It’s February. The slower pace of January and lazy days at the beach are behind us for another year. Where did the time go? School is back, many have returned to work and our roads are busy once again. I’ve even purchased a new notebook to begin the year. There is something energizing about a re-start.

A re-start is also taking place across our parishes in February, with many of our regular activities gradually returning. The official opening of our parish year will take place on Saturday, 18 February at Our Holy Redeemer and everyone is welcome. It is also a great time to turn our attention to looking after each other, particularly children and the most vulnerable in our communities. In February, we are asking everyone engaged and participating in parish ministries and activities, including clergy, employees and volunteers, to renew their safeguarding commitment by joining the February Safeguarding Challenge.

Join the February Safeguarding Challenge
Across our three parishes and five churches there are 410 volunteers engaged in parish ministries. Our challenge is to ensure that everyone has completed the following safeguarding requirements by the end of February:

1. Working with Children Check – you are asked to ensure that you have an up-to-date Working with Children Check and the parish is registered as a volunteer organisation. It remains current for five years. You will be notified if your role also requires a National Police Check.
2. Safeguarding Code of Conduct – you are asked to read and sign the Parish Safeguarding Code of Conduct that specifies the standards of conduct and care required when performing our roles and when interacting with children. Once you have signed the Code of Conduct for 2023 it will remain current for three years.
3. Safeguarding Essentials online training module – this resource will provide you with foundational knowledge in relation to safeguarding children, young people and other vulnerable persons from abuse and harm. Once you have completed the training for 2023 it will also remain current for three years.

Safeguarding commitment
While safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility across our parishes, Fr Brendan as the Parish Priest is responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and relevant procedures and practices to promote the safety of children and young people. The Parish Priest has a legal obligation under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic) to ensure that safeguarding measures are in place to keep children and young people safe from abuse and harm. You can visit our parish website to learn more about our commitment and obligations.

So let our re-start in February help ensure that our parish communities are safe and welcoming places for all. Each week we will update numbers and see how we are tracking towards our 100% target. Are you ready to take up the challenge?

By Tricia Norman

Complete the February Safeguarding Challenge