WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS

Recent changes to child protection laws and Life Saving Victoria (LSV) policies require all Portsea SLSC members aged 18 and over to hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC). This applies to any member involved in activities where they may interact with children, including Nippers, training programs, camps, patrols, and club events such as the Pier to Perignon and Portsea Swim Classic. The requirement extends across all membership categories, including Active, Associate, and Life Members.

Under the updated LSV policy, there are no exceptions to this requirement.

Even individuals who are otherwise exempt under legislation — such as police officers or VIT-registered teachers — must obtain a WWCC to participate in club activities. This ensures that any relevant legal or disciplinary matters are appropriately linked to both LSV and the Club, strengthening oversight and safeguarding younger members.

As a volunteer organisation, Portsea SLSC has a responsibility to protect young members from harm. This includes ensuring that:

• No individual with a Negative Notice or Interim Negative Notice undertakes child-related work
• All members involved in child-related activities hold the appropriate WWCC

The legal requirement defines child-related work as any direct contact with a child, including face-to-face, written, or electronic communication.

Given the nature of surf lifesaving, where children are heavily involved across programs and activities, the Club has adopted a consistent, organisation-wide approach to compliance. A universal WWCC requirement ensures clarity and reduces the risk of non-compliance, particularly in situations where members or parents may be asked to assist on short notice.

All members aged 18 and over who participate in any aspect of club operations — including patrols, training programs, camps, or events — must hold a valid WWCC.

A WWCC assesses an individual’s suitability to work with children by reviewing relevant criminal history, including offences of a sexual, violent, or drug-related nature, as well as findings from professional disciplinary bodies.

There are significant legal consequences for non-compliance. Breaches of the Act may result in fines of up to $125,000 for LSV and up to $25,000 or two years’ imprisonment for individuals.

The Portsea SLSC Committee is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all members and fully supports these legislative requirements. Any member who does not comply with the WWCC requirement will be referred to the Committee for review.

If you already hold a WWCC through another organisation, you will need to update your details to include both Life Saving Victoria and Portsea SLSC. This can be done online here:

VicWorking with children check – Update details

If you do not yet have a WWCC, you can apply online via the Department of Justice portal: VicWorking with Children Check

Applications are free for volunteers, although a volunteer WWCC cannot be used for employment purposes.

To apply, complete the online form here: VicWorking with Children Check

Click “Get Started” and follow the prompts. You will need to provide 100 points of identification when completing your application.

Section D: Details of Child-Related Work:

• 1st Code: 42 (Clubs and Associations) – ALL MEMBERS
• 2nd Code: 10 (Overnight Camps) – As Required
• 3rd Code: 28 (Coaching and Tuition) – As Required

Section E: Details of Organisation/s:

• Organisation 1 (Primary):
  Life Saving Victoria
  200 The Boulevard
  Port Melbourne VIC 3207
  Phone: 03 9676 6900
• Organisation 2:
  Portsea Surf Life Saving Club Inc
  PO Box 256
  Sorrento VIC 3943
  Phone: 03 5923 1014

Once submitted, you will receive a barcode via email, which must be presented at an Australia Post outlet to finalise the application and photo capture. After approval, your WWCC card will be mailed to you, and the Club will be automatically notified.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any questions or concerns regarding WWCC requirements or your eligibility, please contact the Club’s Member Protection Officer. All discussions will remain confidential.

Full details on WWCC: www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au

Application Process: VIC – The Working with Children Check application process

Lifesaving Victoria Child Safety: www.lsv.com.au/safeguardingcyp