1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the Gympie Hammers Rugby Union Club’s commitment to creating and maintaining a culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members, particularly children and young people.
This policy supports compliance with the Queensland Child Safe Standards and reflects our Club’s belief that every child and family has the right to feel respected, valued, and safe in our rugby community.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All Gympie Hammers Rugby Union Club officials, committee members, coaches, managers, volunteers, players, parents, and spectators.
- All Club activities, including games, training sessions, community events, fundraising, and social functions.
3. Definitions
Cultural Safety: An environment that is spiritually, socially, and emotionally safe for people; where there is no challenge or denial of their identity, and where their cultural needs are respected.
Cultural Competence: The ability to understand, communicate, and interact effectively with people from different cultures.
Child Safe Standards: A set of principles designed to help organisations protect children from harm and promote their wellbeing.
4. Policy Statement
The Gympie Hammers Rugby Union Club is committed to providing a sporting environment that values diversity and fosters cultural safety for all.
We acknowledge and respect the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we play and celebrate the cultural contributions of all peoples who make up our community.
The Club will take deliberate action to ensure all children and families—especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds—feel welcome, respected, and supported in every aspect of Club life.
5. Guiding Principles
Our approach to cultural safety is guided by the following principles:
1. Respect and Recognition – We recognise and celebrate the cultural heritage, traditions, and beliefs of all members.
2. Inclusion and Belonging – We foster an environment where everyone feels included, heard, and valued.
3. Cultural Awareness – We seek to learn about and understand cultural differences and incorporate that understanding into our daily Club practices.
4. Child and Family Voice – We encourage children, young people, and families to share their perspectives and be part of Club decision-making.
5. Zero Tolerance for Discrimination – We will not tolerate racism, bullying, or cultural insensitivity in any form.
6. Responsibilities
Club Committee:
- Lead and oversee implementation of this policy.
- Ensure cultural safety is included in all governance, risk management, and child safety processes.
- Acknowledge Traditional Owners at major events and meetings.
Coaches, Managers, and Volunteers:
- Promote inclusive behaviour and always model respect.
- Participate in cultural awareness and child-safe training as required.
- Take immediate action if discrimination or cultural disrespect is observed.
Members, Parents, and Spectators:
- Treat all participants and families with respect and courtesy.
- Support the Club’s commitment to cultural inclusion.
- Report any concerns about cultural safety to Club officials promptly.
7. Implementation
To put this policy into practice, the Club will:
- Include cultural safety principles in inductions, codes of conduct, and training programs.
- Provide annual cultural awareness and child-safe training opportunities for volunteers and coaches.
- Ensure Club materials, signage, and uniforms reflect cultural inclusion.
- Celebrate cultural events such as NAIDOC Week, Harmony Week, and other relevant occasions.
- Engage with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, and culturally diverse community representatives, to build ongoing relationships.
- Establish safe, culturally sensitive processes for raising concerns or complaints.
8. Measuring Success
The Club will measure the effectiveness of this policy through:
- Annual review of cultural safety practices as part of the Child Safe Standards assessment.
- Feedback from members, children, and families on their sense of inclusion and safety.
- Monitoring participation and retention rates across diverse groups.
- Reporting outcomes to the Committee and members annually.
9. Continuous Improvement
Cultural safety is a journey, not a destination. The Club is committed to continuous learning and improvement by:
- Seeking regular feedback from the community.
- Listening to the voices of children and families.
- Updating policies and practices as community needs and legislation evolve.
10. Acknowledgement
The Gympie Hammers Rugby Union Club acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we train and play. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and commit to fostering a community where all cultures are celebrated and respected.