Safety & wellbeing
Risk management at wollangarra
Wollangarra has delivered safe, enjoyable and memorable programs for over 30 years. The safety and well-being of our young people is our highest priority.
Wollangarra is dedicated to providing a physically, mentally, and emotionally safe space for all people that visit.
Wollangarra maintains a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan which addresses a range of scenarios, including bushfire. This plan cover a wide range of scenarios and has been developed through over 30 years of running programs. The Emergency Management Plan, is reviewed and updated annually.
Wollangarra’s policies and procedures, including risk register, activity guides, operations plans and training manuals meet or exceed external compliance measures for running outdoor education programs.
bushfire season management
bushfire
Fire is a risk that needs to be considered in all manner of environments, including urban situations. The remote setting of Wollangarra necessitates specific consideration of a number of factors, including the use of equipment and facilities at Wollangarra.
The Fire Management Plan developed for Wollangarra includes consideration of:
- How evacuation is facilitated safely and calmly on Code Red Days
- Fire season preparation – homestead sprinklers, PPE, fire bunker cleaned, etc
- Annual team training in fire behaviour
- Communication protocols and how we receive and distribute information
Code Red days
Wollangarra’s procedures for Code Red days are guided by the Department of Education and best practise within the outdoor industry.
Code Red days are declared by 5 pm on the previous day by the DELWP. This information is communicated to the Directors by the Wollangarra Council.
On Code Red Days no young person will be at Wollangarra – they will leave prior to the day and remain off the property for that day. Additionally, young people will be removed from the hike on the day before and travel on such days will only occur in consultation with Parks Victoria and DELWP. It is possible that the young people may return home.
Child Safety & Wellbeing
Wollangarra’s approach to child safety is guided by the National Child Safe Principles and Victorian Child Safe Standards. We believe all young people have a right to feel physically, socially, psychologically and culturally safe. All of our team and volunteers are trained in, and adhere to, Child Safe Principles.
We offer programs which challenge young people to extend their comfort zones, while understanding that a base of safety nurtures growth.
Young people of all backgrounds and abilities have a right to feel safe and welcome at Wollangarra. We work alongside schools, participants and parents before, during and after our programs to ensure that we meet the specific needs of each participant.
For specific information on how Wollangarra manages volunteer and participant wellbeing, please refer to our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Sexual Harassment Policy.
Child safe standards
Standard 1: Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued
Standard 2: Child safety and well-being is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
Standard 3: Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
Standard 4: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and well-being
Standard 5: Equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected in policy and practice
Standard 6: People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and well-being values in practice
Standard 7: Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused
Standard 8: Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
Standard 9: Physical and online environments promote safety and well-being while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
Standard 10: Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
Standard 11: Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
