Former ACSL Board Members honoured for contributions to safeguarding in the Church

15 November 2024
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Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB presents Prof the Hon Michael Lavarch AOwith his medallion while Bishop Greg Bennet looks on
Dr Robyn Miller with ACSL chief executive Dr Ursula Stephens

 

 

Former Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd (ACSL) Board Chair the Hon Michael Lavarch AO and departing board member Dr Robyn Miller were honoured for their contributions to safeguarding in the Church at a dinner with Australia’s Catholic bishops in Sydney last Wednesday.

The Hon Lavarch AO and Dr Miller received medallions for service to the Church, presented by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. They were also thanked for their contribution to safeguarding in the Church by Chair of the Bishops Commission for Professional Standards and Safeguarding, Bishop Greg Bennet.

The Hon Michael Lavarch AO concluded his term as ACSL Board Chair in March 2024 while Dr Miller concluded her term at the end of September this year.

Reflecting on his time with ACSL, the Hon Lavarch AO remarked 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.’

‘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,‘ the Hon Lavarch said.

Current Board Chair Mr David Penny also took the opportunity to thank Michael and Robyn 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. 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,’ Mr Penny said.

ACSL’s current board of directors were also in attendance at the dinner, following a meeting of the Board and meeting with ACSL’s Member Representatives earlier in the day. More information about ACSL’s Board and governance can be found here.