Dear Members,
As we prepare for the upcoming sailing season, I am writing to you regarding our collective responsibility to ensure the Hunters Hill Sailing Club (HHSC) remains a sanctuary for our young sailors. At HHSC, every child has the right to be safe and feel safe, and we maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse.
To uphold our commitment to child safety and ensure we comply with NSW child protection laws—including the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012—the Management Committee is moving toward a model of full compliance for our volunteer community.
The Goal: Full Compliance by 1 April
We are all in this together to protect our children. To meet our legal and ethical obligations, we are asking all parent members to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC). We are aiming for full compliance by the start of the new season on 1 April.
Providing your WWCC details is a straightforward process:
- Existing and New Members: You will be able to insert your WWCC number directly into the system during the membership renewal or signup process.
- Club Verification: The club will then verify these details through the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) to ensure all records are current.
How to Obtain Your WWCC
Acquiring a volunteer WWCC is both free and simple:
- Apply Online: Visit the Service NSW website to start your application.
- Verify Your Identity: Visit a Service NSW centre with your identification (such as a driver’s license).
- Receive Your Number: You will receive your WWCC number via email, which remains valid for five years.
Why This Matters
While we understand that managing these requirements can be an administrative task, it is essential for the safety of our junior and youth-focused community. This initiative allows us to prevent, detect, and respond to risks effectively, ensuring that our focus remains on the joy of sailing.
Should you have any questions regarding this process, please feel free to reach out to me (0400 118 631) or our Risk Manager, Sean Maguire (0412 238 707).
Thank you for your continued goodwill and for making child safety our top priority.
Warm regards,
Matt Wilkinson
President, Hunters Hill Sailing Club
