New Victorian legal requirements regarding Working with Children Checks came into effect on 19 October 2026. These changes apply to all affiliate bodies and sporting organisations involved in junior programs or child-related activities, covering coaches, volunteers, and committee members engaged to support child safeguarding.
Summary of Key Changes
- WWC Connect Online Portal: Organisations in Victoria are now required to register and upload details (name, WWC status, and commencement date) for all workers and volunteers involved in child-related activities to the new WWC Connect online portal.
- Mandatory Online Child Safety Training: Anyone applying for a new WWC Check or renewing an existing clearance must complete mandatory online child safety training before their application can be finalised as part of their application.(Note: Existing WWC Check holders do not need to take this training until their next renewal.)
Required Actions:
- Check that all current coaches, volunteers, and committee members hold a valid WWC Clearance using the status checker.
- Register for WWC Connect and link all individuals to your organisation via the WWC Connect portal.
- Keep internal records accurate and update the WWC Connect portal whenever volunteer details or roles change.
Reminder: Working with Children Checks remain free for volunteers.
For full details on these requirements and step-by-step guidance on using the portal, please visit the Victorian Government WWCC Update Page.
Pickleball Victoria will also be updating our child safety policies and resources which will be shared shortly to further support affiliates.
