National Child Protection Week Breakfast held in Hobart

Photo: Senator Bilyk with Dr Sue Packer and Awardee Sally Anne McShane

Senator Catryna Bilyk, Co-convenor of Parliamentarians Against Child Abuse and Neglect, was pleased to support the Tasmanian launch of National Child Protection Week at a breakfast at the Baha’i Centre in Hobart on Monday.

The event was the first of a series to occur across all states and territories to mark National Child Protection Week organised by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN).

“Child abuse and neglect is an issue of extreme concern for members of the community,” Senator Bilyk said. “Over 40,000 Australian Children suffered abuse or neglect in 2012-13, and I urge everyone to play their part in protecting the children around them”.

The theme for the 2014 National Child Protection week is “Protecting children is everyone’s business” and all Australians are being urged to “play your part”.

Senior Project Officer and Trainer for NAPCAN, Trista Cocker, reinforced the importance of community involvement in keeping children safe.

“The essence of truly preventing child abuse and neglect and ensuring communities are child safe and child friendly relies on each member of the community playing their part,” said Ms Cocker.

Coinciding with the week was the announcement of the ‘Play Your Part Tasmanian Award’ which was won by mother of 3, Sally-Anne McShane.

“Evidence shows that building strong cohesive communities results in protective and nurturing environments for children and families,” Senator Bilyk said. “Sally-Anne has shown great commitment to building safe communities for children. The ‘Play Your Part Tasmanian Award’ is a well-deserved recognition of her efforts”.

Child abuse and neglect continues to be one of Australia’s most serious and concerning challenges to overcome, with the incidence of child abuse and neglect remaining high.

NAPCAN’s Resource Hub provides a range of materials that can be accessed to support the promotion of the Play Your Part campaign. Please visit www.napcan.org.au/resource-hub to obtain:

• Campaign Posters
• Resources to support engagement with children
• Videos
• Positive Parenting Brochures
• Ideas on how people can play their part.
SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK DEPUTY OPPOSITION WHIP IN THE SENATE CO-CONVENOR PARLIAMENTARIANS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT SENATOR FOR TASMANIA