Your role as a volunteer includes a commitment to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive space for children and young people.

• Act in the best interests of children – always put their safety and wellbeing first.

• Maintain professional boundaries – friendly, not friends.

• Be observant – early warning signs matter.

• Report concerns – you don’t need proof to raise a red flag.

Children may be at risk if they:

• Seem withdrawn, anxious, fearful or unusually aggressive

• Talk about secrets or inappropriate behaviour by adults

• Show signs of neglect (e.g. hunger, poor hygiene, fatigue)

• Display sexualised behaviour or language beyond their age

✘ Don’t investigate or interrogate
✘ Don’t promise to keep secrets
✘ Don’t ignore gut feelings
✘ Don’t contact the child’s family directly

Hear – Listen calmly without interrupting
Empathise – “I’m sorry this happened to you”
Affirm – “It’s not your fault”
Record – Note what was said (use child’s words)
Tell – Immediately report to your supervisor or Child Safety Contact
Self-care – Look after your own wellbeing too

Child Safety Contact Managers:

• Belinda Christie – Head of Human Resources

• Sarah Rees – Head of Programs

Or speak to your supervisor or the Volunteer Programs Team.

If in doubt – speak up.
You don’t have to be certain to raise a concern.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Although the following resources are designed for the sporting sector, they provide clear, practical guidance that is directly applicable to any child-safe organisation, including museums.

The Children and Young People Safe Practices Do’s and Don’ts booklet  and video playlist from Sport Integrity Australia offer simple, effective advice on how to engage safely and professionally with children and young people.

These resources cover key topics such as:

• Maintaining appropriate boundaries

• Avoiding high-risk behaviour (e.g., taking photos without consent)

• Recognising and preventing grooming

• Communicating respectfully and appropriately with children