National Week to celebrate children

A range of activities will be held throughout Australia to celebrate National Children’s Week 2006, with a particular focus on care, health, education, fitness and cultural programs.

The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today launched the celebrations with two young ambassadors at Australia Zoo in Queensland.

"Children’s Week is an opportunity to celebrate children’s talents, skills and abilities and commend communities which aim to create a better and safer place for children," Mr Brough said.

"The Australian Government provides funding each year to support the various events held in each state and territory over the week, including arts and crafts, toy libraries, workshops and activities days, children’s expos and concerts.

"With almost four million children in Australia, it is pivotal we continue to support and assist the development of early childhood initiatives and the Government has implemented a number of programs aimed at improving outcomes for children and their families.

"Part of the Government’s key early childhood initiative is the $490 million Stronger Families and Communities Strategy and the National Agenda for Early Childhood, which focus on achieving better outcomes for children, their families and communities.

"The Australian Government is committed to giving our children the building blocks to a positive future.

"I encourage all families and communities to be part of National Children’s Week by participating in the many activities being held across the country," Mr Brough said.