National Patron and Ambassadors Messages
National Patron of the Children’s Week Council of Australia
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Children’s Week is one of the most uplifting observances of the year – a week in which we celebrate children.
As I write, Linda and I have recently returned from a series of official engagements in the South Pacific. One of the many highlights of our visit was the number of children who, of their own free will, came up to us for a hug, a play or a dance, or sometimes all three! Linda and I loved every moment.
I mention those interactions because they serve to highlight an important element of a child’s development: their right to play. This year’s theme of Children’s Week, taken from Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, brings that element and others into focus.
The theme recognises the right of every child to rest, leisure, play, recreational activities, and free and full participation in cultural and artistic life.
The Children’s Week Council of Australia has organised a range of activities across the country that focus on the early years and on children’s play and leisure. I thank the Council for its advocacy on behalf of children and families and encourage those entrusted with the care of a child to visit the Council’s website and participate in the week’s celebrations.
Whether as parents, grandparents, non-biological parents, guardians, kinship or foster carers, it is incumbent on all of us to create an environment that enables our children to learn, develop and grow.
Minister for Children and Young People WA
Hon Sabine Winton BA BPS MLA
TBA
Commissioner for Children and Young People WA
Jacqueline McGowan-Jones
Children’s Week is an opportunity to celebrate our youngest citizens and the important contribution they make to our community. There are approximately 644,000 children and young people in Western Australia, making up almost a quarter of our population.
As Commissioner, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with thousands of students from across the state and hearing their stories. Children have told me about what is important in their lives, the challenges they face, as well as their achievements.
In celebrating Children’s Week this year, I encourage those in community, business and government to seek out and listen to the views of children. This is especially important in planning or decision-making that would impact our most vulnerable children. There are more than 100,000 children and young people currently living in poverty in WA and they have a right to be heard.
The activities arranged by Meerilinga are a great way to celebrate children and uphold their rights and I’m honoured to show my support.
