National Child Protection Week 2023

This year, National Child Protection Week continued to champion the important message that 'Every child in every community needs a fair go.' Numerous events were held across the country to educate and raise awareness about this vital cause. Play Matters Australia actively participated in several of these events, making meaningful contributions to the campaign. Below, we highlight two key celebrations that exemplify this commitment.

Fun Day in Richlands

As part of National Child Protection Week, Children’s Rights Queensland organised a Family Fun Day in Richlands. The event drew in hundreds of attendees, bringing together families, community organisations, and advocates for children’s rights. Principal Commissioner Luke Twyford from the Queensland Family and Child Commission also attended.

Notably, Play Matters Australia provided a dedicated space for families to enjoy and engage with various of play activities, such as dry rainbow pasta, threading, crafting, building and, of course, a shady, quiet spot for families and children to gather and connect. Alongside Play Matters, a Sing&Grow music therapist attended, almost consistently surrounded by parents, carers, and young children playing with instruments and singing along to their favourite nursery rhymes.

Play Matters Brisbane Regional Manager, Alana Hitchcock, talks about the event, “The Play Matters stall was consistently bustling with people, particularly babies and their parent/ carers. Many families engaged in conversations about local playgroups and the online play hub … Partners also popped in for some collaborative discussions on how we can work together in the future.”

The day also featured animal petting, soft playground, dream-catcher making, face painting, sensory play, jumping castle, ice-cream and bubbles!

Moreton Bay Celebrations

Play Matters Australia Community Development Officer Melissa Luhrman, actively contributed to the 2023 Child Protection Week Working Group in the Moreton Bay Region. This collaborative effort involved several notable organisations, namely TAFE Queensland, Mercy Community, Lutheran Services, The Benevolent Society, and Red Cross – HIPPY Caboolture. Thanks to their collective efforts, a grant was secured through the Queensland Child Protection Week funding program to host a Family Fun Day at Wallace Street Park in Caboolture on September 5, 2023.

The Family Fun Day turned out to be a resounding success, drawing the participation of 23 enthusiastic stallholders, including Play Matters Australia. Attendees were treated to a wide array of entertainment options, such as captivating performances by Maggie Moo Music, soulful tunes by talented young local artists, and delightful face painting and balloon artistry by Fancy Pants Entertainment. The event also featured engaging games, a complimentary BBQ for all, and exciting prizes awarded to those who completed the Child Safety passport.

These collaborative initiatives underline the commitment of so many organisations to promote child protection and community engagement, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for families.