General News
1 October, 2026
Child protect day draws crowds
MORE than 300 people attended a Queensland Child Protection Week Family Fun Day at Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas, earlier this month, bringing local families, children, schools, kindergartens, community organisations and local services together for a morning of fun, education and connection.
Child Protection Week 2026 ran from September 6 to 12 with the theme ‘Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action’.
Families enjoyed a variety of fun and engaging activities throughout the morning, including a jumping castle, face painting, a petting zoo, island weaving and gymnastics.
While the event included plenty of activities for children and families, an important focus of the day was education and raising awareness about child protection.
The day provided families with an opportunity to learn more about the support available in their local community and connect with the groups that support children, parents and families.
Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre child and parent support worker Hollie Girgenti said it was her first community event to organise and she was grateful for the support she received from her coordinator Erin, volunteers, local services and everyone who helped behind the scenes.
“Child Protection Week is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together, but it’s also about education and raising awareness,” she said.
“We want families to know what support is available, who they can turn to and protecting children really is everybody’s business.
“It was really special to see families enjoying the day and so many local organisations coming together to support children and families.
“The activities are a great way to bring people along, but the education and connection with local services is such an important part of the day.”
