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Kids worshipping at Northside Church

Safe Churches at Northside

We’re committed to being a safe place for everyone, especially children and those who are vulnerable.

Our statement of commitment

“As a church, we are committed to being a safe place for all people who engage with us. This includes children, young people and adults, especially those most vulnerable.”

We commit to spiritual, emotional and physical safety and wellbeing, and seek to model the love of Christ to all whom we have contact with.

Our Safe Churches vision

Our vision is to create a safe and welcoming church environment where everyone is valued, accepted, respected and protected.

We strive to foster a culture of accountability and proactive prevention, where all members, volunteers and staff are equipped with the knowledge and tools to recognise, report and respond to any potential risks or incidents of harm, particularly regarding children and young people.

How we keep people safe

All leaders and volunteers who work with children and young people hold a current NSW Working With Children Check. This is non-negotiable and regularly audited.

Working With Children Checks

Our team undergoes regular safeguarding training and screening as part of the Churches of Christ Safe Churches framework. All volunteers are trained to recognise, report, and respond to potential risks.

Training & screening

We have documented Safe Churches policies and a Code of Conduct that everyone involved in ministry reads, agrees to, and follows. These are reviewed and updated regularly.

Clear policies & code of conduct

We have clear, accessible pathways for raising concerns, both internal through our Safe Churches team and external through government agencies. You will always be heard.

Accessible reporting pathways

We foster a culture of accountability and proactive prevention, where all members, volunteers, and staff are equipped with the knowledge and tools to keep our community safe.

Culture of care

Our Safe Churches team

If you have a concern, these people are here to help.

Jo Mansfield

Jo Mansfield

Safe Churches Team

Jo Mansfield

Safe Churches Team

Jo is part of our Safe Churches team, helping to ensure Northside is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Veronica Kennedy

Veronica Kennedy

Safe Churches Team

Veronica Kennedy

Safe Churches Team

Veronica serves on our Safe Churches team, committed to safeguarding and supporting our community.

Nigel Hicks

Nigel Hicks

Safe Churches Team

Nigel Hicks

Safe Churches Team

Nigel is part of our Safe Churches team, dedicated to maintaining a culture of safety and accountability.

Steph Chung

Steph Chung

Safe Churches Team

Steph Chung

Safe Churches Team

Steph serves on our Safe Churches team, helping to create safe spaces for all who engage with Northside.

External support and reporting

Need someone to talk to?

If you’re going through a tough time, you don’t have to face it alone. Our pastoral team is available to listen, support, and walk alongside you, whether you’re part of our church or not.