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 a reminder to all of us that every week- indeed, every day- is a time to celebrate and to nurture and love our children. This year, as I put pen to paper, I am infused with much joy as Linda and I have recently become grandparents for the third time.
The theme of Children’s Week 2022, ‘All children have the right to a standard of living that supports their healthy development and wellbeing’, reflects the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 27. The theme is particularly apt because it focuses on wellbeing, an issue that has figured prominently in the national conversation over the last 12 months.
The theme reminds us that children are not immune to the compounding impacts of the pandemic and natural disasters. It is incumbent on all carers of children to closely monitor not only their child’s wellbeing but also their own. I commend the Children’s Week Council of Australia and its affiliates for organising a range of activities and events around the country that focus on the early years, including a free national podcast with experts from the mental health sector.
Notwithstanding the pressures that many Australians are under at the present time, it is important that we make time to celebrate Children’s Week. Whether as a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent, or as a relative or friend, our children continue to surprise, amaze and bring immense joy to our lives.
Ambassador for Children’s Week WA
Fairy Queen Caroline
I am so proud to act as Ambassador for Western Australia’s Children’s Week and to be able to spread the message of celebration along with my fairy dust to the many children I meet in the community.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child points to each child’s right to play as an integral part of their education. In today’s world of hectic schedules, economic stress and deadlines, children can be swept along in an adult world without having time to play. Fantasy and imaginative play, role play, discovery play, games and sport are all essential learning experiences that nurture and enable a child to grow to reach their full potential.
During Children’s Week let us remind ourselves of the value of play and the importance of allowing children to be children. By taking time and allowing ourselves to play with our children we can acknowledge their world and can re-emerge from it having thoroughly enjoyed the experience!
I hope that children and families from all over Western Australia join me at Whiteman Park on Sunday 24 October for the Official Children’s Week Opening event Go for 2 & 5 Family Fun Day activities. Bring your friends and come along, there’s fun for everyone – lots to see and things to do, in celebration of you!
Commissioner for Children and Young People WA
Colin Pettit
There are 598,000 children and young people in Western Australia – almost a quarter of the population – and every year, Children’s Week is a special opportunity to recognise and celebrate these important citizens in our society.
Over the last year I had the pleasure of meeting with thousands of students in schools across the state as they shared their views in my Speaking Out Survey. Hearing how they all saw their wellbeing, and what they thought was most important in their lives, was a reminder of what defines growing up well – feeling loved, healthy and safe.
While we celebrate Children’s Week for just one week, I encourage that we as adults, in the community, in business and in government, consider the impact of our decision-making on children and young people at all times, in all weeks of the year. In particular, we need to focus on improving the lives of our most vulnerable children and young people.
The festivities arranged by Meerilinga are a great way to uphold the rights and contributions of WA’s youngest, and I’m honoured to show my support.