Clubs, classes and Discover Sailing Centres in Victoria should be aware of the recent changes to Victoria's Working with Children Check (WWCC) requirements. This advice should provide some useful guidance and clarification as the sailing community implements these changes.

The new requirements come into effect on Monday 19 October 2026 and introduce additional responsibilities for sailing clubs and other organisations engaging employees and volunteers in child-related work.

What has changed?

1. Introduction of WWC Connect

The Victorian Government is introducing WWC Connect, a new online system requiring organisations to register their connection with employees and volunteers undertaking child-related work.

From 19 October, clubs must:

• Verify a person's eligibility to undertake child-related work before they commence.
• Register newly engaged workers and volunteers through WWC Connect within the required timeframes.
• Maintain accurate records and update details when individuals commence, cease or change their engagement.

The notification timeframes are 7 days for paid workers and 21 days for volunteers.

Importantly, clubs do not need to register every existing WWCC holder by Monday 19 October. The new connection requirements apply to newly engaged workers and volunteers from that date. However, clubs are strongly encouraged to progressively connect existing staff and volunteers undertaking child-related work so they can receive notifications of changes to their WWCC status.

2. Mandatory Child Safety Training

From 19 October, anyone applying for or renewing a WWCC, or upgrading from a volunteer to an employee clearance, must complete approximately 45 minutes of online child safety training.

Existing WWCC holders do not need to complete this training immediately. It will become a requirement when they renew their clearance.

What should your club do now?

Australian Sailing encourages all clubs to:

1. Nominate a committee member or staff member to oversee WWCC compliance and WWC Connect.
2. Review your existing records to ensure relevant staff, instructors, coaches and volunteers hold the appropriate clearances.
3. Familiarise yourselves with WWC Connect and prepare for the new registration requirements.
4. Review which roles at your club involve child-related work, including junior sailing activities and events.

Further information

The Victorian Government has provided detailed information and frequently asked questions:

• Working with Children Connect
• Changes to Working with Children Checks
• Mandatory Child Safety Training

Australian Sailing is also reviewing its Victorian child safeguarding guidance to ensure clubs have clear and practical information on these changes.

Once the new system is operational, Australian Sailing will follow up with a more detailed checklist to assist clubs in meeting their obligations and implementing the changes. A guide has been uploaded to this page which can also assist.

Australian Sailing trusts that these changes are accepted and put in place as they are intended to strengthen the protection of children and young people involved in sport.