SAFEGUARDING

Called to Serve

"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalm 82:3-4)

SAFEGUARDING COMMITMENT

We hold zero-tolerance to all forms of abuse to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable people. Grounded in our faith, we are committed to safeguarding everyone involved in our activities, ministries and services, and to upholding the highest moral, legal, and ethical standards in creating a community  where harm is neither ignored nor tolerated. 

Safeguarding Policies, Procedures and Support Documents
MASTER POLICY
 
 

Complaint policy

Provides practical guidance to help meet obligations under the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards

SCREENING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL WORKERS ENGAGED IN CHILD RELATED ROLES IN THE DIOCESE OF BUNBURY.

There is important legislation that provides protection of children and assists to provide regulation for all organisations that work with Children. In WA, legislation includes the Workingwith Children (Screening) Act 2004, Children and Community Services Act 2004 and Parliamentary Commissioner Amendment (Reportable Conduct) Act 2022. These legislative requirements apply to all workers at all Parishes/Agencies/Chanceries of the Diocese of Bunbury. This document provides information on a worker’s legal obligations and responsibilities to better protect children and young people, and guide on requirements for each role. (CLICK FOR MORE) →  Screening Guideline

 
Set out expected behaviors and ethical standards for Diocesan Workers
CODE OF CONDUCT
 
 

CODE OF CONDUCT

Set out expected behaviors and ethical standards for Diocesan Workers
MASS TIMES 
 
Hello and may God bless you! Here are our weekly mass times: (subject to change)
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WEEKDAYS at St Patrick’s, Katanning:
 
Wednesdays – 11am
Fridays – 9am (confession available)
 
MISSION STATION MASSES 
 
– St Michael’s, Tambellup – 1st and 3rd Saturdays 6.00pm; 5th Sunday at 8:30am
– St Bernard’s, Kojonup – 1st to 4th Sundays 8:30am; on the 5th Sunday of the month Communion Service 8.30am.
– St Patrick’s, Katanning – Sundays 10:30am
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CONFESSION 
Confession is available after Sunday mass every week in Katanning, please approach Fr Marlon!!
You can also contact Fr Marlon to organise a time for Confession anytime, or midweek Confession is available after the Friday 9am mass

Safeguarding Concern Report Form

IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS FOR THE IMMEDIATE SAFETY OF A CHILD OR ADULT CALL 000.

It is a legal requirement in WA for Ministers of Religion to report child sexual abuse to the Department of Communities’ Mandatory Reporting Service.  If you are a Minister of Religion, please contact Safeguarding Coordinator for additional advice.

The Catholic Diocese of Bunbury is to comply with the Reportable Conduct Scheme to report Reportable Conduct and Convictions by notifying the Ombudsman of any allegations of, or convictions for, child abuse by our employees (paid/volunteer, contractor, ministers of religion or others).

For further information or if you require support to complete this report, please contact the Safeguarding Coordinator on (08) 97210517 or safeguarding@bunburycatholic.org.au

FOLLOW THE LINK → Safeguarding Concern Report Form – Catholic Diocese of Bunbury – Fill out form

 

Set out expected behaviors and ethical standards for Diocesan Workers
CLERGY/RELIGIOUS : RETURN THIS FORM TO THE SAFEGUARDING COORDINATOR AND RETAIN A COPY
CHURCH WORKERS (PAID AND UNPAID): RETURN THIS FORM TO THE PARISH OFFICE
 
SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS:  RETURN THIS FORM TO THE SAFEGUARDING COORDINATOR AND RETAIN A COPY
 
DOWNLOAD ↓
 
Safeguarding Feedback Form
Safeguarding and Participation Survey

Michelle Scott

Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator

Office Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

OUR COMMITMENT: We hold zero-tolerance to all forms of abuse to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable people. Grounded in our faith, we are committed to safeguarding everyone involved in our activities, ministries and services, and to upholding the highest moral, legal and ethical standards in creating a community where harm is neither ignored nor tolerated.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OFFICE
OFFICE OF THE eSAFETY COMMISSIONER
SAFEGUARDING TRAINIG: Level 1 INDUCTION
COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY - Mandatory Reporting
OMBUDSMAN REPORTABLE CONDUCT
WA POLICE SEX CRIMES DIVISION
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK - APPLICATION AND RENEWAL PROCESS

All visiting Clergy, Deacons, vowed Religious and lay, who wish to engaged in public ministry within the Diocese of Bunbury for more than fourteen (14) days per year are required to apply for Western Australian Working with Children Check.

In Western Australia, a Working with Children (WWC) Check is mandatory for people doing child-related work, valid for 3 years. The process involves completing an application form, having it signed by an organization (if applicable), and lodging it with 100 points of ID and a fee at an authorized Australia Post outlet.

WWC Check Application Procedure:

  • Obtain Form: Get an application form from an authorized Australia Post outlet.
  • Complete Form: Fill in personal details, ensuring the employer/volunteer organization signs the declaration.
  • Lodge Application: Submit the form in person at an Australia Post outlet.
  • Provide ID: Present 100 points of original identification documents (e.g., birth certificate, driver’s license, passport).
  • Photo and Fee: Australia Post will take your photo for the card and collect the fee ($11 for volunteers, higher for employees).
  • Receipt: Keep the receipt as proof to start working while the application is processed.

Important Notes:

  • Processing Time: Allow 3 to 12 weeks for the application to be processed.
  • Validity: The check is valid for 3 years.
  • Monitoring: The card is monitored for new criminal charges/convictions throughout its lifespan.
  • Renewal: Renewals can be completed online or via a new form.
  • Replacement: If you lose your card or change your details, you must contact the WWC Screening Unit.

For more information or to check the status of an application, visit the WA Government Working with Children Check page.

All Clergy, vowed Religious and Lay, engaged in public ministry within the Diocese of Bunbury who are from intrastate, interstate or overseas wishing to minister in the Diocese of Bunbury are required to both seek permission to minister and also meet the Diocesan screening requirements.

This process must be completed at least two weeks PRIOR to the commencement of the visit, short stay, or appointment. In all instances (visit/short stay or appointment) the following submissions are necessary:

Option Clergy A: ACMR provided

  • Fill in ONLINE Application Form (under development) or download and complete the Form – Safeguarding ACMR Declaration outlining the intent of the visit/short stay or appointment (providing ACMR and WWC numbers).
  • WA WWCC: If you wish to engaged in public ministry within the Diocese of Bunbury for more than fourteen (14) days per year you are required to apply for Western Australian Working with Children Check.

Option Clergy B: ACMR not provided

Option: Lay Ministry

  • Fill in ONLINE Application Form outlining the intent of the visit/short stay or appointment.
  • Download and complete the Form – Safeguarding Church Authority Statement 
  • Download and complete the Form – Safeguarding Personal Declaration – NEW
  • WA WWCC: If you wish to engaged in public ministry within the Diocese of Bunbury for more than fourteen (14) days per year you are required to apply for Western Australian Working with Children Check.
  • Please send all completed paperwork to the Diocesan Office.

Our Office will provide the appropriate permission confirmation to you. Please note Ministry within our Diocese is not permitted until all correspondence is received and permission has been granted.

It is expected that all Clergy, Religious Brothers and Sisters, and Lay Ministers coming into the Diocese of Bunbury, make themselves familiar with the principles and guidelines of the Integrity in Our Common Mission and the Diocese Code of Conduct documents.