Safe and respected
At The Great Aussie Bush Camp, children’s safety and wellbeing come first, always. We’re committed to a culture where every child and young person is protected from harm, treated with dignity and respect, and supported to thrive.
We create a camp culture where children feel safe to have a voice, make choices, try new things and be proud of their progress. We celebrate effort and growth across different abilities and needs, and make reasonable adjustments so all children can participate meaningfully.
We partner closely with schools, parents and carers to create a safe, fun and empowering camp experience.
How we keep children safe
Before camp
- Screening: All roles require a Paid WWCC and thorough reference checks.
- Training & induction: Every employee receives training on child protection and our Code of Conduct. Instructors are re‑assessed and coached throughout employment.
- Risk management: Activities and sites are risk assessed and reviewed.
- Medical & dietary planning: We work with staff to collect relevant medical, medication and dietary information so reasonable adjustments and supports are in place.
During camp
- Professional boundaries: Staff maintain clear, appropriate contact boundaries. One‑to‑one situations are avoided unless necessary and approved.
- Safe programs: Activities are delivered by trained instructors using approved procedures and equipment checks. Children are encouraged through our challenge by choice philosophy, not pressured to participate, and achievements are celebrated in age‑appropriate, respectful ways.
- Respectful culture: We treat every child fairly and with courtesy regardless of gender, culture, language, ability or background. Bullying, discrimination and harassment are not tolerated.
- Supervision and communication: We supervise appropriately and work in partnership with teachers and group leaders. We encourage children to share concerns with an adult they trust.
- First aid and incident response: First aid is available and incidents are responded to promptly, documented and reviewed. Where required, matters are escalated to Police or the Child Protection Hotline.
After camp
- Feedback and continuous improvement: We seek feedback from schools and participants and use it to strengthen our safeguarding practices and programs.
- Review and learning: Concerns or incidents are reviewed and inform updates to training, procedures and risk assessments.
Our code of conduct
All team members, contractors, and volunteers must adhere to the GABC Code of Conduct.
They must:
- Treat children with dignity, respect, and courtesy;
- Act as positive role models;
- Maintain professional boundaries;
- Use appropriate language and tone;
- Avoid situations where they are alone with a child unless necessary and approved within established safety protocols;
- Report all concerns or breaches immediately to Head of People and Culture or General Manager.
Prohibited behaviours include:
- Physical punishment, intimidation, or aggression;
- Inappropriate touching or sexualised behaviour;
- Private, unsupervised meetings or electronic communications with children outside of approved channels;
- Exchange of personal contact details or social media connections with students/clients.
