Research and Governance

Village Support Limited (VSL) contributes to research, legislative discussions and public policy reform at both state and federal levels. Through submissions, committee engagement and advocacy, VSL works to ensure that policies respond to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities, particularly African communities.

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Policy and Advocacy Work

Ensuring community experience informs public policy.

Village Support Limited engages with government and public institutions to ensure that the experiences and perspectives of African communities are represented in policy discussions. Through submissions, consultations and committee engagement, VSL contributes insights that help inform legislative and social policy development.

This work supports stronger policy responses to the challenges faced by emerging communities and helps ensure that programs and services respond more effectively to community needs.

Explore Village Support Limited’s Annual Reports, outlining key activities, programs and community impact each year.

Explore research papers and policy submissions that contribute to public policy discussions affecting diverse communities.

Stay informed about Village Support Limited’s research, advocacy work and community updates.

Why Research and Advocacy Matter

Supporting Better Policy Through Evidence

Research and policy engagement help ensure that the experiences of African communities and other culturally and linguistically diverse groups are reflected in public policy discussions. By contributing research and community insights, Village Support Limited helps highlight emerging challenges and opportunities within these communities.

This work supports the development of more informed policies and programs that respond effectively to the needs of diverse communities across Queensland and Australia.

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Public Statement on Child Safety and Wellbeing

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Our Commitment

Village Support Limited (“VSL”) is committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of all children and young people in our care, programs, and community.

We uphold the Queensland Child Safe Standards and comply with the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld), which guide our duty to protect every child from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

As an organisation working closely with African communities, we recognise the unique strengths, cultures, and values of African children, young people, and families. We are dedicated to creating environments where every child feels safe, respected, and valued, and where cultural identity and community belonging are protected and celebrated.

Vision

Our Principles

VSL’s approach to child safety and wellbeing is guided by the following principles:

  1. Child-Centred and Culturally Safe
    We place children’s rights, voices, and best interests at the centre of everything we do. Our programs actively respect and affirm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and African cultures, languages, and community practices, ensuring that all children and young people feel safe to express who they are.
  2. Zero Tolerance for Harm
    VSL has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, exploitation, discrimination, or neglect. All allegations or concerns are taken seriously, reported, and managed in accordance with Queensland’s legal and ethical obligations.
  3. Cultural Competence and Inclusion
    We are committed to ongoing cultural awareness, training, and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders, African families, and community leaders to strengthen cultural understanding and trust in our child safety practices.
  4. Participation and Empowerment
    We actively involve children and young people in decisions that affect them, creating safe avenues for them to speak up, be heard, and participate meaningfully in shaping our programs and services.
  5. Accountability and Continuous Improvement
    VSL continually reviews its policies, staff training, risk management, and reporting frameworks to ensure alignment with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and Queensland’s Child Safe Standards.
Values

Our Responsibilities

  1. All staff, volunteers, members, and contractors must adhere to VSL’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Code of Conduct and possess a current Blue Card for working with children.
  2. We conduct regular training and screening (including Working with Children Checks / Blue Cards) to maintain safe environments.
  3. We maintain transparent reporting channels for children, families, and the public to raise concerns safely and confidentially.
  4. We partner with African community organisations, schools, youth justice, QPASSTT and youth networks to ensure our practices remain culturally informed and trusted.
Values

Our Concerns

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person involved with VSL, please contact:

VSL Child Safety Officer: Seble Tadesse
Email: sebletadesse@villagesupport.org.au

All reports are managed promptly, sensitively, and in accordance with Queensland’s mandatory reporting and confidentiality requirements.

Values

Our Vision

Ambitiously optimistic, culturally and professionally connected African children, young people, adults and communities, positively contributing to the wider Australian community.

VSL stands with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and African communities in ensuring that every child and young person grows up in environments that are safe, inclusive, and filled with opportunity.

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Strong Governance and Oversight

Village Support Limited operates under a structured governance framework that supports responsible leadership, transparency and accountability. Through clear oversight and reporting processes, the organisation ensures that its work continues to serve the needs of the communities it supports.

Strong governance helps maintain community trust while guiding strategic decision-making and organisational growth.

Our governance framework supports:
  • Responsible leadership and board oversight
  • Transparent reporting and accountability
  • Compliance with relevant governance standards
  • Responsible stewardship of funding and resources
  • Strong organisational and strategic direction
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Strong governance ensures that Village Support Limited can continue delivering programs and advocacy that support community wellbeing while maintaining transparency, accountability and responsible leadership.

How Our Governance Framework Works
Board and Leadership Oversight

Village Support Limited is guided by a board and leadership structure that provides oversight, strategic direction and responsible decision-making for the organisation.

The organisation maintains strong safeguarding and compliance practices to ensure that programs operate safely and responsibly while meeting relevant regulatory standards.

Village Support Limited follows transparent financial reporting and accountability practices to ensure that resources are managed responsibly and support community-focused outcomes.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What role does Village Support Limited play in policy reform?

Village Support Limited contributes to legislative and public policy discussions through research, submissions and engagement with government bodies. This work helps ensure that the experiences of African communities and other culturally diverse groups are considered in policy development.

Annual reports, research papers and policy submissions are available on this page. These documents provide insight into the organisation’s work, community engagement and contributions to policy discussions.

Research and community insights help identify key challenges and opportunities affecting the communities we support. These insights inform program development, advocacy work and engagement with government and community partners.

Annual Reports provide an overview of the organisation’s programs, activities, partnerships and community impact. They also include governance updates and information about organisational performance.

The organisation operates under a structured governance framework that includes board oversight, reporting processes and compliance with governance standards. Annual reports and governance practices help ensure responsible leadership and transparency.

Village Support Limited engages with government bodies, community organisations and other partners through research, consultations and policy discussions that address issues affecting culturally diverse communities.

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