Child Safe Policy

Cronulla Golf is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children within our care and responsibility. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, emotional, and psychological welfare of children. As an organisation operating in Australia, we align ourselves with the highest standards of child safety as outlined by Australian laws and regulations.

Our commitment to child safety is driven by the following principles:

1. Child-Centred Approach: We prioritise the best interests of children in all aspects of our operations. Their safety, welfare, and rights are at the forefront of our decision-making processes. We support the equity and diversity of all children we work with and care for and have their needs understood and met.

2. Prevention of Harm: We are proactive in preventing harm to children by implementing comprehensive measures to identify and minimise potential risks. This includes the assessment of physical spaces, activities, and interactions to ensure they are safe and age appropriate.

3. Empowering Children: We recognise the importance of empowering children to voice their concerns, seek support, and participate in decisions affecting their safety. We encourage open communication and create opportunities for children to express themselves in a safe and respectful manner.

4. Staff Selection and Training: We are committed to selecting and training staff and volunteers who share our commitment to child safety. Our recruitment processes include thorough background checks, reference checks, and mandatory training in child protection policies, procedures, and practices.

5. Clear Policies and Procedures: We maintain clear and comprehensive policies and procedures that outline expected behaviour and conduct towards children. These policies are regularly reviewed and communicated to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and stakeholders involved in our organisation.

6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns: We have established effective mechanisms for reporting, responding to, and managing concerns or allegations of child abuse or neglect. Our staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse and are obligated to report any suspicions or disclosures in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policies.

7. Partnerships and Collaboration: We actively collaborate with parents, guardians, families, communities, and relevant authorities to create a collective responsibility for child safety. We foster partnerships that promote a culture of vigilance, openness, and ongoing improvement in safeguarding children.

8. Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement in our child safety practices. We regularly review and evaluate our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure they remain effective, up to date, and compliant with the latest Australian standards.

This Statement of Commitment to Child Safety reflects our dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for children. We understand the critical importance of safeguarding their well-being, and we strive to ensure that all children under our care can grow, learn, and thrive in an environment free from harm.

CHILD SAFE POLICY

At Cronulla Golf, we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children participating in our programs, as well as for those who accompany their families to our facilities. We recognise our responsibility to protect children from harm and to promote their wellbeing. Therefore, we have developed the following Child Safe Policy to outline how we implement child safe standards into our everyday:

Commitment to Child Safety:

• Cronulla Golf is dedicated to creating and maintaining a child-safe environment where children are respected, valued, and their voices are heard.
• We are committed to preventing child abuse and neglect within our organisation and will take proactive measures to safeguard children from harm.

Screening and Recruitment:

• All staff and volunteers who work directly with children at Cronulla Golf must undergo thorough screening and background checks before commencing their roles.
• Screening processes include reference checks, working with children checks, and police checks where applicable.

Training and Education:

• Staff and volunteers will receive regular training on child protection policies and procedures to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard children.
• Training will cover topics such as recognising signs of abuse, responding appropriately to disclosures, and maintaining professional boundaries.

Code of Conduct:

• Cronulla Golf has a clear code of conduct that outlines appropriate behaviour when interacting with children. This includes maintaining professional boundaries, treating all children with respect and dignity, and refraining from any form of abuse or exploitation.
• Training will cover topics such as recognising signs of abuse, responding appropriately to disclosures, and maintaining professional boundaries.

Supervision and Monitoring:

• Adequate supervision will be provided to ensure the safety of children participating in our programs and using our facilities.
• Staff and volunteers will be regularly monitored to ensure compliance with child protection policies and procedures.

Reporting and Responding:

• Any suspicions or concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child must be reported immediately to the designated child protection officer at Cronulla Golf
• All reports of child abuse or neglect will be taken seriously and handled in accordance with legal obligations and organizational policies.

Confidentiality:

• Information regarding child protection concerns will be handled confidentially and shared only with those who need to know for the purpose of safeguarding the child

Promotion of Child Participation:

• Cronulla Golf will actively seek and value the input of children in decision-making processes that affect them
• We will create opportunities for children to express their views and contribute to the development of our programs and services

Continuous Improvement:

• We are committed to continuously reviewing and improving our child protection policies and practices to ensure they remain effective and reflect best practice standards

Community Engagement:

• Cronulla Golf will engage with parents, caregivers, and the wider community to promote awareness of child protection issues and encourage collaboration in keeping children safe

By adhering to this Child Safe Policy, Cronulla Golf aims to create a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive and enjoy their experiences with us

Policy Review:

This Child Safe Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current and relevant to the needs of our organization and the children we serve

