Please note:

To create a safe space that belongs to young people, Ballarat Youth Services social connections and recreation activities are for 12-25-year-olds only, except where specified. Parents are encouraged not to attend. Support workers are encouraged to attend if the young person has support needs: please let us know these upon registration.

All Ballarat Youth Services events are all facilitated by trained youth workers. If you wish to meet our friendly staff before the event, you are welcome to arrive up to fifteen minutes early. Alternatively, you can reach out to our team at youth@ballarat.vic.gov.au

The City of Ballarat has a zero tolerance for child abuse and promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children, including Aboriginal children, children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disability.

We take allegations and concerns very seriously and respond to them consistently in line with our policies and procedures.

Code of Conduct - What We Expect from Participants

All programs are fully supervised by City of Ballarat staff. However, staff cannot physically stop a young person from leaving the activity area. If you/your child choose to leave the activity space, staff are not responsible for you once you have left.

Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and included. City of Ballarat Youth Services expects high standards of behaviour from all participants, staff and volunteers to create a safe and inclusive environment, free from discrimination, sexism, bullying, harassment, verbal or physical abuse, or any other antisocial behaviours.

All City of Ballarat Youth Services activities are drug, alcohol, smoke and vape-free. These items are not allowed at any activity. You must not attend if you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you arrive intoxicated or bring prohibited items, you will be asked to leave immediately. We will also speak with you and your parent/guardian about whether future participation is appropriate.

As a participant, you are responsible for your own behaviour. Your actions should not make other people feel unsafe or put the group at risk. City of Ballarat Youth Services will do its best to support everyone and manage challenging situations, but serious misbehaviour may result in you being removed from the activity. If this happens, your parent/guardian will be contacted, and arrangements will be made for you to get home at their expense.

Please respect people, equipment, property and activity spaces. Use things safely, clean up after yourself and help keep shared spaces tidy.

Parent/Guardian Expectations for Participants Under 18

By allowing your child to attend a City of Ballarat Youth Services activity, you give permission for staff to arrange medical help if your child becomes unwell or is injured, as advised by medical professionals. You also agree to cover any related medical costs.

You agree to cover the cost of any damage or loss caused by your child to equipment, property, or individuals during the activity. If your child breaches of the Code of Conduct, you are expected to collect them promptly or cover the cost of their transport home.

During activities, photos and videos may be taken for use in City of Ballarat promotional materials. Young people have the right to withdraw consent at any time. Please note that once images or videos are shared publicly, City of Ballarat can only remove them from its own accounts, platforms and spaces. We cannot control or remove images or videos that have been saved, shared or reposted by third parties.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with a City of Ballarat Youth Services staff member, please call 5320 5500 or email youth@ballarat.vic.gov.au

Privacy Statement

Your personal information is being collected by Council for the purposes of the delivery of Youth Services. Your information will be stored in Council’s Customer Database and used to identify you when communicating with Council and for the delivery of services and information. For further information on how your personal and health information is handled, refer to Council’s Privacy Policy at

www.ballarat.vic.gov.au

Acknowledgement of Country

City of Ballarat Youth Services acknowledges that our activities take place on the lands of the Waddawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples and pay our respects to their continuing connection to the lands and waterways.

Contact the host of Connect & Chill at the Library