RBGV’s New Child Safe Program
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is introducing an important new program for all volunteers, staff, on-site Friends groups and contractors at the Gardens: the new RBGV Child Safe Program.
This program is designed to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding and protecting children and young people under 18 years of age at the Botanic Gardens sites, from abuse, neglect or harm.
Cranbourne Friends who are involved as a member of a committee or who are members of the Cranbourne Friends Special Interest Groups are asked to comply with the policy.
What do members of Special Interest Groups need to do?
1. Apply for a Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Visit: Services Victoria. The application process can be completed online, and Volunteer checks are free. If you already have a Working with Children Check, log in and update it to include “RBG Cranbourne” in organisation details online.
Regarding choice of “Occupation”, Friends should select Sporting, recreational or cultural clubs, associations or movements. We are officially associated with the Gardens and could also be loosely described as having a recreational or cultural role.
Friends who are unable to apply for Working with Children check online are advised to contact the WWC Check Customer Support Team (1300 652 879) between 9am – 3pm weekdays or email to workingwithchildren@justice.vic.gov.au. An individual who has a particular difficulty may be able to request a manual ‘special circumstances’ application form.
2. Read the RBGV Child Safe Policy and RBGV Child Safe Code of Conduct
You must read these policies before 28 February 2021.
3. Sign the RBGV Child Safe Statement of Commitment
You will need to read each point and check the corresponding box (or mark each line) to indicate your commitment. The document should be signed and return it to the Friends Committee. Once you receive your Working with Children Check card, you need to send a photo of it to the Committee as well.
How to send your documents:
- taking photos or scanning it, and emailing files to secretary@rbgfriendscranbourne.org.au, or
- by post to Secretary, Cranbourne Friends RBGV, 13 Fairview Av, Wheelers Hill, 3150.
Let your coordinator/leader know when you have completed all three steps. This should be done by 28 February 2021.
More information
- View RBGV Child safety policy for Friends (Presentation by Robin Penty)
- Read Tim Entwisle, Director and Chief Executive’s letter (docx)