Cronulla Golf Club Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION

Cronulla Golf Club is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all children involved in its activities. This Code of Conduct outlines the behaviours expected of all employees, volunteers, and members when dealing with children and young people, in line with the New South Wales (NSW) guidelines for Working with Children

PRINCIPLES

1. Child Safety and Well-being: The safety, welfare, and well-being of children are paramount in all club activities and decisions.
2. Respect and Dignity: All interactions with children must respect their dignity, culture, values, and privacy.
3. Integrity and Professionalism: Staff and volunteers should conduct themselves in a manner that is professional, ethical, and reflects the standards expected by the community and legal obligations.
4. Accountability: All adults in the club are accountable for their behaviour towards children and must ensure their actions are consistent with these guidelines.

BEHAVIOURS

1. Positive Guidance: Provide positive guidance to children, encouraging by example and avoiding any form of physical discipline or punitive measure that could harm or frighten a child.
2. Respectful Communication: Communicate with children in a respectful and understandable way. Avoid language or behaviour that could intimidate, shame, or belittle a child.
3. Privacy and Confidentiality: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of children, ensuring personal information is properly protected and shared only as necessary according to law and club policies.
4. Physical Contact: Physical contact with children should be appropriate to the delivery of the sport, such as instructive or safety-related touching. Avoid unnecessary physical contact and ensure that any contact is welcomed and comfortable for the child.
5. One-on-One Situations: Avoid being alone with a child where you cannot be observed by others. Plan activities and use facilities to minimize risk.
6. Reporting Concerns: Immediately report any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare to the designated Child Safety Officer. This includes any allegations of abuse, neglect, or breaches of this Code of Conduct.
7. Responding to Allegations: Fully cooperate with any investigations regarding misconduct or abuse, maintaining confidentiality and respect for all involved.

RESPONSIBILITIES

All Club Members, Staff and Volunteers: Understand and adhere to this Code of Conduct and related policies. Participate in relevant training on child safety and protection.

Club Management and Board Members: Ensure that this code is fully implemented and that adequate resources and training are provided. Respond promptly and effectively to any breaches of this code.

Parents and Guardians: Support the club in its efforts to provide a safe and positive environment for children.

BREACHES OF THE CODE

Breaches of this Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action, which may include suspension or termination of membership, employment, or volunteer opportunities. Serious breaches may be referred to law enforcement or child protection agencies.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This Code of Conduct is a living document that reflects our commitment to safeguarding children involved in Cronulla Golf Club activities. It will be reviewed and updated in accordance with changes in legislation and community expectations.

By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we all contribute to a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for the children in our community.

CRONULLA GOLF CLUBHOUSE, BAR & GAMING WWC POLICY

Purpose

Cronulla Golf Club is committed to providing a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for all members and guests, with a particular emphasis on protecting the welfare of children and young people. This policy outlines our commitment and procedures in managing our bar and gaming facilities in compliance with the NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) requirements and other relevant legislation

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and members of the Cronulla Golf Club who are involved in the operation and management of the bar and gaming areas

Objectives

• To ensure a safe and protective environment for children and young people at Cronulla Golf Club
• To comply with the NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) requirements and related legislation
• To promote responsible service of alcohol and ethical gaming practices

Responsible Service of Alcohol

• The Club adheres to the NSW Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) regulations
• Staff are trained and required to refuse service to any patron showing signs of intoxication or behaving inappropriately towards children
• Alcohol will not be served to any person under the age of 18. Proof of age must be requested and verified when there is any doubt.

Ethical Gaming Practices

• The Club is committed to responsible gambling practices and adheres to the NSW Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) regulations.
• Staff are trained to check regularly that no one under the age of 18 is in the TAB or Poker machine area or buying or collecting Keno tickets.

Supervision of Children

• Children are not permitted in the gaming area at any time
• Children are not permitted in the smoking area at any time
• Children in the bar area must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times
• Members under the age of 18 (who have been playing golf) unaccompanied by an adult must not sit in the carpeted area between entry stairs and planter boxes defining Brasserie area.
• Members under the age of 18yrs (who have been playing golf) must vacate the clubhouse by sunset, unless accompanied by an adult.
• Members under the age of 18 yrs (who have been playing golf) may purchase Non-alcoholic drinks from the Western end of the Main Bar (The water dispenser area) that is clearly defined ‘no alcohol service from this section’
• QR codes on tables will be unavailable for under 18 year olds

Review and Monitoring

• This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as required to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations
• The Club will monitor the implementation and compliance with this policy through regular audits and feedback from staff, members, and the community