The Member Protection Officer (MPO) at Port Melbourne Life Saving Club (PMLSC) plays a vital role in providing information and guidance on complaints and procedures. The MPO is the first point of contact within the club for any inquiries, concerns, or complaints about harassment, abuse, or other inappropriate behavior.

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These behaviors may involve:

• A member’s actions toward another member,

• A member’s behavior toward someone in the community, or

• A community member raising concerns about a PMLSC member’s behavior.
   

The MPO offers information on potential ways to address and resolve the issue while supporting both the person raising the concern and the individual involved in the alleged behavior. All matters are handled with the utmost confidentiality (including from members of the PMLSC Committee).

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If you would like to bring a situation to our attention, we encourage you to contact us confidentially. Depending on the nature of the concern, we may ask you to submit a formal letter outlining the details and evidence of the situation. The MPO will then conduct an investigation and take appropriate actions to reach a resolution.

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Complaints handling procedures

At Port Melbourne Life Saving Club (PMLSC), we are committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Below is an outline of our complaints handling procedures:

• Resolving Differences: Members are encouraged to resolve differences directly with one another in the first instance.

• Contacting the MPO: If unsuccessful, members should contact the club’s Member Protection Officer (MPO) through the club’s dispute resolution process.

• Serious Consideration: All complaints are taken seriously. However, complaints found to be vexatious, malicious, or frivolous may result in disciplinary action against the complainant.

• Procedural Fairness: All parties involved will be afforded procedural fairness throughout the process.

• Confidentiality: Complaints will be treated with strict confidentiality. Breaches of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action.

• Timely Resolution: Complaints will be addressed in a timely manner, depending on the circumstances.

• Courtesy and Respect: Complaints will be handled in a courteous and respectful manner. Any person lodging a complaint will not be victimised.

• Escalation to LSV: If a complaint cannot be resolved within the club, or if the complainant is uncomfortable due to the nature, seriousness, or complexity of the issue, the complaint will be referred to Life Saving Victoria (LSV).

 

For more details on formal complaints handling, refer to:

• LSV’s Member Protection Complaints Handling Process

• SLSA’s Member Protection Policy (June 2024)
   

Meet Our MPO: Alexandra

This year, PMLSC has appointed Alexandra as our Member Protection Officer (MPO). Alexandra is the first point of contact for concerns or complaints regarding harassment, abuse, or other inappropriate behavior.

 

The MPO’s role includes:

• Providing guidance and information on possible resolutions.

• Offering moral support to both the complainant and the person involved in the alleged behavior.

• Confidentiality: All information shared with the MPO is treated with the utmost confidentiality.

• For confidential inquiries, please email memberprotection@portmelblsc.com.au to obtain Alexandra’s contact details.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Port Melbourne Life Saving Club respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, the Boon Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

 

For more information, resources, policies, and community contacts for and about First Peoples communities in Port Phillip, please visit the City of Port Phillip's First Peoples' community information page.

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