Mount Isa PCYC is prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children by raising awareness and creating a safe space during Child Protection Week.
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Child Protection Week runs from September 6-12 and focuses on ensuring the safety and needs of children are a priority to everyone.
Constable Aimee Sewell said every child in Mount Isa had the right to feel safe.
"During Child Protection Week we are talking to young people about what it means to feel safe, but more importantly to know what to do when they don't feel safe or when something bad happens," Ms Sewell said.
"With young people we talking about what their body clues might tell them when they feel unsafe. For example, they might cry, get goosebumps or knees will wobble; so we teach them those clues and then how to react to it.
"That way if they are in danger, they'll know how to respond and react to get them out of initial danger and who they can talk to about it."
Ms Sewell said there were a number of programs and events happening through Child Safety Week that was funded through a successful grant and delivered in partnership with Centacare, Young People Ahead, Headspace and Youth Justice.
"We have commenced by attending local primary schools, and conducting presentations to convey key child safety messages and making sure that everyone knows child safety is everyone's business and that everyone has a part to play," she said.
"One thing we use is The Daniel Morcombe Foundation and talk about their safety network, encouraging young people to have five adults from different areas of their life that they can report incidents to."
There are also two social events happening at the end of the week.
"In conjunction with the school presentations, we also have Child Protection - Chilling in the Park event which is happening this Thursday September 10 from 4pm to 6pm at Minnie Davis Park," Ms Sewell said.
"At this event we will have jumping castles, art and crafts activities, pizza, balloons, emergency services, and a lot of fun. This event will be targeting our 0-12 year olds and families.
"On Friday we have Friday Night Lights at PCYC from 6pm to 9pm for 12-17 year olds. We will have hot dogs, popcorn, basketball, soft drinks, music, free WiFi and create a safe place for those young people to hang out
"This event will continue every week, so these young people have a safe space to hang out with their mates. This is an environment that is safe and parents can have the confidence that if they drop their young person down there, that it is a supervised activity and they can also engage with police and volunteers."
Ms Sewell said if anyone witnesses a child in danger, to report it to the appropriate channels.
"There are a number of things people can do. If they believe there is a criminal element, contact police immediately. You can also contact child safety directly and remain anonymous in a lot of situations," she said.
"So as long as you're telling someone in authority that you think a child is at risk, that is definitely the most important thing."
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
