Safety, health and security

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The Gordon is fully committed to the safety and wellbeing of all students and to providing a safe, secure, culturally sensitive, respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment. We have a zero tolerance for any harm or abuse to any person.

We acknowledge that some of our students are young people under the age of 18, and will take additional measures to meet their safety and wellbeing needs in line with our Child Safe Standards framework.

24 hour emergency and crisis support

 

On campus security

Security Officers are at Geelong City and East Campuses between 7am - 10pm.

If you are on campus, please contact security if you:

  • require first aid
  • feel unsafe or if you feel someone else is unsafe
  • wish to report an incident or hazard
  • require an escort
  • notice suspicious behaviour
  • require access to a building before 7.30am
 

Security Contact details

Geelong City Campus: 0418 382 340
East Geelong Campus: 0409 010 858
Werribee: Contact Customer Service
Student Residences: Student Residence Manager
Emergency services Police, Fire and Ambulance: Dial 000 (triple zero)

 

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and students is our number one priority. We promote best practice in safety and health in all our activities so that employees and students can carry out their work and studies in a safe and healthy environment.

Evacuations

In case of an evacuation on campus you should:

  • assist anyone in immediate danger (if safe to do so)
  • raise the alarm including phoning Gordon Security
  • leave by the nearest, safest exit (do not use a lift)
  • follow any instructions given to you by Gordon employees or wardens who will be wearing red vests in an emergency
  • assemble and remain in the evacuation area (evacuation maps are located in every building)
  • report injuries or information to a Gordon employee or relevant authority dealing with the emergency, including the location of a person with mobility issues.
  • not re-enter the building until advised by the relevant authority or a Gordon employee
  • not use lifts during any evacuation emergency or drill
  • refer to the Emergency Response Codes which are located on public noticeboards on campus

First aid, accidents and injuries

First aiders are trained and located across The Gordon. For emergency assistance contact Gordon Security. In an extreme emergency, dial 000 first.

You are strongly advised to have ambulance insurance to cover costs associated with transport to hospital if required.

OHS Hazard ID and risk control

OHS injury & illness - reporting

 

Ambulance cover

In the event of a student requiring emergency medical treatment, we have a duty of care to call an ambulance. As we do not cover the cost of the ambulance or medical expenses, You are strongly advised to have ambulance insurance to cover costs associated with transport to hospital if required.

Your safety and health when on placement or at work

Practical placements are designed to provide meaningful learnings and experience in their chosen field.

The Gordon is responsible for ensuring that the employer you are placed at has appropriate health and safety measures in place and is approved by The Gordon. 

On placement you are required to meet the employer’s health and safety requirements, including attending any inductions, providing vaccination records or other legislative requirements such as Working with Children Checks etc.

When on placement or working, the employer holds the duty of care for your health and safety and you should report any injuries, hazards or near misses to your employer and also to a relevant Gordon employee. The Gordon will work with yourself and the employer to ensure appropriate actions have taken place. 

Personal protective equipment

Students must wear personal protective equipment, footwear and clothing that is appropriate and suitable to the area of study or work or industry-standard while on campus, or whilst engaged in activity off campus and when required to do so. You will be advised of any specific requirements as part of your course.


Our Commitment to Student Safety

We have zero tolerance for any harm or abuse to any person here at the Gordon . We acknowledge that some of our students are young people under the age of 18, and we are therefore committed to taking additional measures to meet their safety and wellbeing needs.

Many of our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and we are therefore committed to applying a tailored and culturally sensitive approach to meet their safety and wellbeing needs.

The Gordon is committed to listening to the views and suggestions of students and we encourage students to express these views and suggestions, especially on matters that directly affect them. We will apply a tailored approach to seeking the views of students and participants under the age of 18, and those from diverse backgrounds to ensure an individual’s diversity or vulnerability is not a barrier to having their voices heard. We will take them seriously and respond promptly and appropriately.

The Gordon is committed to having the policies, practice and culture in place to provide students with a safe, respectful, inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

We welcome all feedback, comments and complaints relating to the way in which we meet the needs of our students to inform and educate us on how we can improve

Read our full Student Safety Policy.

Find out more about the Child Safe Standards.

 

Our expectations

Gordon Employees

Gordon employees are expected to behave in a way that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of students and participants and contribute to a safe and inclusive environment free from discrimination, harassment, physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect.

