Bravehearts welcomes the Borough’s support of White Balloon Day

Bravehearts, Australia’s leaders in child protection for 22 years, welcomes the Borough of Queenscliffe Council’s support of White Balloon Day on Friday 7 September 2018 and National Child Protection Week, which runs from 2 to 7 September 2018.

“Council is pleased to support Bravehearts by promoting White Balloon Day and National Child Protection Week to increase awareness of the importance of child protection,” said Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor, Cr Susan Salter.

“To preserve our beautiful coastal environment, we ask that people avoid using balloons at all public events, and we are very pleased to note that White Balloon Day is a balloon-smart organisation that shares Council’s commitment to the protection of our wildlife and our environment.”

“The White Balloon Day website, www.whiteballoonday.com.au, has a list of suggested activities to acknowledge White Balloon Day without using any actual balloons,” said Cr Salter.

Bravehearts’ White Balloon Day is Australia’s only national awareness and fundraising campaign dedicated to preventing child sexual assault through generating awareness to help educate children, parents and adults of the need to do more to protect kids from a crime that affects more than 60,000 children in all corners of Australia, every year.

“We’re delighted that the Borough of Queenscliffe Council has joined forces with Bravehearts to participate in White Balloon Day as part of National Child Protection Week to increase awareness of the importance of child protection and raise essential funds to support Bravehearts’ vital work,” said Hetty Johnston AM, Founder and Executive Chair of Bravehearts.

“Importantly, Council’s participation has advised local families, schools, institutions and organisations of their commitment to following Royal Commission’s Recommendation 6.12 and the 10 Child Safe Standards.”

“Child protection is everybody’s business, with local governments among the most important stakeholders in child protection. By working with Bravehearts, together we can create safer communities for all Australian children,” said Ms Johnston.

“Following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Recommendation 6.12, that calls on all levels of government nationally to help protect children in their communities, it’s wonderful to see the Borough of Queenscliffe Council taking an active role in promoting Bravehearts child safe messages.”

“Every Australian child has the right to feel safe and we’re indebted to the Borough of Queenscliffe Council for taking what is a significant step toward making their region a safer community for all children,” said Ms Johnston.

Bravehearts’ White Balloon Day campaign, funded by the Department of Social Services – National Initiatives, is Australia’s longest running annual national awareness campaign for the prevention of child sexual assault.

Bravehearts offers specialised support, education and training services for children, families, schools, childcare centres and organisations.

For more information, call the toll-free Support Line on 1800 272 831 Monday to Friday between 8:30am to 4:30pm (AEST) or visit the Bravehearts website, www.bravehearts.org.au.