Child Safety Policy

 

Child Safety Policy

Dear All

Bushwalking Queensland advised a few months ago that it was now a requirement for Clubs that allowed children to participate in activities to have a Child Safety Policy in place that was to be followed by all Club members and visitors.  This is needed to comply with Clubs’ Bushwalking Australia Insurance.

 

To comply with this requirement, our By-law 5.3 Visitors under the age of 18 years may attend club outings if accompanied by an adult, provided the leader is agreeable. The responsible adult must complete the Visitor form and pay the prescribed fee.” – has been updated to include a link to the Child Safety Policy which reads as below -

 

Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club – Child Safety Policy Oct 2025

 

Purpose

Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members, including children and young people. Although we are primarily an adult bushwalking club and do not run activities specifically for children or families, we recognise our responsibility to ensure that any child involved in our activities is safe and respected.

 

Scope

This policy applies to all members, volunteers, leaders, participants and committee

members of Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club.

 

Commitment to Child Safety

 

We are committed to:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children involved in our club

• Preventing child abuse by identifying and removing risks as far as possible

• Ensuring that any concerns about child safety are reported and addressed

appropriately

 

Participation by Children

Children under 18 may only participate in club activities in the following circumstances:

• With the knowledge and consent of their parent or guardian

• Under the direct supervision of a responsible adult (a parent or guardian)

• When the activity is deemed appropriate and safe for their participation

• If the activity leader agrees to have a child on their activity

 

The club does not run activities specifically for children or families. We do not provide child supervision or child-specific programming.

 

Expected Behaviour

All members are expected to:

• Treat children and young people with respect and courtesy

• Avoid any conduct that could be construed as inappropriate or harmful

• Report any child safety concerns to the Club President or Secretary

 

Reporting Concerns

If any member has a concern about the safety of a child in connection with club activities, they should report it as soon as possible to the Club President or Secretary. Serious concerns will be referred to the appropriate authorities.

 

Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years or earlier if legislation or club circumstances change.

For more information download this document