Our commitment
Nimbin Youth is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all young people. We aim to provide an inclusive, supportive and child-safe environment that promotes respect, trust and personal development. This Code of Conduct is grounded in ethical youth work principles and aligns with our responsibilities as a child-safe organisation.
This Code aligns with the NSW Child Safe Standards and Nimbin Youth’s Child Protection Policy.
Who this code applies to
This Code of Conduct applies to all Nimbin Youth staff, volunteers, contractors, visitors and anyone engaging with our services or programs. All individuals involved are expected to uphold the values and responsibilities outlined below.
1. Respect and equity
- Treat all young people with dignity, fairness and compassion.
- Actively promote inclusion, diversity and respect for cultural identity.
- Value the voices, choices and autonomy of young people in decisions that affect them.
2. Safety and duty of care
- Working With Children Check (WWCC) All adults (18+) involved with Nimbin Youth — including staff, volunteers, contractors and program partners — must hold a current and verified Working With Children Check (WWCC) as required by NSW legislation. It is the responsibility of each adult to ensure their WWCC remains valid and up to date. We reserve the right to refuse or end participation for anyone who does not meet this legal requirement.
- Prioritise the physical, emotional and psychological safety of young people at all times.
- Respond promptly to concerns about harm or abuse and follow reporting obligations.
- Never use physical punishment or degrading treatment in any circumstances.
3. Professional boundaries
In a small community like Nimbin, it’s natural for youth workers and young people to cross paths in many areas of life. We aim to be approachable, supportive and respectful — without blurring the lines of our roles.
- Build trust by being warm, consistent and respectful.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries in your language, actions and presence — in person and online.
- Be mindful of dual relationships (e.g. seeing young people socially or through family connections) and seek advice when unsure.
- Use phones, messages and social media with purpose.
4. Empowerment and participation
- Create opportunities for young people to lead, contribute and be heard.
- Support young people to make informed choices and build resilience.
- Avoid coercion or manipulation in any form.
5. Transparency and accountability
- Be honest and open in our communication with young people, families and partners.
- Disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
- Keep accurate, confidential records and protect personal information.
6. Confidentiality and trust
- Respect young people’s privacy and keep personal information confidential unless there is a risk of harm.
- Clearly explain when confidentiality may need to be broken for safety reasons.
7. Self-Awareness and integrity
- Reflect regularly on your practice, seek supervision and be open to feedback.
- Uphold the values of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct at all times.
- Take responsibility for your wellbeing to prevent burnout and ensure safe practice.
Breaches of the code
Any breach of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of involvement with Nimbin Youth. All concerns will be taken seriously and responded to in line with our complaints and reporting procedures.
Our heart in this work
At Nimbin Youth, this Code of Conduct is more than a policy — it’s a reflection of our shared values and the culture we’re co-creating.
We’re here to build something real:
A place where young people feel safe, respected and genuinely cared for.
Where relationships are built on trust, kindness and consistency.
Where everyone — no matter their story — has space to grow, express themselves and feel a sense of belonging.
Thank you for being part of this community. For showing up with integrity and for helping create a space where young people can feel grounded, supported and strong in who they are.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect best practice and legislative requirements.
Reviewed: February 2026