Media Release by The Hon Michelle Landry MP

Celebrating Australian families

Joint Media Release with:

  • Senator Sam McMahon
    Senator for Northern Territory

National Families Week (15-21 May) is an event which is dedicated to recognising the vital role that families play within the fabric of Australia.

Joined by Senator for Northern Territory Sam McMahon, and the CEO of Families Australia Dr Brian Babington, the Federal Assistant Minister for Children and Families Michelle Landry has today launched National Families Week 2021 in Darwin.

Speaking at the Jingili Early Learning Centre this morning, Assistant Minister Landry said that each year more than 50,000 people and hundreds of organisations participated in National Families Week.

“This is an occasion to celebrate the strength and resilience of millions of Aussie families, which has been a key reason why we have been able to get through the COVID-19 pandemic in such good shape,” Assistant Minister Landry said.

“That’s why the Morrison Government is taking decisive action to ensure that families who need support, get support. As announced in the federal budget last week, I’m proud of the record levels of funding we have secured for disability services, childcare, mental health support, aged care and strengthening women’s safety.”

Families Australia CEO Dr Brian Babington said that as part of National Families Week community groups, day care centres, schools and libraries will all host local events across the nation.

“Whatever form they take and in all their marvellous diversity, families need nurturing, respect and support. National Families Week is a great time to reflect on and take action to further strengthen our families,” Dr Babington said.

Senator McMahon said this year’s event was especially important, given the challenges that Australians have faced in recent times.

“The theme for National Families Week 2021 is ‘Stronger Families, Stronger Communities’ which emphasises the important role that families play as the central building block of our society”, Senator McMahon said.

“Aussie families will continue to be front-and-centre of our nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

More information about how to get involved in this year’s events is available at www.nfw.org.au.