Building Bridges in Safeguarding: Reflections from Ireland and Rome

Members of the Archdiocese’s Safeguarding Unit recently attended a series of gatherings in Ireland and Italy, meeting with leaders in the international safeguarding community and participating in the annual International Safeguarding Conference. Rachel Averbukh (Director of Safeguarding) and Tamara Cugnetto (Senior Safeguarding Officer), share their reflections below, describing their time away as being ‘filled with rich conversations, inspiring connections, and valuable learnings which offer critical reflection on the work being undertaken within the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne’.

The journey began in Dublin, where we met with a range of international experts in their field including Dianne Gammage, a respected professional whose work with survivors of abuse has left a profound impact both in the UK and internationally. From Dublin, we ventured to Northern Ireland and back to meet Sinéad Welsh and Donald Findlater, both widely respected advocates and leaders in safeguarding.

The potential for future collaboration was evident, with all parties eager to explore how survivor voices remain central to safeguarding efforts and to better support vulnerable members of communities—in Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The time shared served as a powerful reminder of the importance of informal, open dialogue as a foundation for building trust and mutual understanding across cultures.

A true highlight of the Irish leg of the journey was a visit to St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, a historic centre for Catholic education and reflection. There, we met with Aidan Gordon and Lyn McDermott from the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, and Margaret Rooney from Trócaire, an international development agency committed to justice and human dignity. The conversations were wide-ranging and insightful, offering valuable international perspectives on safeguarding challenges and emerging approaches.

This visit to Maynooth was shared with several Australian colleagues, including Dr Ursula Stephens from Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd, Maria Kervin from the Diocese of Parramatta, Louise Zavone from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, and Sr Louise Reeves RSJ, whose dedication and knowledge in safeguarding are widely respected. The experience was made even more memorable by Monsignor Joe McGuinness, Executive Secretary of the Irish Episcopal Conference, who provided a tour of the historic grounds and the magnificent College Chapel. Walking through the campus, steeped in history, served as a poignant reminder of both the Church’s enduring presence and the ongoing need for renewal, reform, and safeguarding at every level.

Walking through the campus, steeped in history, served as a poignant reminder of both the Church’s enduring presence and the ongoing need for renewal, reform, and safeguarding at every level.

Our time in Ireland offered a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The openness of those we met, their willingness to share ideas, and the shared recognition that safeguarding is a global responsibility for all left a lasting impression. These conversations, while seemingly informal, form the foundation for future partnerships aimed at strengthening safeguarding practices across borders.

With the Irish chapter complete, our attention turned to the next stage of the journey—Rome, where we attended the International Safeguarding Conference, titled “Women of Faith, Women of Strength”. Held annually, this gathering brings together leaders, experts, and advocates from around the world, united by a shared goal: to listen, to learn, and to advance safeguarding within faith-based contexts.

Held at the Pontifical Gregorian University, the organising committee (which includes Fr Hans Zollner SJ, Simon Davies, and Sr Dr Jacinta Ondeng among others), describe the annual conference as a meaningful way to help people work together to protect children and at-risk people from abuse. Calling it a ‘movement for change’, the committee see the gathering as amplifying the conversation around safeguarding and raising awareness about abuse and the steps needed to prevent it.

We were joined at the conference by our colleague Anthony Moate, Senior Operating Officer from the Office of the Vicar General, whose leadership and strategic expertise proved invaluable as the team engaged in international discussions. We were also buoyed by the attendance of more than 30 representatives from dioceses around Australia.

The conference theme resonated deeply, and acknowledged the vital role that women play in safeguarding—as leaders, advocates, professionals, and survivors—and underscored the importance of ensuring that women’s voices and experiences shape policies and practices at every level of the Church and community.

Also present at the conference was the recently appointed Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, the Hon. Keith Pitt. At the opening dinner, Ambassador Pitt welcomed the Australian delegates and acknowledged the significant role that Australians are playing in global safeguarding efforts.

Safeguarding is a global challenge that demands global thinking, and international forums such as this play a critical role in driving meaningful progress.

A particular highlight of the conference was the final academic day, which provided a platform for researchers, practitioners, and thought leaders from across the globe to present current research and emerging trends in safeguarding. The diversity of approaches being taken to address safeguarding challenges, grounded in both evidence and practical experience, was both fascinating and encouraging. The discussions reinforced the importance of ensuring safeguarding efforts are not only guided by compassion but also informed by rigorous research, innovation, and continuous learning.

Safeguarding is a global challenge that demands global thinking, and international forums such as this play a critical role in driving meaningful progress.

This journey—from Ireland to Italy—has been far more than a professional exercise. It has served as a powerful reminder of the human dimension that lies at the heart of safeguarding. Ultimately, safeguarding is about people, relationships, trust, and the unwavering belief that every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and heard.

Hearing from a range of voices at the conference and the rich conversations that take place on the sidelines have reinforced the critical importance of global collaboration in safeguarding, serving as a reminder that while challenges may differ across contexts, the shared commitment to protecting the most vulnerable is universal.

As we continue our work in the Safeguarding Unit, we remain committed to ensuring that the conversations, connections, and shared learnings from this journey translate into meaningful action—both within the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and beyond.