Pictured: Enjoying a game of Connect Four at Community Support Centre Innisfail’s Family Fun Day.

Last week (1-7 Sept) was Child Protection Week – ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’.

Neighbourhood Centres play an important role in creating communities where children feel safe and valued and where families can access the support they need by offering essential services, a welcoming environment and opportunities for community connection through playgroups, book swaps, breakfast clubs and other activities.

Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre hosted their annual Family Fun Day with activities for children aged 0-7 and their families including petting zoo, jumping castle, face painting and more.

NPA Family and Community Services ran events across the week including activities at Injinoo and Bamaga Primary schools, a colour fun run, face painting and colouring competition.

The Community Place Stafford hosted an afternoon for the whole community including a magician and petting zoo, kids’ activities, community stalls, and more. They also held a session about the safety of children and young people online, presented by the AFP.

Mareeba Community Centre and partners hosted a Family Fun Day including a visit from the local Fire and Emergency Services, entertainment and face painting.

Kyabra Community Association Inc. will be hosting their annual Family Fun Day in support of the week including fun filled activities, stalls and baby farm animals.

Community Support Centre Innisfail Inc ran a Family Fun Day (pictured here) including games, face painting and a BBQ.

Hambledon House Community Centre held an art competition for local children to respond to the question, ‘what does feeling safe mean to you?’.

Need support? Here is a list of helplines, telephone and online counselling services for children, young people and adults.

Learn more about Queensland Child Protection Week: childprotectionweek.org.au

Learn more about National Child Protection Week: napcan.org.au/ncpw