Awards celebrate support for NAPCAN

The National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse (NAPCAN) today recognised organisations and individuals who have assisted them through the year in an awards ceremony with Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony.

“The work of NAPCAN is extremely important as they are effective in raising the Australian community’s awareness of child abuse and neglect and the benefits of positive parenting towards preventing child abuse and neglect.

“They also highlight the role the community must play in protecting our children. We all need to do what we can to make sure children grow and develop in a safe environment.

“The latest figures show there were more than 115,000 reported cases of child abuse in Australia last year. This means one child was reported abused or neglected every five minutes.

“What is really frightening is that 60 per cent of these are renotifications.

“These Certificates of Appreciation have been presented to ten organisations that have given support to NAPCAN throughout the year. They have supported the work of NAPCAN through offered services and funding.

“The organisations and individuals recognised were JS McMillan Print, DDB Sydney, Geddes Philanthropic Trust, Toy Charity Foundation of Australia, Bec Pierce, AOL/7, Val Morgan Cinema Advertising, Brookvale Supplied, Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Vangelis Kapantais.

“The Coalition Government is committed to eliminating abuse and neglect. I am working hard to put together a National Agenda for Early Childhood which will coordinate a national vision and agreed plan of action to improve children’s chances in life.

“This issue needs more than just Government attention. The whole community has to take responsibility for the safety of our children and by working together we can achieve this,” Mr Anthony said.