National Child Protection Week aims to engage, educate, and empower Australians to understand the complexity of child abuse and neglect, and work together to prevent it. The campaign does this through the sharing of events and resources to encourage communities to engage in conversations around children’s safety and wellbeing.

The theme is:

Every child, in every community, needs a fair go. 

To treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.

As a diocese, our goal when it comes to child protection is to always recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children and vulnerable adults, in-line with the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s abiding commitment to their safety, welfare, and wellbeing.

What's happening in our schools and Early Education centres?

'Decorate Your Gate'

In recognition of National Child Protection Week 2022, we're asking our schools and Early Education centres to decorate their school or centre gate, fence, or alternative space in line with the theme, 'Every child, in every community, needs a fair go'.

Prizes:

• Schools can win a 10sqm locally-themed mural at your school painted by Artist Mitch Revs, designed in collaboration with students (1x primary prize, 1x secondary prize). 
• Early Education centres can win $500 towards a special treat for their centre community.

To enter, simply email a photo of your display to sophie.dougherty@mn.catholic.org.au by Friday 9 September, 5pm.

Photo right - 'Merewether Beach' by Artist Mitch Revs

Activity packs

All schools and Early Education centres can now access dedicated activity/resource packs designed to instil our young people with the skills and strategies to identify, respond to, and seek assistance with a range of unsafe situations.

These packs, as well as additional information and resources, are now available on the Office of Safeguarding website.

Contact

For any questions relating to National Child Protection Week 2022, please contact:

Sophie Dougherty – Investigator (Office of Safeguarding)

sophie.dougherty@mn.catholic.org.au

(02) 4979 1390