Public awareness campaign on bullying
Hobsons Bay City Council is committed to the right of all residents to feel safe and secure regardless of their age, gender or cultural background. The Council’s values, code of conduct and related behaviours guide the way we interact with each other and our community and ensure we act with integrity and in a manner free of bullying and harassment. Our values represent our passion for Hobsons Bay and our respect for all.
Council programs and services
Hobsons Bay Youth Services provides a range of support based programs and services to young people. These programs focus on a variety of issues that include:
- self esteem;
- drug and alcohol issues;
- relationships;
- bullying; and
- anger management.
Youth and Family Counselling - free and confidential sessions on concerns such as family difficulties, relationships, sexuality and problems at school. To find information about what services are available please visit Hobsons Bay Youth Services webpage.
Campaign to hit back at bullying
A new campaign has been launched to encourage Victorians to stand up against bullying.
Attorney-General, Robert Clark said the Take a stand against bullying campaign would see information about bullying and bullying laws distributed to more than 8,000 schools, workplaces and police stations across the State.
For more information see the Attorney General's media release: Victorians urged to take a stand against bullying.
Events and Workshops
The Council has been running an integrated series of events to build capacity of parents, teachers, workers, carers and others to support young people through issues associated with youth, including bullying and cyberbullying.
Further support is provided to parents and other carers through parenting information and mental health workshops.
For more information about upcoming sessions and events please contact Hobsons Bay Youth Services.
Find help and resources
This section contains links to government agencies and peak bodies that are recognised for their expertise in regards to issues of bullying.
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a national charity protecting children from violence and its devastating effects. They care for children who have experienced or witnessed violence and run programs which prevent violence in the lives of children.
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
A free helpline that provides counselling on all subjects that affect children.
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Provides services in Suicide Prevention, Crisis Support and Mental Health Support.
Headspace
National youth mental health foundation that helps young people who are going through a tough time.
Cybersmart - the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s website provides cybersafety information for young children, teens and parents. It also has an online helpline for young people who have had negative online experiences, such as cyberbullying.
There are a number of private providers who may also be able to provide support in regard to these issues. To find one in your area please see the Council's business directory.
The Council is unable to make representation regarding qualifications or aptitude to manage particular issues.
Council Policies and Plans
All Council services and programs are underpinned by a range of Policies and Plans developed in consultation with the community and service providers. Key Policies and Plans that relate to Council’s commitment to address issues of safety and mental health including bullying are:
- Council Plan – under key strategic objective Community Wellbeing, the Council has committed to promoting and fostering health and wellbeing in our community.
- Children’s Plan – informs and guides Council’s work with children in their early years and their families.
- Youth Strategic Plan – supports resilience, self-esteem and potential to develop the life skills of young people.
- Health and Wellbeing Plan – addresses public health issues that affect or may affect the people living in Hobsons Bay. This includes Mental Health and Wellbeing as one of the key priorities of the Plan.