Far North Queensland celebrates Child Protection Week
Published Monday, 27 August, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Minister for Child Safety
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Communities in Cairns and Far North Queensland have embraced Child Protection Week with planned activities including family fun days, music and dance workshops, artwork competitions, face painting and tree planting.
Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle today officially launched the week with a reminder that the safety and wellbeing of children is everybody’s business.
“It’s a sad fact that we have more than 7300 children in out-of-home care in Queensland and the number is rising.
“Unfortunately, many of these kids are traumatised.
“But experts say children can recover if they have one adult in their life who is unconditionally positive towards them.
“Every Queensland child should have at least one adult who is regularly in their life, who is genuinely pleased to see them, who believes them to be good and capable with a great life ahead.
“It doesn’t even have to be a parent or another relative.
“That person can be a neighbour, a school teacher, a sporting coach or the lady who runs the tuck shop at school.
“It is a reminder that child protection is everyone’s business,” said Ms Boyle.
Community groups throughout Queensland have received more than $40,000 in grants to participate in Child Protection Week which officially starts on Father’s Day (Sunday, September 2) and runs until Saturday, September 8.
Aside from the Far North events will also be held in Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Mt Isa, and Townsville.
Ms Boyle said: “I congratulate those who have been awarded grants for the job they are doing to raise awareness and participation in Child Protection Week.
“I also acknowledge the special work done by community groups to promote positive parenting and provide child protection services.”
For more details on Child Protection Week, visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/events
Lifeline, Cairns
Family Fun Day at Fogarty Park, Thursday, September 6 including stalls by agencies and activities for children.
Hambledon House Community Centre, Cairns
Child Friendly Fun Day on Thursday September 6 for families in Cairns’ southern suburbs including exhibition of services, agencies and community groups alongside carnival activities.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Corporation for Women, Yarrabah
Cuddy Cuddy Kowla Day including performances by children and young people, information stalls and awards ceremony
Yarrabah Police Citizens Youth Club, Yarrabah
Purchase of food for a barbecue to be held as part of a Community Engagement Day.
Mossman State High School Parents & Citizens Association, Mossman
Preparation by students of a Take the challenge motto message sheet, dance activity and making a banner and written or artwork competition.
Community Support Centre, Innisfail
Youth poster competition
Cardwell Shire Community Support Centre, Tully
Community barbecue for children. Older children will be doing face painting for younger children.
Hope Vale Aboriginal Council, Hope Vale
Tree planting by children and parents; and a wall erected where children can place their fingerprints and names.
Western Cape College, Weipa
Protective behaviours activities for all classes – Prep to Year 6.
North Peninsula Area Women’s Services, Bamaga
Song writing, music and dance workshops with the focus on taking the child friendly challenge, and creation of posters and other artwork, white balloon march.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 7477
27 August 2007
Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle today officially launched the week with a reminder that the safety and wellbeing of children is everybody’s business.
“It’s a sad fact that we have more than 7300 children in out-of-home care in Queensland and the number is rising.
“Unfortunately, many of these kids are traumatised.
“But experts say children can recover if they have one adult in their life who is unconditionally positive towards them.
“Every Queensland child should have at least one adult who is regularly in their life, who is genuinely pleased to see them, who believes them to be good and capable with a great life ahead.
“It doesn’t even have to be a parent or another relative.
“That person can be a neighbour, a school teacher, a sporting coach or the lady who runs the tuck shop at school.
“It is a reminder that child protection is everyone’s business,” said Ms Boyle.
Community groups throughout Queensland have received more than $40,000 in grants to participate in Child Protection Week which officially starts on Father’s Day (Sunday, September 2) and runs until Saturday, September 8.
Aside from the Far North events will also be held in Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Mt Isa, and Townsville.
Ms Boyle said: “I congratulate those who have been awarded grants for the job they are doing to raise awareness and participation in Child Protection Week.
“I also acknowledge the special work done by community groups to promote positive parenting and provide child protection services.”
For more details on Child Protection Week, visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/events
Lifeline, Cairns
Family Fun Day at Fogarty Park, Thursday, September 6 including stalls by agencies and activities for children.
Hambledon House Community Centre, Cairns
Child Friendly Fun Day on Thursday September 6 for families in Cairns’ southern suburbs including exhibition of services, agencies and community groups alongside carnival activities.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Corporation for Women, Yarrabah
Cuddy Cuddy Kowla Day including performances by children and young people, information stalls and awards ceremony
Yarrabah Police Citizens Youth Club, Yarrabah
Purchase of food for a barbecue to be held as part of a Community Engagement Day.
Mossman State High School Parents & Citizens Association, Mossman
Preparation by students of a Take the challenge motto message sheet, dance activity and making a banner and written or artwork competition.
Community Support Centre, Innisfail
Youth poster competition
Cardwell Shire Community Support Centre, Tully
Community barbecue for children. Older children will be doing face painting for younger children.
Hope Vale Aboriginal Council, Hope Vale
Tree planting by children and parents; and a wall erected where children can place their fingerprints and names.
Western Cape College, Weipa
Protective behaviours activities for all classes – Prep to Year 6.
North Peninsula Area Women’s Services, Bamaga
Song writing, music and dance workshops with the focus on taking the child friendly challenge, and creation of posters and other artwork, white balloon march.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 7477
27 August 2007