We're a child safe Council

Warrnambool City Council is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse.

All children and young people are valued and respected members of our community and have the right to be and feel listened to, safe, empowered and included in our services, programs and facilities.

Warrnambool City Council is committed to:

Preventing child abuse and harm occurring within our services, programs, and facilities.
Creating an organisational culture of child safety and embedding child safety into the everyday thinking and practice of all councillors, council staff, contractors and volunteers.
Setting clear expectations of councillors, council staff, contractors and volunteers as to what is required to keep children safe.
Ensuring councillors, council staff, contractors and volunteers are clear about their responsibilities when they suspect abuse, harm or neglect of a child.
Ensuring all suspected child abuse is reported and fully investigated.

We acknowledge, respect and appreciate the unique histories, culture, connection to Country and cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families. We are committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment. Warrnambool City Council values diversity, equity and inclusion.

We commit to paying particular attention to the needs of children and young people with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who are unable to live at home, and who identify as LGBTIQA+.

Victoria’s Child Safe Standards are a mandatory framework to protect children and young people from harm and abuse.

Council is also guided by its Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

What to do if a child is at risk

If a child is in immediate danger call the police on 000 (Triple Zero).

For immediate concerns and to report abuse, contact:

the Police on 000 (Triple Zero), and/or
the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) on 1800 075 599 (business hours) or 13 12 78 (after hours).

How to report a concern

Any concerns about a Warrnambool City Council employee, Councillor, volunteer or contractor's behaviour or conduct towards a child or young person will be treated seriously.

To notify Council of any concerns you can: