Bishop’s Breakfast a chance to reflect on Broken Bay’s safeguarding commitment

The Diocese of Broken Bay’s commitment to safeguarding has been praised by NSW Children’s Guardian, Steve Kinmond OAM, who used a keynote address at the Bishop’s Breakfast in May to highlight the proactive response of the Catholic Church in Australia to protecting vulnerable people.

It was the second time the Bishop’s Breakfast event has been held, bringing members of the community, business and politics together, to dialogue and build connections.

The title of the Breakfast was “It’s Everyone’s Business – building safer communities”, which focused not only on the importance of institutional safeguarding, but also safeguarding within the community and within families.

Those attending the Breakfast included the Member for Willoughby, Tim James, former who was appointed NSW Children’s Guardian in December.

In his address, Steve praised the efforts of the Catholic Church in responding proactively to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and said Broken Bay’s safeguarding framework was among the best in the country.

Steve has extensive experience in the field of child protection. He was CEO of the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) and NSW Community & Disability Services Commissioner and Deputy

Ombudsman (Human Services) for the prior 15 years.

Steve’s praise was credit to the strong work of the Diocese of Broken Bay’s Office of Safeguarding, led by Jodie Crisafulli, who work tirelessly to ensure the Diocese is the safest possible place for children and other vulnerable people.

In a speech following Steve’s address Bishop Anthony Randazzo reiterated the commitment of Broken Bay to safeguarding throughout the year, not just during September when the Diocese has held its annual Safeguarding Month.

Around the speeches, members of the community, clergy and politicians mingled, catching up with old acquaintances and building new connections.

The Bishop’s Breakfast not only provides an opportunity for members of the community to come together, but also provides a strong reminder of the role the Church plays within the community through its charity work, community building and commitment to protecting the vulnerable.