Media Release by The Hon Julie Collins MP

Playing their part in protecting Australia’s children

The Minister for Community Services Julie Collins has today presented the inaugural National Child Protection Week “Play Your Part” Award acknowledging the outstanding work of individuals, communities and organisations who have played their part in creating safer communities for children and young people.

At a ceremony at the Hobart Youth Arts and Recreation Centre, Ms Collins congratulated Brendan Fletcher on receiving the national award for an Outstanding Prevention Initiative for his film “Mad Bastards”.

“The film serves as a wonderful example of how united communities – in this case Indigenous communities – can come together to create a safer environment for our children,” Ms Collins said.

“The film also led to the creation of ‘The Mad Bastards Guide to Being Your Best’ – which has received praise both nationally and internationally.

“The works of Brendan and all the State award recipients are examples of the significant contribution individuals, communities and organisations are already making to the safety and wellbeing of children,” Ms Collins said.

The Minister also congratulated Jane Fleming for receiving the state award for her outstanding commitment to violence prevention in Tasmania.

The other state winners are:

  • NT – Timmy Duggan for Hoops 4 Health Aboriginal Corporation (Darwin)
  • QLD – Junior Advisory Group (Southern Moreton Bay Islands)
  • NSW – Doug Gordon for Youth Dance Ensemble (Dubbo)
    – Nicole Ryan, Cecily Williams and Elena Julca for the Multi-Mix Mob (Marrickville)
  • ACT – Claudia Lopez for The STEPS and Return to Work Program for Young Mums (Lanyon)
  • VIC – QEC and Mildura Aboriginal Corporation partnership for Bumps to Babes and Beyond (Mildura)
    – Angela, Helen and Ian Barker for being outstanding advocates for ending relationship violence
  • SA – Family by Family (Adelaide – Playford)
  • WA – Yaandiina Family Centre for A Family Focused Community (Pilbara)

“The Australian Government is proud to be supporting the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect with $300,000 to deliver this year’s National Child Protection Week,” Ms Collins said.

“This funding allows NAPCAN to further its strong commitment to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect in Australia.

“It’s concerning to know there were more than 30,000 confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect in Australia -in 2010-2011.

“Of those, 1,100 were reported here in Tasmania.”

Ms Collins said organisations like the Salvation Army and the Sexual Assault Support Service Inc are playing a vital role in helping to address child abuse and neglect in Tasmania.

“They are among 43 organisations which received a one-off grant under the Australian Government’s $5.7 million Child Aware Approaches initiative,” Ms Collins said.

“The Government’s $200,000 funding is helping the Salvation Army in Tasmania deliver more targeted services for children.

“The Sexual Assault Support Service has also received $193,000 to identify the best ways to deal with children who exhibit problem sexual behaviours and sexually abusive behaviours.”

Ms Collins said the Australian Government is unwavering in its resolve to ensure children and young people are able to flourish in happy and healthy environments.

“Through the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children we have already taken the necessary steps so families and children can get services that focus on their needs – especially for children most at risk,” Ms Collins said.

For more information about National Child Protection Week 2-8 September visit: www.playyourpart.org.au