MEMBER PROTECTION
MEMBER WELFARE
MEMBER WELLBEING:
Bulli Surf Club is renowned for its exceptional approach to mental health, prioritizing the well-being and support of its members. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by lifesaving and the broader community, the club has implemented comprehensive events and initiatives to address mental health concerns. Our approach fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, where individuals feel safe to seek assistance without judgment. The club provides regular mental health workshops, to educate members about mental health, promote self-care strategies, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Furthermore, we actively encourages open communication and dialogue, ensuring that members know they are not alone, and that help is readily available. We have established a dedicated mental health support team comprising trained volunteers who are always present during club activities to provide guidance and lend a listening ear. By taking a proactive and empathetic approach to mental health, Bulli Surf Club has created a community that values mental well-being and empowers its members to prioritize their mental health alongside their passion for surf life saver.
Our Wellbeing team includes:
Tom Godfrey - SLS NSW Mental Health & Wellbeing Champion -
Maria Caldwell - Mental Health First Aider
Markus Meier-Lindner - Mental Health First Aider
Jamie Caldwell
If any member is struggling and requires support, do not hesitate to contact memberwelfare@surflifesaving.com for confidential support.
MEMBER INJURY:
In case of injury, members are covered by Workers Compensation – SLSNSW for patrolling, club activities and competition. Please contact the club as soon as possible to report an injury - email bullisurfclub@gmail.com
Member protection is Important
Bulli Surf Life Saving Club is committed to the protection, welfare and wellbeing of all its members and is dedicated to providing a safe, fun and enjoyable environment as outlined in the SLSA Member Protection Policy and Child Safe Policy. We take an inclusive approach, dedicated to being open to all members of the Australian community and providing a safe environment, ensuring all members are treated with respect and dignity and are protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse.
Our Member Protection team
Our club has a group of dedicated volunteers who look after member protection issues. These include a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO), Complaints Manager and Child Safe Coordinator.
MPIO: Rebecca Colqhoun
Complaints Manager: Jamie Caldwell
Child Safe Coordinator: Maria Caldwell
Our aim is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all members participating in surf lifesaving.
Complaint Management
The MPIO is available to provide advice to all members who may have an issue or grievance at the club and is the first point of contact for any member wishing to raise a concern.
To contact the MPIO, please email bullisurfclub@gmail.com to arrange a call back.
After contacting the MPIO, should any member wish to proceed with a formal complaint, this can be lodged via the online complaints portal: https://complaints.sls.com.au/
All formal complaints are handled by the Club Complaints Manager, who will take action after complains are lodged via the portal.
We understand that in a community organisation where everyone knows each other, conflicts of interest can arise. We want members to feel they are able to raise any concerns they have, and if there is a conflict of interest and members would prefer to speak to someone else within the club regarding their concern, please email Tom Godfrey thomas.godfrey24@outlook.com. Alternatively, you can contact the MPIO at your branch, Director of Member Services, Maria Caldwell, memberservices@slsillawarra.com.au
Child Safe
CHILD SAFE COMMITMENT STATEMENT
Our Club is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who takes part in our activities, programs, events or services and will work to create an environment in which children and young people are safe and feel safe at all times.
Bulli SLSC recognises the importance of protecting young people under the age of 18 from abuse, harm and exploitation. It is everyone’s responsibility to treat children and young people respectfully and within the Child Protection Laws and the SLSA Child Safe Policy. The Child Safe Code of Conduct applies to all members and associated parties as outlined in the Child Safe Policy.
Resources, webinars and online training courses are available to all members, providing clear guidelines of appropriate behaviour when engaging with children and young people. All members are encouraged to complete the Child Safe Awareness online course found in the e-learning section of your members portal.
NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Members in Child related roles are required to provide a Working with Children Check to the club to be verified with the Office of Children’s Guardian. Failure to do so will result in suspension from any child related roles. Some exclusions apply. To check if you are required to have a WWCC, follow the guidelines below:
Child Safe Reporting
Keeping children and young people safe relies on community members reporting their concerns.
All Bulli SLSC members have a responsibility to speak up if they become aware of or observe something considered inappropriate. Please contact our club’s MPIO, bullisurfclub@gmail.com and submit through the online reporting portal:
1. Visit https://complaints.sls.com.au/ and click on ‘Make a Child Safe Report’
2. Follow the question prompts, noting you may wish to remain anonymous
3. Click submit once finished. Your report will then be sent to Surf Life Saving Australia‘s Legal Counsel and SLSNSW for investigation.
All reports submitted will be treated in confidence and with the utmost respect for all those involved.