Central Queensland celebrates Child Protection Week
Published Monday, 27 August, 2007 at 09:19 AM
Minister for Child Safety
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Communities in Maryborough, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Mackay have embraced Child Protection Week with planned activities including artwork, a beach walk, digital animation project, thong throwing, concerts, short film competition, and self protection lessons.
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 Central Queensland events will also be held in Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Mt Isa, Townsville and Cairns.
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
Central Queensland
Maryborough
Pathways Maryborough, Maryborough
Competition in which children and young people in care will be encouraged to enter a piece of writing or artwork reflecting the theme of Take the child friendly challenge.
Rovers Saints Rugby League Club, Maryborough
Pier to pier beach walk for child protection.
Bundaberg
Pathways Bundaberg, Bundaberg
Digital animation project for children aged 12 to 18 years under care to develop a community service announcement on how to be a child friendly community.
Rockhampton
Farm Street Early Learning Centre, North Rockhampton
Education sessions for staff, parents and under fives to cover importance of children, their well-being, safety and development.
Rockhampton Police Citizens Youth Club, Rockhampton
Panels for the side of the PCYC building to be designed and painted by children in limited hours care, before and after school care, vacation care, teenage care and high school students.
Kallahra Community Centre, North Rockhampton
Self protection sessions of children aged under five years, and parents.
Coastal Kids Childcare, Emu Park
Self protection education looking at giving children a better understanding of the difference between private and public places and basic protective behaviours.
Mackay
Pathways Mackay, Mackay
Art exhibition at the Mackay City hall of works by children depicting their views of a child-friendly city.
Eimeo Road State School P&C Association, Mackay
Multicultural Day on Tuesday, September 4 including activities by local artists, thong throwing games, concert and lunch.
Collinsville Community Association Collinsville
Joint project between the Collinsville Youth Coalition and Bowen Youth Centre will make short films based on what makes them feel safe, when don’t they feel safe and what do they see as problems in their community.
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 Central Queensland events will also be held in Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Mt Isa, Townsville and Cairns.
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
Central Queensland
Maryborough
Pathways Maryborough, Maryborough
Competition in which children and young people in care will be encouraged to enter a piece of writing or artwork reflecting the theme of Take the child friendly challenge.
Rovers Saints Rugby League Club, Maryborough
Pier to pier beach walk for child protection.
Bundaberg
Pathways Bundaberg, Bundaberg
Digital animation project for children aged 12 to 18 years under care to develop a community service announcement on how to be a child friendly community.
Rockhampton
Farm Street Early Learning Centre, North Rockhampton
Education sessions for staff, parents and under fives to cover importance of children, their well-being, safety and development.
Rockhampton Police Citizens Youth Club, Rockhampton
Panels for the side of the PCYC building to be designed and painted by children in limited hours care, before and after school care, vacation care, teenage care and high school students.
Kallahra Community Centre, North Rockhampton
Self protection sessions of children aged under five years, and parents.
Coastal Kids Childcare, Emu Park
Self protection education looking at giving children a better understanding of the difference between private and public places and basic protective behaviours.
Mackay
Pathways Mackay, Mackay
Art exhibition at the Mackay City hall of works by children depicting their views of a child-friendly city.
Eimeo Road State School P&C Association, Mackay
Multicultural Day on Tuesday, September 4 including activities by local artists, thong throwing games, concert and lunch.
Collinsville Community Association Collinsville
Joint project between the Collinsville Youth Coalition and Bowen Youth Centre will make short films based on what makes them feel safe, when don’t they feel safe and what do they see as problems in their community.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 7477
27 August 2007