Child Protection Week in Queensland (https://childprotectionweek.org.au) is coordinated by the Child Protection Week Committee under the auspicing body of ACT for Kids. In other states, NAPCAN runs National Child Protection Week.
By promoting the value of children and focusing attention on the issues of child abuse and neglect, the objectives of Child Protection Week are to:
- raise the profile of all issues connected with child protection, including child abuse prevention, treatment, research, education, service provision and support for children, young people and families
- create a state-wide umbrella focus for child protection allowing government and non-government agencies to present a cooperative and coordinated community-oriented campaign
- support and value professionals and volunteer child protection workers by providing ‘best practice’ training and a forum to exchange ideas and information
- offer a framework to recognise advances in the field, and thereby contribute to better outcomes for all children and young people, especially those who have been harmed or are at risk of harm.
On Wednesday 3rd October 2018, Inala Community House (ICH) Out of Home Care service and Community Engagement service co-organised an ICH Child Protection Week Family Fun Day event coinciding with Queensland school holidays.
From 10am to 2pm, the free family-friendly event was open to the public at Elizabeth Bruce Playground Park (corner of Japonica and Robinia Streets, Inala QLD 4077). We also welcomed all our ICH clients to attend including:
- ICH Out of Home Care foster carers and children
- ICH Tertiary Family Support vulnerable families and children
- ICH Community Engagement seniors, migrants and general community members of all ages
- ICH ‘My Place’ Family Day Care educators and children
Thank you Forest Lake Councillor Charles Strunk (left) for showing up to support our event, with our Inala Community House Managing Director Ross Paul (right).
Also a special thank you to all ICH partner organisations for supporting and participating in our Family Fun Day event. Each organisation held a stall offering helpful information and referrals, and various fun activities to interact with eventgoers. Thank you:
- Anglicare Southern Queensland
- Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women
- Inala Child Safety Service
- Mercy Community Services
- Churches of Christ
- Life Without Barriers
- Infinity
The event turned out to be a great fun-filled day with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained especially the children. We had face-painting, crazy hair makeover, jewellery-making, cookie-decorating, sensory play, free giveaways like books and toys and many more activities.
The jumping castle which was one of the biggest highlights.
Grill up – ICH provided free sausage sizzle for all to enjoy.
Also thank you Anglicare Southern Queensland for providing a free coffee van.
Meanwhile, ICH Community Engagement team happily served over 100 watermelon slushies and vegetarian spring rolls as treats throughout the event.
“Inala Community House recognises that children are our future and we will continue to advocate for the rights of children to be safe and loved. This event provides a great opportunity for children to come, play and be themselves while enjoying the benefits of community collaboration offering free activities, free food and free gifts for all children that participate. Special acknowledgement to the beautiful and resilient children whose reality is navigating social systems and child protection services,” said ICH Community Engagement Manager Haley Kiata.
Overall, we estimated over 100 event attendees and we hope everyone had a good time.
Inala Community House is proud to support Queensland Child Protection week as we continue to promote safety and wellbeing of all children.
You can contact Inala Community House: 3372 1711 | info@ich.org.au | www.ich.org.au | www.Facebook.com/ICHAustralia | 38 Sittella Street, Inala QLD 4077