Safeguarding
Mary MacKillop Place as a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart are fortunate enough to take inspiration from Mary MacKillop, who was a pioneer woman who fought and advocated for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
We are committed to fostering communities and a culture of safeguarding that recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of all people.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone who represents our organisation, is responsible for creating a safe environment for all with whom we come into contact with.
We have zero tolerance for abuse and believe that everyone has the right to be safe and treated with respect.
Positive relations
Mary MacKillop Place is committed to develop and foster respectful, inclusive and welcoming partnerships with all peoples.
Adult and Child Safeguarding Commitment Statement
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart are actively committed to fostering communities and a culture of safeguarding that recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of all people. We have zero tolerance of child and adult abuse. We believe that all people have the right to be safe and respected. We commit to establishing a safe environment and supportive relationships for all with whom we have contact.
We make the following safeguarding commitments:
- We commit to a zero tolerance for abuse, harm, or exploitation.
- We commit to our ongoing learning from the First Peoples of our countries.
- We commit to creating a safe physical and online environment, where all people are respected, and their rights are upheld.
- We commit to plan, organise and review activities involving children and vulnerable people, proactively considering potential and actual risks, and addressing any identified risk by reducing or eliminating the risk wherever possible.
- We commit to a culture of safeguarding. Everyone under the auspices of our Congregation, including our leadership, our members, our staff, and volunteers, are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe culture for all children and adults.
- We commit to having people who continually develop their education and understanding of child and adult safeguarding.
- We commit to having safeguarding policies, which are regularly reviewed.
- We commit to having processes to sensitively respond to allegations and disclosures of child and adult abuse and reporting to the appropriate authorities within a timely manner.
- We commit to doing all we can to ensure that children, adults, families, and communities are informed, participate, and are involved in decision making regarding themselves.
- We commit to equity, promoting diversity and upholding justice for the most vulnerable within our community, including children and adults who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, Pasifika, or Native Peruvians. This same commitment is made to people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with diverse sexuality and people with a disability.
- We commit to an effective Safeguarding Complaints Handling Policy and Reporting Procedure which is publicly available. Adults, children, and families are encouraged to communicate their concerns or suggestions for how we may improve our engagement with all whom we have contact.
You have the right
to be SAFE!
We promise
to RESPECT
all people.
IT’S OK TO TELL
someone you trust
if you are unsafe or
have been hurt.
Safety Reporting
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart recognise that it may be difficult to bring forward a concern or complaint, however, we encourage you to do so.
Your concern or complaint will be taken seriously and managed with respect and integrity.
To further understand how to make a report, our codes of conduct and safeguarding policies, please view the following documents:
Please contact us to tell us about any adult or child safeguarding matters, complaints or concerns you may have.
If you would like support to raise your concern or complaint, please contact the Safeguarding and Professional Standards team using the contact details below:
Safety Report Form
If you believe an adult at risk or a child is at immediate risk of abuse, phone 000.
Report an incident
“We must teach more by example than word.”
MARY MACKILLOP | 1867