Child Protection Week: Celebrating nearly 40 years: Queensland’s unique commitment to keeping kids safe
Every year, Queensland unites to celebrate Child Protection Week, a dedicated time to shine a light on the safety, wellbeing, and rights of children and families across the state.
This year, the awareness campaign is timed to begin on Father’s Day, Sunday 7th of September, launching a week-long series of events, activities, and awareness campaigns promoting the message that “protecting children is everybody’s business.”
Child Protection Week is a reminder that child protection isn’t limited to crisis responses or statutory interventions like foster care. It spans the full continuum from early intervention to more formal child safety responses. At the heart of the campaign is the message that protecting children is everybody’s business. It’s embedded in the day-to-day, reflected in how schools address bullying, how teachers and coaches interact with children, and how communities respond when they notice something isn’t quite right. Child Protection Week seeks to shift the mindset away from assuming someone else is responsible, and instead encourages collective accountability.
Channel 7 remains one of Child Protection Week’s key media partners, supporting the campaign through a community service announcement in the lead-up to and during the week. Long-time supporter and journalist Kay McGrath has traditionally fronted this segment, helping to elevate visibility across Queensland. Print media also plays a role, with The Courier- Mail partnering to feature Child Protection Week content in its Sunday edition. This includes family-friendly activities like a branded word search and colouring-in sheet designed to promote the key message that protecting children is everybody’s business, in an accessible and engaging way for children and families.
From concept to campaign
Child Protection Week started 39 years ago, initially focused on supporting children involved in the court system, particularly those giving evidence in legal proceedings. Over time, it has evolved far beyond this, expanding to encompass education, awareness, and celebration of child wellbeing across all communities.
The program is funded through a mix of government support, corporate sponsorships, and grants, reflecting a collaborative investment in child safety. A key partner is the Queensland Family and Child Commission, who is currently championing the implementation of new child safe standards statewide, which will come into effect on October 1st 20251.
What sets Queensland apart from other states is its highly organised approach, led by the Child Protection Week Committee. This committee oversees planning, funding distribution, communications, and event coordination, ensuring the campaign is cohesive, relevant, and impactful each year.
Kicking off the week: The Awards Ceremony
Child Protection Week launches with an awards ceremony at Parliament House in Brisbane that recognises outstanding contributions across 11 categories. These range from professionals working in government and non-government organisations, to youth advocates and community groups committed to child safety.
A highlight is the award dedicated to First Nations providers, acknowledging the vital role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and organisations play in protecting children in their communities.
Last year, one of the standout recipients of the Transition to Success award was a regional manager from Dulux, recognised for his impactful work in Central Queensland. He had initiated a program that led to a young person in care securing an apprenticeship and participating in volunteer painting projects across several community organisations.
Another defining moment of the previous year’s events was the Ashgrove State School choir who performed at the awards ceremony. This year the Murri School Dance Troupe is the main entertainment for the awards ceremony, celebrating First Nations contributions to protecting the safety of children and offering a connection to Indigenous voices.
Fueling the week with grants
Integral to the week’s success are the activity and regional grants offered to organisations. These grants enable schools, sporting clubs, and local community groups to run child protection- focused programs and events throughout the week. Activity grants of up to $1000 each are available for the running of Child Protection Week programs. Regional grants of up to $5000 in funding are available to provide economic support to a collective group of up to five providers offering a larger project such as a family fun day.
Recipients are encouraged to include a creative art activity as part of their initiatives, providing a hands-on way to engage children and families in reflecting on safety and wellbeing.
Schools might also use the grants funding to pay for a guest speaker to speak to students or teachers as a professional development opportunity. The programs and activities funded are to take place during Child Protection Week, with some exceptions such as family event days running in the school holidays.
This year’s creative focus: the lotus flower
The artistic activity of Child Protection Week this year is the lotus flower, symbolising the ebb and flow of life and the resilience required to overcome challenges. It serves as a reminder that growth often emerges from difficult circumstances. As part of the art activity, children are encouraged to reflect on and write down the names of people who keep them safe and help them feel supported along their journey.
This year, Oakley State School, along side the Minister, played an important role in Child Protection Week by featuring in the “how-to” video for the art activity. The art project is rolled out across Queensland through facilitated sessions led by community partners. Schools and other organisations can register to receive an art kit and run the activity independently, or request a facilitator to guide the session. These facilitated sessions are flexible and they might take place at public events, within schools, or at community offices.
Art kits featuring the lotus are distributed through schools and community programs, with many groups incorporating the activity into their grant-funded events. In previous years, schools have also been involved behind the scenes, with Year 6 cohorts volunteering to help put together the art kits.
These experiences provide an opportunity for students to contribute in a practical way, while also encouraging learning about the importance of child protection and understanding the purpose behind the activities they’re supporting.
Both preparing the kits and engaging in the arts activities fosters awareness and gives children a tangible way to connect with themes of healing and hope.
Alongside the lotus activity, the week features a range of events including interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and community forums which are supported by the grants and coordinated by the committee.
A connection to community and diverse groups
Child Protection Week recognises the over- representation of First Nations children and families in the child protection system and places a strong emphasis on supporting culturally safe and inclusive practices. This commitment to diversity extends beyond First Nations communities, with efforts to highlight the needs of children with disabilities and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
These voices often emerge through award nominations or activity grant applications, such as those submitted by migrant resource centres. Throughout the year, the campaign also aligns its messaging with significant events like NAIDOC Week, Sorry Day, and other cultural observances. This ongoing cross-promotion ensures that Child Protection Week remains responsive, inclusive, and respectful of the diverse communities it serves.
Closing the week with celebration: the dinner
Child Protection Week concludes with a grand dinner, traditionally held at Brisbane’s City Hall and attended by approximately 650 people. This event offers a moment of reflection, celebration, and connection among child protection professionals, advocates, and community members.
Live music and keynote speeches create a festive atmosphere that acknowledges the dedication of everyone involved.
Plans for the 40th anniversary include moving the dinner to the RNA Showgrounds, expanding attendance to 1,500 guests, and creating an even more vibrant community celebration.
Looking forward: the 40th anniversary
The milestone 40th anniversary in 2026 promises to be a landmark moment for Child Protection Week. Special events are planned, including an invite-only breakfast featuring founding committee members and past award winners, celebrating the campaign’s rich history.
Young people will be invited to co-design a new art project that will serve as the official banner for campaign in 2026, to be proudly displayed on iconic locations like Brisbane’s Story Bridge.
The Child Protection Week campaign is a community commitment, a creative journey, and a powerful reminder that protecting children is everybody’s business. Reach out to the Child Protection Week Committee to see how you can get involved this year. Rachael Anderson, current Chair of the Queensland Child Protection Week Committee states, “The involvement of Education representatives on the Queensland Child Protection Week Committee is integral to expanding the reach of our key messages and facilitates impact and raising awareness amongst students, teachers, and the broader school communities.”
References 1. Early Childhood Education and Care. (2023). Child Safe Standards Strengthen Child Protection. https:// earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/sector-news-and-resources/ news-for-educators-and-service-providers/child-safe- standards-strengthen-child-protection. 0418 408 062 [email protected] childprotectionweek.org.au
