Child Protection Week

All adults in NSW are now required to report information to Police if they believe a child is being abused or mistreated, following recent amendments to the Crimes Act 1900.

Mayor Khal Asfour said the City of Canterbury Bankstown is partnering with the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), during National Child Protection Week from 1-7 September, to work towards promoting and advocating children’s rights.

"We take child safety and protection very seriously, especially at our library and knowledge centres, leisure and aquatic centres and child care facilities," he said.

"I’m relieved to see the Act has been strengthened because the wellbeing and safety of children is not only a parent’s responsibility but everyone’s.

"One of the goals we are striving to achieve in Canterbury-Bankstown’s 10-year visionary plan, CBCity 2028, is to make our city child-safe and obtain UNICEF status, under the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, as a child-friendly city."

Council’s Children’s Services staff have participated in the NSW Government’s Child Safe workshops and have copies of its SAFE book series at each centre. The books contain protective behaviour messages for children aged 2-6, and support the rights of children and promote them having a voice.

More than 200 local children’s services have also been invited to attend a Council-run network meeting, the week prior to National Child Protection Week. During the meeting, service providers will be:

"Every child has the right to grow up in an environment where they feel safe and secure; have access to services; can play, learn and grow; and have their voice heard," Mayor Asfour said.

For more information about National Child Protection Week, call 8073 3300 or email [email protected]