Child Protection Statement

As an organisation dedicated to children, teenagers and young adults, it is critical that at all times, personal and online behavior demonstrate respect for the dignity of each person. In keeping with the Child Protection Act 1999^[1] current at 1 January 2014, the GCYO Policy asserts that the welfare and best interests of children are paramount and that all children have a right to protection from harm.

Policy on GCYO Reputation

GCYO has a policy on private, out-of-GCYO activities, where these activities reflect on the GCYO’s reputation. Any private activity of our members that detracts or calls into question the GCYO ethos or values which form the foundation of the GCYO, will attract a swift and clear response from the GCYO. This response may include disciplinary action such as verbal or written reprimand, caution, warning, suspension, refusal of entry to GCYO premises or termination.

This includes any web-based or online activity. It includes misuse of mobile phones and other similar devices or services. It may be read to include other activities not specifically mentioned in this policy, but which could reasonably fall within its scope. The policy applies even if the activity is out of GCYO hours, off GCYO’s premises, on weekends or in holidays and particularly if it occurs immediately following or preceding a GCYO-organised event.

Conduct

The Gold Coast Youth Orchestra is committed to encouraging a safe, supportive, welcoming, respectful and productive environment for all. To this end, the GCYO and its members must uphold the following:

• behave honestly and with integrity in the course of all GCYO activity
• act with care and diligence in the course of all GCYO activity
• treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and without harassment
• no GCYO member is to step outside the boundary of their formal role
• disclose, and take reasonable steps to avoid, any conflict of interest, real or apparent
• not make improper use of inside information or use of duties, status, power or authority, in order to gain, or seek to gain, a benefit or advantage for the individual or for any other individual
• at all times behave in a way that upholds the GCYO Values and the integrity and good reputation of the GCYO

Providing a safe and welcoming environment can only occur when everyone cooperates and agrees to reasonable, expectable and suitable standards of conduct. The following are acts, which the GCYO considers unacceptable.  Any GCYO member found engaging in these acts will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include verbal or written reprimand, caution, warning, suspension, refusal of entry to GCYO premises and or termination of membership:

• willfully damaging, destroying or stealing property belonging to fellow members or the GCYO
• using any GCYO property for personal gain without permission of the GCYO
• willfully and publicly damaging the reputation and or credibility of the GCYO, its members and or its affiliates
• engaging in disorderly conduct
• refusing to follow specified job descriptions
• refusing to follow or failing to carry out reasonable instructions
• using threatening or abusive language towards a fellow GCYO members
• using obscene language
• bullying of any kind including verbal, physical or cyber
• smoking contrary to established policy or violating any fire protection regulation
• being late or taking unexcused/unapproved absences from GCYO
• not taking proper care of, neglecting or abusing GCYO equipment or GCYO instruments or GCYO property
• using GCYO property and or equipment in an unauthorized manner
• possessing firearms or weapons of any kind on GCYO property or at any GCYO venue
• engaging in any commercial activity at any GCYO venue and or function without approval
• accessing the GCYO database for any purpose without approval

Consequence of Breach

Any breach of policies will result in prompt administrative action. Any GCYO member found engaging in these acts will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include verbal or written reprimand, caution, warning, suspension, refusal of entry to GCYO premises and or termination of membership and or services. GCYO members may also be personally liable for offences under Commonwealth and, or State and Territory legislation.

Updated November 2017