National Patron and Ambassadors’ Messages
National Patron of the Children’s Week Council of Australia
Her Excellency The Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Minister for Early Childhood Education Minister for Youth
Senator the Hon Jess Walsh
Dr. Jess Walsh serves as the Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, and is a proud Labor Senator for Victoria.
Elected to the Senate in 2019, Jess remains committed to creating a future where no one is held back, and no one left behind.
Minister for Early Childhood Education; Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services
Hon Sabine Winton BA BPS MLA
As Western Australia’s Minister for Education and Early Childhood, I am proud to support Children’s Week.
Children’s Week is a national celebration of children’s skills, talents and contributions.
It’s a recognition of childhood and the importance of providing kids the opportunity to
thrive through play, creativity and exploration. It highlights the rights of children to be
seen and heard, as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
As a teacher for almost 3 decades, I had the privilege of meeting thousands of
students, and early childhood educators, teachers, and volunteers across WA who
do an incredible job of prioritising the needs of children every day.
I encourage all parents and community members to participate in activities to
celebrate Children’s Week. This year’s theme is Everyone should know about
children’s rights. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to educate and empower
our children and uphold their dignity, especially those who face disadvantage or
disability, to make sure they have the essentials for a happy and healthy life.
Commissioner for Children and Young People WA
Jacqueline McGowan-Jones
Children’s Week is a special time to celebrate the rights, achievements, and voices of children. It’s a reminder that every child deserves to grow up safe, healthy, and supported so they are free to learn, play, and thrive.
But Children’s Week is also about education and awareness. Everyone – parents, teachers, carers, leaders, and community members – should know about children’s rights, because it’s our shared responsibility to protect and promote them.
When people understand these rights, they’re more likely to speak up, create safer environments, and help build a society where all children are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
This week is more than just a celebration – it’s a call to action. There are nearly 653,000 children and young people in Western Australia. Promoting children’s rights means ensuring that every of these children has access to education, healthcare, protection, and a chance to be heard. When we stand up for children’s rights, we build stronger communities and a brighter future for everyone.
Let’s ensure that during Children’s Week, and every other week, we continue to listen to young voices, amplify their ideas, and work together to create a world where all children are respected, valued, safe, and given every opportunity to reach their full potential.