New Culture of Safety Training Road Tested in Deniliquin
The Uniting Church in Australia remains committed to providing a safe environment for worship, witness, and service across all congregations, faith communities, parish missions, agencies, and activities.
The Uniting Church in Australia remains committed to providing a safe environment for worship, witness, and service across all congregations, faith communities, parish missions, agencies, and activities. We believe that a strong culture of safety ensures that all individuals who engage with the Church are protected, while also safeguarding the Church from potential harm.
Recently, in response to the needs of an elderly volunteer fulfilling her requirements to teach Special Religious Education (SRE) in a local primary school, Rev. Andrew (Parko) Parkinson from the Synod’s Culture of Safety team conducted a pilot session of the new Culture of Safety training.
The one-day in-person training was held in Deniliquin, a town in the Riverina region, and was open to congregations from both nearby and distant communities. A total of 34 participants from Uniting and Anglican churches traveled up to two hours to attend the session, which was hosted by Deniliquin Uniting Church.
The training covered four key modules:
- Safe Church Culture
- Safe Church Practice
- Protecting & Supporting Children
- Protecting & Supporting Vulnerable Adults
The session incorporated a blend of teaching, video resources, small group discussions, and interactive activities, creating an engaging and informative experience. The approach emphasised both the seriousness of the subject matter and the importance of an accessible, practical learning environment.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. One attendee described the presentation as,"Good Style of presentation." Another noted, "Best safe ministry training I have ever received."
Once finalised, the new Culture of Safety training will be available in multiple formats, including an online course followed by a Zoom or in-person workshop, as well as fully face-to-face sessions. This initiative aims to equip Uniting Church ministry leaders, Church Council representatives, and congregation Safe Church Persons with the knowledge and tools to foster and maintain safe church environments.
For more information on Culture of Safety training, please contact Rev. Andrew Parkinson at 0475 426 387 or andrewp@nswact.uca.org.au.