Emma Davidson MLA

The theme for Children’s Week in 2023 is taken from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and focuses on children being able to participate freely in life and have opportunities to participate in leisure, play and recreational activities appropriate for them. Play is an important part of learning, development, and wellbeing. We are very fortunate in the ACT to live in a place where children and young people have access to parks, playgrounds, cultural and community events to be able to participate in such activities.

Some young Canberrans are faced with challenges which make engaging in leisure and play difficult. Ensuring such opportunities are inclusive of all children and young people in the ACT, especially those with complex needs, is important to me. Community involvement is an important part of ensuring all young Canberrans are connected and have their needs met. Intergenerational connections are part of this and in my role as Minister for Veterans and Seniors, I would like to acknowledge the enrichment and support older people bring to the lives of children and young people. Acknowledging the importance of intergenerational connection, earlier this year the ACT Government supported 100 Canberra, a portrait project which brought together local teenage artists and centenarians to breakdown negative stereotypes associated with ageing and share stories.

The ACT Children’s Week Committee will have their hands full this year with the Children’s Week awards, with countless outstanding contributions being made to our local community. It is thanks to the Committee that this significant week in our calendar and the awards can go ahead, to support and recognise the contributions made here in the nation’s capital.

Emma Davidson MLA
Minister for Veterans and Seniors