Child Safe Organisation

Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and harm.

Commitment Statement

Council is committed to embedding child safety into the everyday thinking and practice of all employees, volunteers, contractors and Councillors, including the Mayor. This includes understanding and fulfilling responsibilities to prevent, identify, respond to and report any actual or suspected child abuse or harm.

We respect and value all children, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious beliefs, ability, family structure or social background. All children have equal rights to protection from abuse and harm.

We are committed to listening to children and respecting their views. Children’s voices are considered in the planning and design of our services, programs, projects, facilities and public spaces.

We actively work to ensure our services and environments are accessible, inclusive and culturally safe, with particular regard to:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
• Children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Children with disability
• LGBTIQA+ children
• Children who are unable to live at home

We acknowledge and respect the unique histories, cultures and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. Council maintains a zero‑tolerance approach to racism and promotes cultural respect and cultural safety.

Queensland Child Safe Standards

Queensland’s Child Safe Standards establish a framework to protect children from harm by creating environments that prioritise their safety and wellbeing.

Mackay Regional Council is committed to implementing and complying with the Child Safe Standards and the associated Reportable Conduct Scheme. In doing so, council upholds the universal principle of cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The Queensland Family and Child Commission is the regulator for the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

Report Child Safety Concerns

If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 000.

If you have concerns about how a council employee, volunteer, contractor or Councillor (including the Mayor) has treated a child or young person, either in person or online, you can report this via council’s confidential email: complaints@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Council takes all concerns regarding child safety seriously and will respond in accordance with legislative requirements and established procedures.

 Support services

• Kids helpline
  Call 1800 551 800.
  This is a free 24/7 private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years.
• Headspace
  Call 1800 650 890.
  Headspace provides free and confidential mental health supports to young people aged 12 to 25 years.
• Lifeline
  Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  Crisis support and suicide prevention.
• 13YARN
  Call 13 92 76. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  Support line for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People in crisis, providing a confidential, culturally safe space to have a yarn.
• QLife 
  Call 1800 184 527 or use webchat. Open 3pm to midnight, 7 days a week. Anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
• 1800Respect
  Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or use webchat. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  
  Counselling and support service for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
• Translating and Interpreting Service National (TIS National)
  Call 131 450.
  Providing language services for people with limited English proficiency and the organisations that support them.