John Elferink, NT Minister for Children and Families, Launches Childrens Week in the NT.

Press Release:

CELEBRATING CHILDREN’S WEEK AND THE RIGHT TO PLAY 

18 October 2013

Minister for Children and Families John Elferink today helped kick-off Children’s Week celebrations at the official launch.

This year’s Darwin launch host was Maddison Cocker, aged 12, who also hosted the event last year. Children’s Week runs from 19 to 27 October.

The week is a national event to celebrate the right of children to enjoy childhood and is a time for children to demonstrate their talents, skills and abilities.

Mr Elferink said the theme for Children’s Week this year is taken from the United Nations Charter on the Rights of the Child Article 31: ‘The right to play and participate freely in cultural life and the arts’.

“As part of this focus, NAPCAN NT has encouraged organisations across the Territory to talk with children about their favourite play activity and to then share this information with parents and communities,” Mr Elferink said.

“Children are the future and we must provide them with the opportunity to be nurtured and grow.

“All children have a right to a safe and happy childhood, regardless of race, colour, sex, ability, religion, nationality or social origin.

“The Country Liberals Government will support families to see children grow in a positive environment – now and into the future.

“Children and their families are invited to attend a wide range of events and activities held throughout the week.

“This is a time of celebration and I encourage everybody to get involved.”

The full lists of Children’s Week events across the Northern Territory can be found at: https://www.napcan.org.au/news/ 

Media Contact: 

Danielle Lede 0404 515 414