Current Rovers 
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As of the middle of 2006, it became a requirement for all members over 18 in Scouts Australia (Victorian Branch) to hold a Working with Children's Card. The card was introduced by the Victorian Government to protect children in organisations in which youth are in their care. For example, Schools, Kindergartens, Child Care, Scouting, Youth Groups. The card is basically an ongoing police check to ensure you don't have any criminal convictions that have or may place children at risk. |
Due to the specific requirements of the legislation about when a card is required, to simplify the process it was decided by the Victorian Branch that all members over 18 require the card.
This means if you are over 18, you require a card to be a member of the organisation. If you don't have a card, you will be eventually deregistered from the organisation and you will not be permitted to attend or participate in Scouting related activities.
What do I need to do?
Step 1: Obtain a Working with Children's Card
Visit your local post-office to obtain a Working with Children's Check Form. These are blue and white and are usually kept with the Passport Application Forms. If you need help, ask the attendant behind the counter to point you in the right direction. To find a post office near you, visit the Australia Post - Find an Outlet page. When you search for an outlet, ensure you select Working with Children Check - VIC under the Application & Form Lodgement section.
The form requires some general details, such as your home address, phone number etc.
The form asks you to declare specifically what organisation you are involved with. These are outlined in Section 11 and 12 of the form. |
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For section 11, use Code 10 & 72 and place an X in the volunteer category. For section 12, the details of the organisation is: Scouts Australia - Victorian Branch, 152 Forster Road, Mt Waverley 3149. Contact phone number is 03 8543 9800. |
To obtain a card, you will need identification and some passport photos. Most post offices can take passport photos and have them ready for you at the same time. For a full list of possible identification forms please see the form. Possible ID methods include (and not limited to) Passport, Birth Certificate, Bank Statements, Drivers Licences.
Do not sign or stick in your photo in the application until you are at the Post Office and the attendant does it for you.
The process at the post office only takes about 15-20 minutes if you have all the required paperwork. Once complete they will give you a copy of a receipt of your WWC lodgement. It will take a minimum of four weeks to recieve your card. If you provide your receipt number (see step 2 below) to your Scout Centre, you will remain registered in Scouting. Don't panic!
For more information about applying, please see the Working with Children's site at the Department of Justice.
Step 2: You need to provide the receipt number for the application to your nearest Scout Centre.
Once you submit your form at the Post Office they will give you a receipt number. Once you have that number you need to contact your nearest Scout Centre.
More Information
If you have any queries regarding the Working with Children's Check. Please do not hesitate to contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or the Department of Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have put together a list of frequently asked questions relating to the Working with Children's Check and Crews at Events and activities, you can download a copy of the information below:
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