Safe Ministry Program
For further information on Safe Ministry Matters, please contact our Vicar or visit the Diocese of Melbourne Safe Ministry Toolbox.
The Toolbox includes information on:
Mandatory reporting
Safe Ministry training
Support and redress
Diocesan policy and procedure
Child Safe Standards
Screening and Clearances for Ministry