Council Reaffirms Commitment to Safety, Inclusion & Youth Voice
Published on 23 February 2026
Council Reaffirms Commitment to Child Safety, Disability Inclusion and Youth Voice
Council has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to children, young people and people with disability through an updated Child Safe Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct, the public exhibition of a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Framework and a Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and the launch of a call for young people to join its Youth Advisory Committee.
Together, these initiatives reinforce Council’s vision of a safe, inclusive and equitable community for all.
A Stronger Child Safe Framework
Council has updated its Child Safe Policy and associated Child Safe Code of Conduct, providing clear strategic and operational direction to Councillors, Council staff, volunteers and other stakeholders engaged in delivering Council services.
The Child Safe Policy outlines Council’s responsibilities in creating and maintaining child safe environments across all services, programs and facilities. It strengthens governance, accountability and reporting processes and embeds child safety as a core organisational priority.
The Child Safe Code of Conduct sets out the minimum expected standards of behaviour between employees, Councillors, volunteers, contractors and children. It reinforces Council’s zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and establishes clear expectations to ensure children and young people feel safe, respected and heard.
Mayor Rick Firman OAM said the reaffirmation of the Child Safe Policy reflects Council’s deep responsibility to protect and empower children and young people.
“Every child and young person who engages with Council services has the right to feel safe, valued and respected. This policy ensures we are clear about our obligations and expectations across the entire organisation.”
Embedding Inclusion Across Council
Council has endorsed a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework, which establishes a whole-of-Council inclusion lens to guide decision-making, service delivery, governance and community engagement.
The Framework is designed to sit above and inform a range of Council strategies and action plans, including the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Together, these documents provide a clear and coordinated roadmap for building a more inclusive organisation and community.
Both the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework and the Disability Inclusion Action Plan are now on public exhibition, providing the community with an opportunity to review the documents and provide feedback.
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan translates Council’s broader inclusion commitments into clear, time-bound and measurable actions focused specifically on disability inclusion. The Plan responds directly to lived experience and evidence gathered through community consultation and survey activities undertaken in November 2025. Feedback from people with disability, carers, families and community members has shaped the priorities and actions contained within the Plan.
Mayor Firman said inclusion must be embedded in every aspect of Council’s work.
“This Framework ensures inclusion is not an add-on — it is central to how we plan, deliver services and engage with our community. The Disability Inclusion Action Plan turns that commitment into meaningful, measurable action.”
Calling Young Leaders to the Table
As part of its commitment to youth participation and empowerment, Council is also calling for expressions of interest from young people aged 12–24 years to become Youth Representatives on Council’s Youth Advisory Committee.
The Youth Advisory Committee provides advice to Council on issues that matter to young people and supports the development of youth-focused programs, strategies and initiatives. It plays a vital role in ensuring young voices are heard in local decision-making.
Council encourages young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disability, to apply.
“Young people are leaders today, not just tomorrow,” Mayor Firman said. “We want to ensure their perspectives help shape the future of our community.”
Expressions of interest are now open, with further details available here.
Through these initiatives, Council is reinforcing its commitment to protecting children, empowering young people and building a community where everyone — regardless of age, background or ability — feels safe, included and supported.
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Temora Shire Council Media Enquires
Corporate Communications Officer – Elise Hawthorn
E: communications@temora.nsw.gov.au
P: 6980 1127