Change to Victoria’s Child Safety Regulator
The Safe Church Oversight Team (SCOT) would like to inform our church community of an administrative update regarding child safety oversight.
From 23 February 2026, responsibility for the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme has transitioned from the Commission for Children and Young People to the Social Services Regulator.
What does this mean?
While the regulatory body has changed, all reporting obligations, thresholds, and responsibilities remain the same. This includes the requirement to promptly notify CCVT/UCA of any matters that may constitute reportable conduct, as well as any significant child safety concerns, regulator contact, or compliance risks.
What happens next?
SCOT will:
- Review and update our policies (including Safe Church, Complaints Policy, Code of Conduct and Call to Inclusivity) to reflect the new regulator
- Update website documents where the previous regulator is referenced
- Ensure key leaders are aware of the change
These updates are administrative in nature and form part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, transparent, and accountable practices within our church community.
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with Kate
"Last Saturday, some of the congregation went to Surrender to listen to the voices of those on the margins. At the festival, we went to different workshops and bible studies, while gathering for meals and main sessions. I heard about an Iranian refugee's experience of coming to Australia. Others participated in activities that connected creativity and prayer or listened to Steff Fenton talk about their book, Gender Expansive Faith. In the evening, we listened to Corey Simpson, a Buyiburra Man, share his culture and the connection between faith and First Nations history, which was incredibly powerful. I am really glad I went to Surrender 2026 because I got to hear from people I otherwise wouldn’t have. This being my second year coming, I can confidently say my understanding of colonisation and reconciliation has increased along with my hope for the world's wider issues." - LFC Youth Member
As we March to the Margins over March, the LFC community has been energised to move out from the chapel and into the community. Like many Christian churches before us, we want to respond to the needs we see in the community and live out our faith. We want to spread the Good News, and share the love and hope we have found in Jesus Christ.
Whilst half the church was away at our annual camp, the rest of the congregation got to work looking at what mission meant to us and how we can help our community. This idea has grown and expanded since then into a variety of local mission projects. This work has continued within the children’s program and a special whole of church interactive session. It is clear for all to see the church community’s gracious servant hearts, honest reflection, ownership and sincerity.
Mission Projects include:
• Social justice letter writing
• Donating blood
• Singalong at a local aged care facility
• Knitting squares for winter blankets
• Cleaning a local litter spot
• Laneway chalk smiley – offering a temporary and hopeful visual message in the community
• Cosy nesting – we can't all serve all the time so cosy nesting will be a calm safe space at the church for those who desire rest.
Timeline includes:
• 22nd of March - Mission Project Leads confirmed
• 29th of March –Risk Assessment and Management Plans completed
• 05th of April – Project Plans and Invitation postcards available
• 26th of April – Mission Project Day!
Please pray that our planning work and mission projects will be an inspiring and safe adventure into the community around LFC.
Another year, another wonderful time of faith, love and community at our Church Camp!
Last weekend, from the 20th to the 22nd, members of Living Faith Church went to Anglesea for our annual Church Camp.
This year we had a smaller group of about 30 campers head up for a weekend of reflection, games, beach shenanigans and good times.
This year our camp focus was Faith which was a wonderful way to introduce our Lent focus of Mission. So while those of us not at camp began to look at what mission meant to us those at camp were able to learn more about the faith that lies at the heart of mission.
Here's what one of our young adults had to say about camp:
"One of the best parts of Church Camp is the beach trip that we do. I love being thrown around by the waves and always forgetting how cold the water is, only to squeal about it every year heading in. Once everyone is tired out, the sandcastle building begins, and every year it seems to end with a giant wave crushing our sculpture. There's always some friut and snacks, and sometimes a cheeky ice cream cone from across the street."
Everyone who was able to attend had an amazing time and are already looking forward to next year!
The Cafe of Dangerous Ideas Returns for another year of difficult conversations!
Usually on the last Friday of each month, the Sycamore Cafe is host to a night of interesting and often difficult conversations from 7.30 to 9.30pm.
This is a thought provoking event that opens discussions about topics that may seem controversial, odd or just uncomfortable, but it is a safe place for open conversations to actually face these tough conversations.
Each month focuses on a different topic with guest speakers who are able to help lead informed conversations and help people who have questions about the topic being discussed.
This year the dates, topics and guest speakers are as follows:
Feb 27th - Neurodiversity with Rev. Glen Wesley
March 27th - Cultural Mixing with Saliesi
April 24th - Sex Work with Andie
May 29th - Church and Caring with Mike and Jon
June 26th - West Papua and Independence with Robert Stringer
July 31st - Environmental Catastrophes with Cath and Joel
August 28th - Myanmar's prodemocracy movement with Mary O'Kane
September 18th - Modern Slavery with Michael and Andrew
October 30th - Greens and Politics with Jy Sandford
November 27th - Open Evening with David LM
The Sunset Pride Event
Last Friday, members of Living Faith Church came together with members of other local churches to promote faith and acceptance at the Banyule Sunset Pride event in Greensborough. The event was a wonderful night of deep and meaningful conversations where member of our community were able to learn more about who we are and were invited to come and get to know more about us.
Reverend Sandy Brodine from the Uniting Church of Australia was one of the many who came along to be a part of the night and she shared a wonder article online that we encourage everyone to check out. A link to the article is attached.
Everyone who was involved had an amazing time and are already planning for next year's event.
As the year comes to a close we reflect and remember all the loved ones we have said farewell to this year.
Our thought and our prayers are with them and their families.
In particular we remember Tony, Elizabeth, Ada, Keith, Kevin, Jim and Graeme.
"Time will never erase the memoirs and experiences we have shared"
Thank You!!!
On Sunday, it was amazing to see so many happy and smiling faces at our Carols on the Lawn event.
Due to wet weather we were forced to relocate inside but that did not halt our fun.
Families had lots of laughs playing games and sharing stories during our indoor picnic, before making our way into the auditorium for our carols event.
Thank you to Malcolm, Ellen, Alistair, Kate, Lawrance, Bell, Alexander, Hazel, James, Kay, Sonia, Gwenda, Nathan, Donna and the wonderful Gospel Valley Singers for leading us in a wonderful night of singing, laughing and joy.
It was an amazing night.
Also a huge thank you to Anita, Kay, Stella and the POND for baking and decorating all of the Christmas Shortbreads for the event.
Merry Christmas everyone!
This year was the 98th year of the Interchurch Carols held at St Mary's.
LFC was represented by our very own Bluegrass Band starring Malcolm, Lawrance and Kate.
Well done to everyone who performed it was an amazing night and we look forward to hearing you all play again at our carols event on the 21st.