19th October 2019 | Queensland Child Safe Workshop

In accordance with His Eminence, Metropolitan Basilios’ commitment to child safety within the Archdiocese, the first Child Safety workshop was held in Queensland. The Archdiocese Child Safe Officer, Kh. Myriam, conducted the workshop which was hosted by the parish of St. Paul’s, Antiochian Orthodox Church in Brisbane. Clergy, representatives from the parish of St. Paul’s and St. Mary Magdalene’s Mission were in attendance.

The workshop primarily addressed:

  • The need for child safety within the Archdiocese
  • The Archdiocese Child Safe Policies and Procedures
  • The Archdiocese Code of Conduct
  • An overview of QLD Legislation and Organisations
  • Incident Reporting
  • Risk Analysis

A number of case studies were examined that portrayed scenarios where children were at risk or taken advantage of.  Kh. Myriam also mentioned areas within regular parish activities that could be improved, to mitigate risks. She also promoted the need for preventative action and ongoing risk assessments. She also shared some insight into how child safety issues were being tackled in NSW and Victoria. Future training opportunities for various needs within the parishes were also discussed.

We would like to thank Kh. Myriam for travelling from Sydney to Brisbane. All in attendance agreed that the workshop was a positive outcome. It was an opportunity for the participants to meet with the Archdiocese Child Safe Officer. We pray that the Lord will strengthen all involved, throughout the Archdiocese in this important ministry to our children.