Vicki Brown

Welcome to Children’s Week 2022. We are looking forward to an exciting week of activities celebrating the achievements and aspirations of our children and young people; increasing awareness of their needs, interests and rights; and promoting community involvement and cooperation. Once again, our thanks and appreciation go out to the many organisations and individuals who are planning to make this a memorable week.

As we slowly move forward from the disruption of the past three years, it is clear that the long term social and economic effects of COVID and its challenges are significant and will impact our lives for some time to come. So this year’s theme for Children’s Week, taken from Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, All Children have the right to a standard of living that supports their wellbeing and healthy development. is very relevant as many children and young people and their families struggle to achieve adequate housing, employment and education and to maintain a positive belief in the future.

Fortunately, many dedicated people, from all ages and walks of life, continue to work tirelessly to ‘make a difference’ for our children and young people. Children’s Week is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge their efforts through the provision of small grants to help run activities during the week, and the presentation of awards which give public recognition to individuals or groups for outstanding contributions to the needs, welfare and interests of children and to young people who are outstanding role models for their peers.

Although the awards are non-competitive, a representative group is chosen to receive theirs at our Launch and Awards Ceremony, held on Universal Children’s Day. This inspiring (and humbling) Ceremony is a highlight of Children’s Week every year.

This year, we began a partnership with the ACT Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the world’s largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. IEEE encourages students to develop their capabilities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and we are delighted with the number of STEM related events being planned for Children’s Week.

The ACT Children’s Week Committee very much appreciates the support of the ACT Government (through the Education and Community Services Directorates, including the Office for Seniors and Veterans), the Catholic Education Office and the Canberra Southern Cross Club.

We are members of the Children’s Week Council of Australia which receives support from the Australian Government Department of Education. We acknowledge and appreciate this support. Our thanks also go to Parentline ACT who have again assisted our
volunteer committee with administration and social media.

Our Committee has been greatly saddened by the recent loss of two dedicated and inspirational members, Prue Clarke (who as Convenor was the heart, soul and driver of Children’s Week for over 20 years) and Jackie Green (our professional, diligent, unflappable Treasurer) but their legacy is the energy, enthusiasm and commitment of our remaining members. My warmest thanks to each and every one.

Childhood is brief and young people must face the realities of life all too soon Let us all enjoy the fun of Children’s Week but also resolve to do our best to support all children and young people to be their best selves in the year ahead.