We are a Child Safe Organisation.
We’re committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for children and young people across our facilities, programs, and services.
Our Child Safe Policy - PDF - 371 KB reinforces our commitment by guiding staff to act in the best interests of children and take all reasonable steps to protect them from harm.
Our Statement of Commitment
Sutherland Shire Council’s leaders champion child safe values and embed them in our organisational governance across all levels of work practices, roles and responsibilities.
We have zero tolerance of child abuse, are committed to actively contributing to a child safe community and will treat seriously, all allegations and safety concerns, in line with our robust policies and procedures.
The best interests of children and young people and their protection from harm is paramount with all children and young people having the right to be safe while engaging in Council’s events, services, activities and programs.
Concerns about child safety raised by children, young people, their families or community members are listened to and acted upon as soon as reasonably practicable.
What to do if you have immediate concerns about children’s safety or wellbeing in the community
- Call Triple Zero (000) if a child is in immediate danger. An operator will connect you to police, fire, and/or ambulance services.
- Call the Child Protection Helpline on 13 21 11 (open 24 hours/7 days) if you suspect a child is at risk of child abuse or neglect. You can elect to remain anonymous.
How to raise a child protection concern that relates to a Council service and its people
Parents, carers, children, and community members can report to us any safety concerns regarding children or young people that relates to a Council service or its people.
We encourage you to report any:
- harm or abuse that you witness or suspect
- breaches of our Child Safe Policy by Council staff
- general concerns regarding the safety of children and young people.
You can report a concern by contacting us via:
- In person: at any Council facility or by visiting our Customer Service counter between 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday – Friday at 4-20 Eton Street Sutherland NSW 2232.
- Letter: Chief Executive Officer, Sutherland Shire Council, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland NSW 1499
- Email: ssc@ssc.nsw.gov.au
- Phone: 02 9710 0333
- Or complete our Child Protection Disclosure, Incident, Allegation, or Complaint Form
How to raise a concern about early education services not managed by Council
If you have concerns about an early education service (preschool, long day care, family day care, mobile service) or an outside school hours care service, you are encouraged to raise them directly with the director, manager or staff members from the service in the first instance.
The NSW Department of Education regulates early childhood education and outside school hours care services and works to ensure that children are kept safe and have access to quality education and care.
Contact the Department immediately on 1800 619 113 if you’re concerned there's a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of children. This includes complaints about neglect, physical, sexual or emotional harm or abuse. Your call can be anonymous if you wish.
Online safety concerns
You can report any online abuse or content regarding children and young people to the eSafety Commissioner. eSafety will investigate cyberbullying of children, image-based abuse, and illegal and restricted content.