New resources to support safe and successful Santa Runs

 

If your brigade is planning a Santa Run or other festive community event this year, now is the time to start preparing.

 

Santa Runs are a much-loved CFA tradition that bring volunteers and communities together while spreading festive cheer. To support brigades in delivering safe, enjoyable and well-managed events, CFA has refreshed the Santa Run Guidelines and developed a dedicated Santa Run Child Safety Risk Assessment (CSRA).

These resources will help brigades:

• plan and deliver a safe and welcoming event for children, young people and families
• obtain local approvals and identify potential risks through event planning and risk assessment processes
• use CFA appliances and equipment safely and appropriately during community events
• understand child safety requirements, including Working with Children Check (WWCC) and training obligations
• make events inclusive and respectful of diversity
• select suitable members to undertake roles such as Santa or Captain Koala.

The new CSRA has been designed specifically for brigade-run Santa events and provides practical guidance to identify, assess and manage common child safety risks before and during an event.

Brigades planning a Santa Run should review the updated guidelines and submit against the CSRA as part of their event planning process before finalising arrangements. Early planning can help ensure your event is safe, compliant and enjoyable for everyone involved.

The Santa Run Guidelines and CSRA are available on Members Online.

For more information or support, contact the Child Safety Team at childsafetyofficer@cfa.vic.gov.au.

 

Submitted by	Jennifer Clement