Member Protection at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club

Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club (Mona Vale SLSC) is committed to the protection, welfare, and well-being of all its members. We are dedicated to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and community-focused environment where every individual feels safe, supported, and empowered to participate in surf lifesaving activities.

This commitment is underpinned by the SLSA Member Protection Policy and the SLSA Child Safe Policy, which outline the rights and responsibilities of all members and set clear standards of behaviour. These policies apply to all members, including those under the age of 18, and aim to ensure that surf lifesaving remains a safe and nurturing pursuit for everyone involved.

Our Values in Action
Inclusion | Respect | Community

Safety beyond just the water’s edge

At Mona Vale SLSC, we actively promote the values of Respect, Community, and Inclusion. These principles guide our interactions, inform our decision-making, and shape the culture we strive to uphold. All members – particularly age managers, coaches, officials, trainers, and club leaders – share a collective responsibility to safeguard the well-being of others and to uphold the highest standards of conduct.

Any form of abuse, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour is unacceptable. All incidents must be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities or club representatives.

Member Welfare is Important

Inclusion | Respect | Community

Safety beyond just the water’s edge

Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club is committed to the health, safety, protection, welfare and well-being of all its members and is dedicated to providing a safe, fun and enjoyable environment for all members participating in surf lifesaving activities. This is outlined in detail in the Member Protection Policy found at SLSA Member Protection Policy.

The Member Protection Policy conveys a message to all Mona Vale members, and prospective members, responsible for surf lifesaving activities, particularly those involving members under 18 years of age, about minimising risk exposure of these members. We take an inclusive approach, ensuring all of our members are treated with respect and dignity and are protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse regardless of gender, age, ability, or nationality.

Our aim is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all members participating in Surf Life Saving by following the Member Protection Code of Conduct.

Our Member Protection Team

At Mona Vale SLSC, we are proud to appoint a team of dedicated individuals to key roles that uphold our commitment to member welfare and child safety. These roles are central to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and community-minded environment where all members feel safe and supported.

The MPIO is the first point of contact for any member seeking guidance or support regarding harassment, abuse, or other concerns. They provide confidential information about complaint procedures, offer moral support, and help members explore appropriate pathways for resolution.

Brad Newton

Brad Newton

MEMBER PROTECTION AND INFORMATION OFFICER

Our Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs) serve as independent, approachable contacts for any member who may have concerns or require guidance. They act in the best interests of the member, offering confidential support and information on complaint procedures, and helping navigate any issues related to harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behaviour. 

mpio@monavaleslsc.org.au

Michelle Fry | VP Member Relations | Mona Vale SLSC

Michelle Fry

MEMBER PROTECTION AND INFORMATION OFFICER

Our Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs) serve as independent, approachable contacts for any member who may have concerns or require guidance. They act in the best interests of the member, offering confidential support and information on complaint procedures, and helping navigate any issues related to harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behaviour. 

member.protection@monavaleslsc.org.au

Sharyn Schultz

COMPLAINTS MANAGER

All formal complaints are managed by the Club Complaints Manager in accordance with the SLSA Complaints Resolution Policy. The Complaints Manager operates independently of the club’s board and is responsible for recording all correspondence, appointing investigators or judiciary panels if required, and ensuring timely and appropriate action is taken.

complaints.manager@monavaleslsc.org.au

Michelle Fry | VP Member Relations | Mona Vale SLSC

Michelle Fry

CHILD PROTECTION COORDINATOR

Our Child Protection Officer (CPO) oversees all child safeguarding activities within the club. This role is responsible for implementing and reviewing child protection practices, responding to concerns regarding the welfare of young members, and promoting best practice across all club activities.

The CPO is also part of the club’s Welfare and Support Team, providing assistance not only to children and young people, but to any member in need of support. Acting independently, the CPO ensures that all concerns are treated with sensitivity, confidentiality, and care.

member.protection@monavaleslsc.org.au

Complaints

Members who wish to raise a concern are encouraged to contact the MPIO in the first instance. Should a member choose to proceed with a formal complaint, this can be lodged via the SLSA Complaints Portal. All formal complaints are managed by the Club Complaints Manager in accordance with the SLSA Complaints Resolution Policy. The Complaints Manager operates independently of the club’s board and is responsible for recording all correspondence, appointing investigators or judiciary panels if required, and ensuring timely and appropriate action is taken.

We acknowledge that in a close-knit community, conflicts of interest may arise. If a member prefers to speak with someone outside the club, we can arrange for an MPIO from another Sydney Northern Beaches Branch to provide support.

Injury Reporting

Members are covered by Workers Compensation through SLSNSW for patrolling, club activities, and competition. In the event of an injury, please notify the club as soon as possible by contacting Robyn Stonell at admin@monavaleslsc.org.au.

Child Safe Commitment Statement

At Mona Vale SLSC, we are committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who participates in our programs, events, and services. We strive to create an environment where children feel safe, respected, and empowered at all times.

We recognise our responsibility to protect young people under the age of 18 from abuse, harm, and exploitation. Every member of our club regardless of role or level of responsibility, must uphold the standards set out in the SLSA Child Safe Policy 6.04 and the Child Safe Code of Conduct.

What We Stand For

We promote equity, respect, and inclusion by:

  • Creating and maintaining a child safe culture that is understood and actively practiced across the club
  • Responding effectively to the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of our young members
  • Empowering children and young people to speak up and participate in decisions that affect them
  • Providing a fun, inclusive environment with access to information and support
  • Paying attention to the needs of members from culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+

Training & Resources

All members are encouraged to complete the Child Safe Awareness online course, available in the e-learning section of the Members Portal. Additional resources, webinars, and training materials are available to support safe and appropriate engagement with children and young people.

Reporting Concerns

If you witness or become aware of any behaviour that may pose a risk to a child or young person, it is your responsibility to report it. You can contact:

  • Brad Newton (MPIO) – mpio@monavaleslsc.org.au
  • Michelle Fry (MPIO & CPO) – member.protection@monavaleslsc.org.au
  • Or speak with any person in a position of authority within the club

We are all responsible for keeping our young members safe. By adopting the practices and behaviours outlined by SLSA, and reporting any concerns promptly, we ensure that Mona Vale SLSC remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Our Member Protection Team

All Mona Vale members, particularly age managers, coaches, officials, leaders, trainers and management personnel, have a responsibility to provide safeguards dedicated to the well-being of other members. The abuse of young members, by other members or external source, is not acceptable and all incidents of such abuse are to be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.

Mona Vale appoints an individual or individuals to the role of Member Protection and Information Officer (“MPIO”) who is there for members should they encounter any issues. The MPIO will act as an independent person, acting in the interests of the member.

Brad Newton

Brad Newton

MEMBER PROTECTION & INFORMATION OFFICER

Mona Vale appoints an individual to the role of Member Protection and Information Officer (“MPIO”) who is there for members should they encounter any issues. The MPIO will act as an independent person, acting in the interests of the member. Your MPIO for the 22/23 season is Brad Newton.
MPIO@monavaleslsc.org.au

Robyn Moore

Robyn Moore

WELFARE & SUPPORT

The Welfare and Support team are available to provide support, an open ear or advice for any member of Mona Vale SLSC.
member.protection@monavaleslsc.org.au

Welfare & Support MVSLSC

Lisa Critoph

WELFARE & SUPPORT

The Welfare and Support team are available to provide support, an open ear or advice for any member of Mona Vale SLSC.
member.protection@monavaleslsc.org.au