ACYF Registration

Eparchy’s Policy

Syro-Malabar Eparchy is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and spiritually-focused environment within our church community. To uphold our values and promote the well-being of all individuals, we have implemented a Zero Alcohol/ Drug Policy. This policy unequivocally prohibits the possession, consumption, or distribution of alcohol/ drugs or any substances within any church-related setting or event.

Consequences

As a participant of the Program you must adhere to the Zero Alcohol/ Drug Policy. If there is any breach of this policy, we will terminate your registration, and adequate actions will be taken.

For more information:

Please read Zero Drug and Alcohol Policy

Event Details

The Pre-ACYF & ACYF 2025 is a five-day program for young people. The Pre-ACYF segment, organised by the Youth Apostolate (YA) of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne, will be held from 28th to 30th November 2025. ACYF, hosted by the Melbourne Archdiocese, will take place from 30th November to 2nd December 2025. As part of this experience, you will be registered for ACYF as a member of SMYM (Syro-Malabar Youth Movement).

The aim of Pre-ACYF & ACYF is to provide participants with an opportunity to deepen and revitalise their Catholic faith and to encounter Jesus through prayer, worship, community living, and reflection.

This program is open to:

1. Young people aged 18 years and above, OR
2. Participants who have completed Year 12 in 2025 (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or have explicit parental/guardian consent).

Program Code of Conduct
1. All participants agree to the following conditions of participation:
2. Participate fully and cooperatively in all scheduled activities. Full attendance across the program is mandatory.
3. Follow the instructions of Conference Leaders, Supervising Adults, and Volunteers at all times.
4. Ensure that a Supervising Adult or Volunteer is always aware of your whereabouts.
5. Uphold personal dignity in language, attire, actions, behaviour, and relationships.
6. Respect the dignity of all persons, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and physical or mental abilities.
7. Refrain from any form of harassment, abuse, or inappropriate sexual conduct.
8. Treat all property – including venues, host family homes, and personal belongings – with care and respect.
9. Do not access, consume, or distribute intoxicating substances or agents.
10. Do not bring, access, or distribute printed or visual material containing explicit or offensive content.
11. Report immediately to a Conference Leader or Supervising Adult/Volunteer if you feel unsafe, or if you are concerned about the safety of another participant.

Consequences of Misconduct

1. Participants acknowledge that breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in:
2. Reporting of misconduct to local statutory authorities, if the breach involves child protection or other legal violations.
3. Immediate dismissal and removal from the Pre-ACYF & ACYF program venues.
4. Notification of the incident and disciplinary actions to the participant’s parish/mission/ministry leader.
5. Exclusion from future Youth Apostolate programs and conferences.
6. Full responsibility for any costs relating to material damages caused by the participant.

Age Restrictions

1. Minimum Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 18 years of age, or have completed Year 12 in 2025.
2. Responsibility for Minors: Where a participant is under 18 years of age, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or have explicit parental/guardian consent to attend. The parent/guardian remains responsible for the minor’s care, supervision, and conduct throughout the program. YA accepts no liability in this regard.

Payment
1. Participants are required to make a one-time full payment at the time of registration.
2. All payment gateway or transaction charges are the responsibility of the Participant and are not included in the registration fee.
3. Registration will only be confirmed once full payment has been received.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

1. Registration Cancellation by Participant
– All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the Youth Apostolate of St. Thomas Eparchy, Melbourne (YA) via email at assoc1.director.ya@syromalabar.org.au
– Cancellations received on or before 1 October 2025 will incur a non-refundable registration fee of AUD $100. Any remaining balance paid will be refunded within 30 days of notification.
– Cancellations received between 2 October 2025 and 1 November 2025 will incur a penalty of AUD $50 per registrant in addition to the non-refundable registration fee of AUD $100. Any remaining balance will be refunded within 30 days of notification.
– Cancellations received after 1 November 2025 will not be eligible for a refund.
– Refunds will not be available for registrants who choose not to attend the event without prior cancellation.
– All refund requests must be made by the registered attendee or the original credit card holder, and must include the attendee’s full name and/or transaction number.
– Refunds will be processed to the original method of payment only.

2. Event Cancellation by Youth Apostolate (YA)
– YA reserves the right to cancel the event due to insufficient enrolment or other circumstances which, at YA’s sole discretion, make the event non-viable.
– In the event of cancellation by YA, registrants will receive a full refund of all payments made.
– Should the event be postponed, registrants will be offered the option to either:
a. Transfer their registration to the rescheduled date; or
b. Request a full refund.

Privacy and Security of Information Provided by Participants:
1. YA take reasonable steps to protect privacy and safety of information provided.
2. We do not store credit card information on our website.
3. We use a third-party payment processor with secure payment technology for all transactions held on our site.
4. We do not, at any time, hold or store any credit card information or personal data on our website.
5. By accepting this, you consent to YA using your data for marketing purposes.

Media Consent
By participating in Pre ACYF & ACYF 2025, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Permission to Record: You consent to the recording of your image, voice, and/or likeness by Youth Apostolate/SMYM through photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, and other media formats.
2. Usage Rights: You grant Youth Apostolate/ SMYM the unrestricted, royalty-free, and perpetual right to use, reproduce, publish, and distribute such recordings in any media or format, including but not limited to websites, social media, promotional materials, and publications.
3. Scope of Use: The recordings may be used for various purposes, including but not limited to marketing, educational content, promotional activities, and public relations.
4. Waiver of Claims: You waive any claims to compensation or rights to review or approve the final product in which your image, voice, or likeness may appear.
5. Opt-Out Option: If you do not wish to be recorded or if you have any concerns about the use of your media, please contact us at assoc1.director.ya@syromalabar.org.au prior to the event.

Medical Treatment Consent
I give permission for YA to obtain emergency medical, hospital or ambulance assistance and/or treatment for the delegate at any time they consider necessary. I acknowledge that I will be liable for any medical, hospital or ambulance expense incurred in the treatment, and I agree to pay those expenses. I have informed YA of any allergies or other medical conditions that are relevant to this activity and will make any necessary medication available.