Official Appointment of Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator
On the 1st of June 2017, Bishop Tim Harris made an announcement that he wanted to employ a Safeguarding Coordinator for the Diocese. After a rigorous recruitment process, Bishop Tim has announced the appointment of Mr Craig Brereton to the position.
Bishop Harris said the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults was a priority for him. “This is a significant step for the diocese to employ a dedicated person to help the Church to ensure that all possible measures are in place to protect children, young people and all vulnerable adults from any form of abuse and that our Catholic community is fully educated about this vital aspect of our life and mission.”
“Craig comes to the position with 18 years of experience in child protection and homelessness with significant skills in key areas such as policy reform and implementation; organisational cultural change; integrated case management models of practice; contract management and experience in working in rural and remote communities” Bishop Tim said.
Craig is a local resident having attended St Joseph’s Mundingburra, St John Fisher Primary School and Ignatius Park College. He worked in small business before pursuing an interest in supporting vulnerable children, young people and adults and completing his Bachelor of Social Work. Since 2008 Craig has held several key positions in the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.
“I thank Bishop Tim for this opportunity and look forward to working with him, the Priests, parishes and the people of the Diocese” Craig said.
Craig believes that every child, young person and vulnerable adult has a right to be safe and protected in our community. “Transparency, accountability, research and practice, and collaboration (with key agencies and the community) is imperative if positives outcomes are to be experienced by those we support and protect” he said.
Craig’s acquired knowledge, professional and life experience has positioned and motivated him to look forward to the challenge ahead working closely the Bishop and Safeguarding Committee to ensure policies and processes are robust and effective to help protect children, young people and vulnerable adults in the diocese.
Bishop Harris said "Craig will also focus on the professional integrity of clergy and church workers and all those engaged in activities involving children. We must deliver more than words. We must deliver action and outcomes. I believe this new position will help us greatly in delivering those outcomes.”
Please make Craig feel welcome as he travels around the Diocese in the coming months.