Blue Card

Due to significant changes in the law that took effect in September 2025, we have to abide by legislation to tighten up on the requirement for volunteers to have possession of a Blue Card. As an Association, we are responsible for ensuring all active members obtain or hold a Blue Card. Through the various arms of the Association, we often have interaction with children. A Blue Card is not something to be afraid of. For the safety of any children you may come into contact with, the Government wants to know that you are an upright citizen by carrying out some background checks on you. We do not see your application.

Part of our drive to educate, means we carry out presentations at various educational institutions, and with groups that run junior recreational activities. We are also called out to schools, child care centres and park playgrounds for health checks and rescues. We organise family-friendly days in local parks and encourage our younger generations to take part in tree plantings. We organise large events like Wild Koala Day and partake in the Pine Rivers Show. Any location or event where children will be present, and you are volunteering in any role, whether that be setting up or packing up on behalf of the Association, now requires us to make sure that person is a holder of a Blue Card. 

The Association doesn't keep or see any of the details on your application. Basically, you apply online or download the form. Checks are made by the relevant authorities based on that information. They then ask us to confirm you are a member, because a person could be using us as a front and not actually part of our Association.  I reiterate, the information you supply on your application to Blue Card is between you and them.

By law, we have to keep a register which will only be seen by the Secretary. The website states:-

You must record these details for all employees and volunteers:

• name
• date of birth
• whether they need a blue or exemption card

If they do need a blue or exemption card, you must also record:

• their application status (e.g., no application made, has applied, or has a blue or exemption card
• the number and expiry date of their blue or exemption card.

We can audit an organisation to ensure they maintain an employee register. If asked by a Blue Card Services officer, you must provide a copy of your register in either electronic or hard copy format.

We monitor and audit organisations and individuals for compliance with the blue card system. Organisations and individuals must comply with a lawful request to provide information or documents requested by Blue Card Services unless they have a reasonable excuse not to. There are penalties for non-compliance.