Safeguarding Services

Safeguarding

Bishop’s commitment statement

The Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga and its agencies are committed to the safety, care, and dignity of all people as an integral part of our mission.

This commitment is rooted in Catholic social teaching and our obligation to promote the common good and respect the human dignity of all. We extend this commitment to all members of our community, including clergy, employees, and volunteers, regardless of their role or level of responsibility.

Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to be a light to the world and to be shining examples of virtue, integrity, and holiness. We pledge to create a safe, nurturing, and empowering culture for everyone in our care, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

To achieve this, we will:

• Empower all individuals to have a voice and to raise concerns;
• Implement rigorous risk management and employment practices;
• Uphold the safety and dignity of every person and ensure they can grow, develop and engage in a caring and supportive environment in our Church;
• Proactively identify and prevent all forms of abuse, including child abuse, by identifying and removing or reducing risks early on;
• Involve families, caregivers, and relevant communities in decision-making processes;
• Continuously review and improve our systems and practices to protect people from abuse;
• Not accept any forms of abuse, discrimination, and harassment; including a no-tolerance approach to the abuse of children;
• Report any suspected abuse promptly to the appropriate authorities; and
• Ensure that all persons who have or may have contact with children, young people, and people-at-risk acknowledge their responsibility to safeguard these vulnerable groups.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus taught that whoever welcomes a child in his name welcomes him, and those who harm the innocent will face severe consequences. We take these teachings to heart and commit to safeguarding with utmost seriousness and diligence.

Bishop Mark Edwards OMI 
Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga 

Watch

Bishop Mark launches commitment statement

Documents + Resources

Org charts, policies, processes, posters + clips

Contact Us

Reach out to us by calling, writing or emailing us:

*For any complaints that may relate to criminal conduct we also encourage you to contact NSW Police (Crime Stoppers) on 1800 333 000.  For current immediate danger of physical or sexual assault call 000 and ask for Police.  

CALL

Office of Safeguarding
McAlroy House
02 6937 0003

EMAIL

safeguarding@wagga.catholic.org.au
A restricted group of confidential child protection professionals will respond.

Team Contacts

Virginia Pattison

Diocesan Safeguarding Manager
Email Virginia
M: 0417 126 375 

Megan Masterson

Diocesan Education and Formation Officer
Email Megan
M: 0415 280 258

Charmaine Berger

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
Email Charmaine
M: 0428 261 310

Kira Wetteland

Diocesan Safeguarding Administration Officer
Email Kira
M: 0477 218 784

Safeguarding Panel

Bishop Mark Edwards OMI

Bishop of Wagga Wagga

Dr Andrew Watson

Director of Catholic Education

Rev Peter Murphy

Vicar General Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Bernie Sandral

Chief Operating Officer Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Virginia Pattison

Diocesan Safeguarding Manager

Annemaree Binger 

Chief Executive Officer Centacare South West NSW

Karen Williams

Manager Chancery Services Diocese of Wagga Wagga