Former Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd board chair Michael Lavarch and departing board member Robyn Miller have been honoured for their contributions to safeguarding in the Church.
Mr Lavarch and Dr Miller received medallions for service to the Church, presented by Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB at a dinner last week.
They were also thanked for their contributions to safeguarding in the Church by Bishops Commission for Professional Standards and Safeguarding chair Bishop Greg Bennet.
Mr Lavarch concluded his term as ACSL Board Chair in March while Dr Miller concluded her term in September
Mr Lavarch spoke on the importance of ACSL in providing institutional support to Church entities to share best practice on being a safe and nurturing environment for children and the vulnerable.
“It was never about being a Church policeman but the vehicle to share best practice, to improve performance in safeguarding and to provide accountability to the wider community that the difficult lessons of the royal commission had been understood,” he said.
“In short, about helping the Church to be the best version of itself as it conducts its mission to assist all people in its care.”
Board chair David Penny thanked the outgoing board members for their service to ACSL and the mission of safeguarding in the Church.
“Both Michael and Robyn have made significant contributions to the status of safeguarding within the Church,” Mr Penny said.
“Their unique insights and support have helped shape the direction of ACSL today, and we thank them sincerely as we wish them well in their many other worthy endeavours.”
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Former ACSL Board Members honoured for contributions to safeguarding in the Church (ACSL)
