Our Commitment to Mental Health and Disability Inclusion
At Corio Bay Miniature Railway, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where people of all abilities and backgrounds can participate, contribute, and thrive. Our mission goes beyond building a miniature railway and family park we aim to foster community connection, personal development, and wellbeing through hands-on activities, skill-building, and social engagement.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
We recognise the vital role mental health plays in the lives of our members, volunteers, and visitors. Participation in practical, structured projects such as railway construction, operations, and maintenance provides opportunities for meaningful engagement, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment.
These activities help reduce social isolation, promote confidence, and support overall wellbeing.
We actively encourage an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to participate at their own pace, with opportunities to learn, mentor, and contribute in ways that suit their abilities and interests.
Disability and Neurodiversity Inclusion
Corio Bay Miniature Railway is committed to inclusive participation for people with disabilities and neurodiversity. We strive to remove barriers to involvement and ensure that everyone can access meaningful roles and activities.
Key initiatives include
Flexible and supported volunteer roles tailored to individual abilities
Clear training and mentoring pathways for practical and operational tasks
Adaptive work practices to accommodate specific needs
Accessible infrastructure planning, including pathways, facilities, and safety systems
A patient, respectful, and understanding team culture
Veterans and Ex-Service Personnel
We recognise that veterans and ex-service personnel often benefit from structured, purposeful engagement.
Our Club provides opportunities for teamwork, skill application, and social connection, fostering a sense of belonging and contribution for those who have served.
Corio Bay Miniature Railway Inclusion Policy
Purpose
To ensure all members, volunteers, and visitors are treated with dignity and respect and have equitable access to all Club programs, activities, and facilities, regardless of ability, age, background, or identity.
Scope
This policy applies to all Club operations, including but not limited to: meetings, volunteer activities, training, events, public railway operations, and use of Club facilities.
Principles
Equity: Everyone is entitled to equal opportunity to participate.
Accessibility: Physical, social, and operational environments will be adapted wherever possible to meet individual needs.
Respect: All individuals will be treated with dignity and consideration, free from discrimination, harassment, or bias.
Support: Members will be offered mentoring, guidance, and resources appropriate to their role and abilities.
Continuous Improvement: The Club will regularly review its practices to enhance inclusivity and responsiveness to community needs.
Implementation
Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and communicated.
Training is provided to staff and volunteers on inclusivity, mental health awareness, and safe practices.
Facilities and equipment are designed or adapted to support accessibility.
Feedback mechanisms are in place for members, volunteers, and the public to raise concerns or suggestions regarding inclusion.
Commitment to Community
The Club actively engages with local disability organisations, mental health services, and veteran support networks to enhance its programs, ensure safety and accessibility, and maximize positive outcomes for all participants.
Our Vision for Inclusion
Corio Bay Miniature Railway is more than a railway it is a family where everyone belongs.
By embedding inclusion, accessibility, and mental health awareness into our operations, we aim to provide an environment that supports learning, recreation, connection, and wellbeing for all.
Corio Bay Miniature Railway Child Safety Policy
Purpose
Corio Bay Miniature Railway Incorporated (CBMR) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children and young people who participate in, visit, or are involved in CBMR activities.
This Child Safety Policy demonstrates CBMR’s zero tolerance for child abuse and outlines our commitment to complying with Victorian Child Safe Standards, the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic), and the Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic).
Scope
This policy applies to:
All CBMR members
Committee members and office bearers
Volunteers
Contractors and external service providers
Students, trainees, and work-experience participants
It applies to all CBMR activities, events, training programs, and operations, whether on-site or off-site.
Statement of Commitment
CBMR is committed to:
Promoting the safety, wellbeing, and best interests of children at all times
Providing a child-safe and child-friendly environment
Preventing child abuse and identifying risks early
Empowering children and young people to participate and have a voice
Ensuring all allegations of child abuse are taken seriously and responded to promptly
Definition of a Child
For the purposes of this policy, a child is any person under the age of 18 years.
Zero Tolerance of Child Abuse
CBMR has zero tolerance for child abuse, including
Financial or economic abuse – Controlling someone’s money, preventing them from working, stealing their finances, or forcing them into financial dependence.
Digital / online abuse – Using technology to harass, threaten, stalk, or control someone (e.g., monitoring messages, posting private information, cyberbullying).
Verbal abuse – Repeated insults, humiliation, yelling, threats, or degrading language intended to harm someone emotionally.
Coercive control – A pattern of controlling behaviors that restrict someone’s freedom (isolating them from friends/family, controlling movement, constant surveillance).
Stalking – Repeated unwanted attention, following, monitoring, or harassment that causes fear.
Bullying – Repeated aggressive behavior (physical, verbal, social, or online) meant to intimidate or harm, often discussed in school or workplace contexts.
Institutional or systemic abuse – Abuse occurring within organizations or institutions (care homes, schools, prisons, religious institutions) due to misuse of authority.
Spiritual or religious abuse – Using religious beliefs or authority to manipulate, control, shame, or exploit someone.
Medical abuse – Misusing medical care or medication to control or harm someone (for example, withholding necessary treatment).
Child exploitation / trafficking – Using a child for labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of profit or control.
Any form of child abuse is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action and may be reported to Victoria Police or Child Protection.
Child Safe Code of Conduct
All CBMR representatives must:
Treat children with respect and dignity
Act as positive role models
Maintain professional boundaries at all times
Use appropriate language and behavior
Ensure interactions are observable and interruptible where possible
Report any concerns or allegations of child abuse immediately
CBMR representatives must not:
Engage in any form of abuse, harassment, or exploitation
Use inappropriate language or behavior around children
Be alone with a child where it is avoidable
Give gifts or show favoritism without organisational approval
Photograph or record children without parental/guardian consent
Recruitment, Screening, and Training
CBMR will:
Require a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) for all members and volunteers involved in child-related activities
Verify WWCCs and record details securely
Conduct appropriate reference and background checks where required
Provide induction and ongoing training on child safety responsibilities
Supervision and Risk Management
CBMR will:
Ensure adequate supervision of children during activities
Identify and manage child safety risks through risk assessments
Implement safe procedures for activities involving machinery, tools, or public interaction
Ensure children are not placed in roles that exceed their capability or training
Reporting Child Safety Concerns
Any person who has a concern, suspicion, or allegation of child abuse must:
Immediately report the concern to the CBMR Child Safety Officer or the Secretary
If a child is in immediate danger, contact Victoria Police on 000
CBMR will:
Take all reports seriously
Act promptly and sensitively
Maintain confidentiality where possible
Comply with mandatory reporting and reportable conduct obligations
Responding to Allegations
CBMR will:
Ensure the safety of the child is the first priority
Follow procedural fairness while prioritising child safety
Cooperate fully with authorities
Take disciplinary action where appropriate, including suspension or termination of membership
Privacy and Confidentiality
Information related to child safety concerns will be:
Treated confidentially
Shared only with those who need to know or as required by law
Stored securely in accordance with privacy legislation
Supporting Children and Families
CBMR is committed to
Listening to children and taking their concerns seriously
Providing information to parents and guardians about child safety practices
Supporting children and families affected by child safety incidents
Roles and Responsibilities
Committee of Management
Ensure child safety is embedded in governance and culture
Appoint a Child Safety Officer
Review and update this policy regularly
Child Safety Officer
Act as the primary contact for child safety concerns
Maintain records and reporting processes
Ensure compliance with child safety obligations
Members and Volunteers
Comply with this policy and Code of Conduct
Report concerns or breaches immediately
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every two years or earlier if:
Legislation changes
A child safety incident occurs
Operational changes require review