A number of events will take place across the region from Sunday 4 to Saturday 10 September in recognition of Child Protection Week.
Every year communities across the nation get together to raise awareness of the issues connected to child protection including abuse prevention, treatment, research, education, and service provision.
This year’s theme for Queensland Child Protection Week is ‘protecting children is everybody's business'.
Throughout the week, a range of activities will be featured in Bundaberg to highlight the cause, from virtual reality gaming and mindful movement sessions to Rainbow Day, presentations for parents and the annual Child Protection Week Dinner.
Council’s Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said the week was a great opportunity for the community to come together and raise awareness.
“The protection of children within our community is so important and weeks such as these are a great opportunity for everyone to come together and be educated while also spreading awareness of ways to ensure children are kept safe,” Cr McPhee said.
“I encourage anyone who would like to make a difference, to attend any or all of the events.
“You will meet like-minded people in the community, and increase your skills in helping our young people to feel safe and supported.
“Children thrive when they grow up feeling supported.”
The week will culminate with the annual child protection dinner which will see guest speaker Luke Twyford of the Queensland Family and Child Commission speak, as well as the Child Protection Award winner named.
The other activities happening during the week include:
Hands on art – bird making kits
Hands on Art have created resources so community groups and people at home throughout Queensland can run their own creative workshops.
Artists have designed an easy to make kingfisher that can be put together and decorated by children of all ages.
To receive a free pack, register here.
Mindful Movement sessions
Daily sessions of Mindful Movement yoga sessions will be held to support children with their physical, emotional, and mental health.
When:
• Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 September – St Johns School Primary school
• Thursday 8 September – FACE & YMCA Child Care Centre
Virtual Reality Gaming Session
Come and play “Acron -Attack of the Squirrels” in this free Virtual Reality Gaming session.
Learn about online safety & experience VR in a fun community setting with free pizza.
Where: IMPACT
When: Monday 5 September
Time: 3.30 pm
To book, contact Stephen Harris at Bundaberg Regional Council Library, phone 4130 4140.
Make a Kingfisher Workshop
Make your own kingfisher at the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Hub. Let the birds fly high to shine a light on child protection during Queensland Child Protection Week.
Just as birds travel in flocks – they all work together to keep each other safe from harm.
When: Monday, 5 September
Where: Gin Gin Neighbourhood Hub, HH Innes Room
Time: 3.15 pm – 4.30 pm
For more information contact the team on 4130 4630 or email ggnc@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
Understanding Emotions Craft Activity
Join in on this therapeutic art activity in which children learn about their emotions and coping strategies.
Have fun in making your own Calm Down Sensory Jars and Sensory Stress Balls.
When: Wednesday, 7 September
Where: Alexandra Park Zoo
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
No bookings required. For more information call Janae on 4153 6820
Think U Know – presentation for parents
Think U Know provides parents with information to support and increase their child's online safety and explores online challenges for young people.
When: Thursday, 8 September
Where: PCYC, 1 Civic Avenue
Time: 6.30 pm
Bookings Required – email: DCPC.Bundaberg@police.qld.gov.au by Thursday 1st September
Rainbow Day
The Bundaberg Child Protection Week Action Group will be hosting Rainbow Day.
Join in for a fun-filled morning with free activities especially for the under 5s.
When: Friday, 9 September
Where: PCYC, 1 Civic Avenue
Time: 9 am to noon
CPW Colouring in Competition
Children aged 0 to 12 years can go into the running to win amazing prizes in the CPW Colouring in Competition.
Four prizes up for grabs in each age group.
When: Entries must be received by COB Monday, 5 September
Where: Entries can be left at Bundaberg Child Safety (Claude Wharton Building, 44a Quay Street), Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and the Bundaberg Regional Council Community Services Office (across from BRC).
Annual Child Protection Dinner
To wrap up Child Protection Week, join the annual CPW dinner.
The evening includes guest speaker Children’s Commissioner Luke Twyford, entertainment, raffles, trivia and more.
When: Friday, 9 September
Where: Rowers on the River
Time: 6.30 pm
Tickets to be purchased here.
Child Protection Week in Queensland is coordinated by the Child Protection Week Committee under the auspicing body of Act for Kids.
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