Every child at Wakehurst deserves to feel safe.
We take safeguarding seriously. If something is wrong — or even just feels wrong — there is a clear process, a named person, and we will listen.
Something happened — what do I do?
You don't need proof. You don't need certainty. If something concerns you about the safety or wellbeing of a child — at any severity — tell us.
Andrew Russell (President) is the first point of contact for all child safety concerns at Wakehurst RFC. Bound by confidentiality and will treat your concern seriously.
president@wakehurst.rugbyReport directly to NSW Child Protection Helpline (DCJ): 132 111 — available 24 hours, 7 days. Or contact your child's school or GP.
Contact NSW Rugby directly at safeguarding@nswrugby.com.au or the Office of Children's Guardian: 1800 035 455.
Emergency contacts
Our commitment
Wakehurst Rugby Club is committed to the safety, participation, and empowerment of all children. Every person involved in our club — paid or unpaid — is responsible for the safety of children.
Zero tolerance
Any form of abuse, exploitation, or harm to a child will result in immediate suspension and reporting to NSW Police and DCJ. There are no exceptions.
Verified coaches & volunteers
Every person in a child-related role at Wakehurst holds a valid NSW Working With Children (WWC) Check. We verify — not just sight — checks via the OCG online service.
Children are heard
Children at Wakehurst can speak to any committee member, coach, or official if they feel unsafe. We will listen and act.
NSW Child Safe Standards
We align with all 10 NSW Child Safe Standards as mandated by the Children's Guardian Act 2019, including this public complaint pathway (Standard 6).
What is a WWC Check and why does it matter?
A NSW Working With Children (WWC) Check is a government background screening for anyone in child-related work. It checks National Police Information, sex offender registries, workplace misconduct findings, and court outcomes. It is not just a form — it is an active database clearance.
Who needs one at Wakehurst?
Under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012, a WWC Check is mandatory for every person who works or volunteers in a child-related role. At Wakehurst that means:
- All coaches and assistant coaches
- Team managers in regular contact with children
- Committee members present at junior/minis events
- Canteen or facilities volunteers who supervise children
- Any adult who drives or transports children for club activities
It does not apply to parents assisting their own child's team on an informal basis, or spectators.
The club's verification obligation
Under NSW law, sighting a card alone is not sufficient. Wakehurst must be registered as a child-related employer with the OCG and verify every worker and volunteer through the OCG WWCC Employer Portal. This links the worker to our organisation and enables continuous monitoring — the OCG alerts us immediately if a clearance is suspended or cancelled at any time.
The verification process: log into the employer portal, enter the worker's WWC number, name and date of birth, and confirm the clearance status. Records of each verification must be kept.
Verify a coach or volunteer yourself
Parents and families can independently verify that any WRC coach or volunteer holds a current clearance using the Service NSW public check — no login required.
Find your WWC number
If you're a volunteer or coach at Wakehurst, confirm your WWC number and status before the season starts.
Find My WWC Number →You will need the email address or mobile used when you applied.
Apply for a new check
New volunteers and coaches need to apply before their first session with children.
Apply for a WWC Check →Volunteer checks are free. Applications take 2–5 business days. Bring ID to Service NSW.
Renew an existing check
Renew My WWC Check →WWC Checks are valid for 5 years. Renewal opens 3 months before expiry.
Verify a coach's clearance
Parents and families can check any person's current WWC clearance status through Service NSW — no account required.
Check Someone's WWC Status →You will need their WWC number.
Our 10 standards
Mandated by the Children's Guardian Act 2019 for all NSW organisations working with children.
Our committee drives child safety culture from the top.
Kids have a voice. Their input shapes how we run the club.
We publish our safeguarding approach here and at every registration.
No child is excluded. Safety applies equally.
All volunteers are screened, trained, and supervised.
This page. Clear pathway, named contact, external escalation.
Safeguarding training is part of coach induction.
Supervision standards for games, training, and club events.
Everyone — parents, coaches, officials — owns it.
This policy is reviewed before each season.
Questions or concerns?
Andrew Russell (President) is Wakehurst RFC's designated Safeguarding Contact — available to any parent, child, or volunteer who has a concern at any severity.