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Child Safe Policy

Gippsland Musical Theatre Company Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
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Acknowledgement of Country
Gippsland Musical Theatre Company acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we rehearse, perform and create across Gippsland. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise their continuing connection to land, culture, and community. We are committed to a future of respect, recognition, and reconciliation.

 

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Gippsland Musical Theatre Company (GMTC) believes that every child involved in our productions and programs has a right to feel and be safe. The welfare of children and young people in our care is our highest priority. We have zero tolerance for child abuse or harm. We are committed to creating an environment where children can thrive, have fun, and develop their performing arts talents in a safe and supportive space.

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Purpose

This Policy explains how GMTC keeps children and young people safe, and the practical steps we take to ensure their wellbeing.

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Scope

This Policy applies to all GMTC staff, volunteers, cast members, participants, Management Committee members, and any individual involved in our activities – including rehearsals, performances, workshops, and community events.

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Definitions

  • Management Committee: Chairperson, Artistic Director, Youth Coordinator, and two Parent Representatives.

  • Child Abuse: Includes sexual offences, grooming, physical violence, serious emotional harm, or serious neglect of a child.

  • Harm: Any damage to the health, safety, or wellbeing of a child or young person.

  • Child/Children: A person under the age of 18 years.

  • Concerns and Complaints: Any issue raised that impacts or could impact child safety or wellbeing.

 

Management Committee Responsibilities

Our Management Committee champions a strong culture of child safety. They:

  • Promote and model safe practices.

  • Encourage reporting of concerns or complaints without fear of reprisal.

  • Ensure all staff and volunteers undertake child safety training and risk assessments.

  • Review the effectiveness of our child safety strategies annually, with input from children, families, and staff.

 

Empowering Children and Young People

At GMTC, we centre the voices of our young performers. We:

  • Hold regular discussions with children about what makes them feel safe.

  • Provide suggestion boxes and feedback channels.

  • Consult children on significant changes to our facilities, programs, or policies.

  • Offer information about children’s rights, including their right to safety.

We have zero tolerance for bullying and actively promote kindness, friendship, and respect.

 

Family and Community Engagement

Families play a vital role in creating a safe environment. GMTC:

  • Welcomes parental feedback and involvement.

  • Elects parent representatives to our Management Committee annually.

  • Provides regular updates about child safety policies through newsletters, our website, and parent handbooks.

 

Cultural Safety for Aboriginal Children

GMTC is committed to being a culturally safe and welcoming place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Actions include:

  • Performing an Acknowledgement of Country at all events.

  • Consulting with Aboriginal families and organisations.

  • Celebrating Aboriginal culture and significant events such as NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week.

  • Training staff and volunteers about the importance of cultural identity and connection.

 

Valuing Diversity and Inclusion

Gippsland Musical Theatre Company embraces diversity. We:

  • Support participation from children of all abilities, cultures, backgrounds, sexualities, and gender identities.

  • Promote anti-racism and anti-discrimination.

  • Offer inclusive programming that reflects the diversity of our community.

  • Commit to ensuring accessible facilities and online spaces.

We particularly celebrate the cultural diversity of Gippsland, including our vibrant South Sudanese-Australian community.

 

Code of Conduct

All GMTC staff, volunteers, and contractors must follow our Child Safe Code of Conduct. Breaches of the Code may result in disciplinary action, including termination of engagement.

 

Recruitment and Training

GMTC ensures all staff and volunteers working with children:

  • Hold a valid Working with Children Check and Police Check.

  • Are appropriately qualified.

  • Complete annual child safety training.

Training is recorded in our Child Safety Training Plan, and regular supervision ensures ongoing compliance.

 

Reporting Concerns and Complaints

We take all concerns seriously. GMTC’s complaint handling process includes:

  • Immediate action to protect children.

  • Reporting serious matters to Victoria Police.

  • Transparency and confidentiality throughout the process.

Complaints or concerns can be emailed to gippslandmusicaltheatre@gmail.com or reported to a Child Safety Officer.

In an emergency, always call 000.

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Record Keeping

We maintain accurate records of all child safety concerns and incidents, stored securely for a minimum of 45 years.

 

Risk Management

GMTC identifies and manages risks in all environments where children are involved, including online. Contractors or service providers must be supervised when interacting with children.

 

Non-Compliance

Any breach of this Policy or the Code of Conduct will be investigated and may lead to disciplinary action, including removal from our programs.

 

Review and Continuous Improvement

We review our child safety policies every two years or following any incident. Reviews are informed by feedback from children, families, and staff.

 

Related Policies and Procedures

  • Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

  • Code of Conduct

  • Complaint Handling Policy

  • Recruitment and Screening Policy

  • Disciplinary Policy

  • Risk Management Plan

  • Child Safe Training Plan

 

Relevant Legislation

  • Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic)

  • Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic)

  • Crimes Act 1958 (Vic)

  • Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic)

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