All employees will apply professional boundaries to any relationship with our students, use these to guide their behaviour and not act outside of the confines of their role. Professional boundaries include, but are not limited to:

  • avoiding contact outside of learning hours
  • limiting all contact to matters relevant to the learning environment
  • avoiding sharing personal information
  • always maintaining a professional manner when engaging with students and participants
  • reminding students and participants of professional boundaries as often as required

Any physical contact with a student or participant must be relevant to the learning environment and with consideration given to the individual needs of the student.

Appropriate physical contact must not: 
•    be intended to cause harm (such as physical punishment) 
•    be sexual of nature
•    be overly physical (tickling, sparring or wrestling) 
•    be outside of the confines of the role 
 

Students

The way you are treated by other students, and the way you treat other students, is an important part of a safe learning environment. The Gordon has established a Student Code of Conduct to foster these goals based on four principals:

  • take responsibility for your learning
  • contribute to a healthy and safe learning environment
  • respect yourself and others
  • show respect for your learning environment

We have zero tolerance of bullying, harassment and intimidation. All complaints of bullying and harassment will be heard in confidence and taken seriously.

Read The Student Code of Conduct.

 

Online

Your safety matters not just when you are in class, but in every interaction with other students and staff, including online. We have zero tolerance of online bullying, harassment and intimidation of our students.

When students are engaging in online learning, they are expected to behave in the same manner as if they were in class and our Student Code of Conduct applies in these forums. Teachers will monitor student conduct within the online learning environment to ensure the online safety of participants including responding to any misconduct as it arises.

Cyber-bullying can also occur outside of class. Cyber bullying can be verbal (over the telephone or mobile phone), or written (flaming, threats, racial, sexual or homophobic harassment) using the various mediums available, it can be in person or covert, where a person uses an online profile that obscures their identity. 

All complaints on online bullying and harassment will be heard in confidence and taken seriously.

Read more information about cyber safety.

 

Child abuse

What is child abuse

Child abuse or harm is any act committed against a young person which endangers the physical or emotional health and/or development of that person. Child abuse or harm can be a single incident, repeated incidents, or ongoing over time. 

  • child abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological harm, neglect, and family violence 
  • child abuse can also include grooming. This is behaviour where an adult tries to establish a relationship or other emotional connection with a child, to prepare them for a sexual relationship. 
  • child abuse does not have to involve physical contact or force. It can include: 
    • controlling a child through threats 
    • exposing a child to sexual material and sexual acts 
    • exposing a child to family violence 
    • child abuse can be led by any member of a community or a family member
    • child abuse can impact anyone and it is never the victim’s fault

Read more information about child abuse from the Kids helpline. 

What should you do if you have been abused or feel unsafe?

  • you should talk to an adult you trust 
  • if you have been abused, or feel unsafe or threatened in any way you don’t have to deal with this on your own
  • abuse is never your fault and you should tell a trusted adult so you can get the help and support you need to feel safe and protected
  • talking to someone won’t get you in trouble
  • you can tell a teacher or any Gordon staff member. They will be able to help you get the support you need

Where can you go for support at The Gordon?

As a Gordon student you can also access a wide range of resources and support services at The Gordon.

Our support services are free and can help make your life easier! Find out more about our support services:

 Our youth programs, including our senior secondary college (VCE / VCAL), have their own youth support worker who you can talk to.

 

What will happen if you tell an adult at The Gordon if you feel unsafe?

  • you will be helped
  • Gordon employees must listen to your concerns and help you
  • the information will not be shared with the person who is making you feeling unsafe
  • information will only be shared with people who can support and protect you
  • in some cases the people helping you are required by law to tell the police, Child Protection services and/or your family to prevent any further abuse, or risk of abuse

Where can you go for help outside The Gordon?

  • visit eHeadspace online or call 1800 650 850 (phone service 9 am – 1am)
  • call KidsHelp Line on 1800 55 1800 or visit for 24 hour support 
  • visit your local police station or call 000
  • talk to your doctor, psychologist, social worker, welfare officer, or another trusted adult

What to do if you have concerns for a child’s safety

If you have concerns for a child’s safety, you should always report it.

Outside The Gordon

Police       000
Child Protection Wyndham – 1300 664 977
  Geelong – 1800 075 599
  After hours – Emergency Service 13 12 78

        

At The Gordon

Student counselling 5225 0963 or counsel@gordontafe.edu.au
Risk safety and wellness 5225 0720 or rsw@gordontafe.edu.au
In writing Via our complaints and concerns process

Helpful links