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Safe Ministry

City on a Hill is committed to being a movement of churches that actively lives out our love to God and to our neighbour.

We have zero tolerance for any type of abuse of any person, particularly abuse of children and vulnerable adults.

We want our churches to be communities where children and families are welcome and participate fully. Where children and young people are fully engaged and have every opportunity to flourish and grow, without barriers that hinder or harm.

If you become aware of misconduct or abusive behaviour it is critically important that you report this. Any adult who forms a reasonable belief that a sexual offence has been committed by an adult against a child has a moral and legal obligation to report that information to police. Failure to disclose such information to police is a criminal offence in NSW, QLD and VIC.

Reporting a concern, complaint or incident at City on a Hill

City on a Hill encourages reporting concerns, complaints and incidents in recognition that God loves and has compassion for all people. Reporting is also encouraged even when it is not mandated by law, as Christians have an ethical obligation to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

City on a Hill will act to ensure safety, care and love within our ministries. We are committed to ensuring children, young people and adults with specific challenges are safe, supported and can thrive.

What can I report?

City on a Hill welcomes reports on any matter including:

  • allegations of misconduct by staff or volunteers,
  • breaches of a City on a Hill code of conduct or other policies,
  • reports of harm to children,
  • disclosures of abuse,
  • privacy breaches,
  • incidents or accidents,
  • health and safety issues,
  • fraud or financial misconduct,
  • whistleblower reports, or
  • any other matter of concern, complaint, or other grievance in the context of City on a Hill ministry.

City on a Hill takes all reports seriously, and is committed to responding with transparency, accountability, discretion, timeliness, fairness, pastoral responsiveness, and trauma-informed care. Responses to reports involving children will be child focused.

How can I report a concern or complaint?

If you are aware of concerns about the immediate safety of a child, first contact Police on 000.

You can report a concern or make a complaint in either of the following ways:

  1. Talk to a City on a Hill staff member who can assist you to make a report, or they can make a report on your behalf.
  2. Submit a written report to the City on a Hill Complaints Management Team through either:
  3. Contact Kooyoora – provider of external professional standards services for City on a Hill and the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, through either:

If you are aware of a concern or report by a child, please submit a report on their behalf.

For more information regarding the handling of complaints and reports of misconduct for churches within the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, see:
melbourneanglican.org.au/complaints.

How can I report a safety incident or hazard?

If you wish to report a hazard, incident or near miss at any of our locations or ministries, you can do so on the Incident and Hazard form.

Safe Ministry Resources

Churches in the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne are also bound by the polices and procedures of the diocese which can be found at melbourneanglican.org.au/safe_ministry_documents.