Protecting children is everybody’s business, and the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys will play their part through a special event at their final home game of the regular season against the Panthers on Saturday 3 September.
Coinciding with the kick-off of Queensland Child Protection Week (4-10 September 2022), the Cowboys will host partner organisations in an interactive learn and play zone featuring activities, displays, giveaways and family fun on the Northern Green prior to kick off at 7.35pm.
Members and fans can join in the fun and learn more about this year’s Child Protection Week theme of ‘Protecting Children is Everybody’s Business’ with our event partners: Queensland Youth Services, Act for Kids, Althea Projects, UnitingCare, Parentline, Feros Care and Townsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health Services (TAIHS).
The aim of the activities is to provide an important platform to build education and awareness around the responsibilities of adults in keeping children safe from harm by recognising signs of abuse and speaking out about abuse when it is seen or heard.
Child Protection Week in Queensland is coordinated by the Child Protection Week Committee under the auspicing body of Act for Kids.
Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines said the event provides an exciting opportunity to educate Cowboys members and fans about how to better protect children and celebrate the role they play in lifting community spirit.
“Act for Kids is excited to team up with the Cowboys this weekend and spread the message that every child in every community, deserves a fair go,” Dr Lines said.
“We know sport is a great way to engage children and families in the community, but it’s important everyone knows how to report any concerns they have about a child’s welfare and where to seek support if they need it themselves.
“Act for Kids would like to thank the Cowboys for highlighting the importance of Child Protection Week and community services such as ours, which work tirelessly to keep kids safe, heal from trauma and lead happy lives.”
Game day patrons are invited to pledge their commitment to keeping children safe by signing a symbolic kingfisher in the activation area.
The bird concept, created by Hands on Art artist Yukari Nagaki, reminds everyone that child protection is everybody’s business – just as birds travel in flocks, flocks are like a community; they all work together to keep the flock safe.
Cowboys Chief Community & Government Relations Officer Fiona Pelling said the Child Protection Week activities give charities and organisations operating in the North Queensland region an opportunity to leverage a new audience.
“Saturday’s home game will allow exhibitors to reach a sold-out crowd at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, highlighting the important child protection services available to our community,” she said.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and we want to ensure that everybody understands their own personal responsibility in ensuring children in our community are safe and looked after, because children add so much to our daily lives.
“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at Saturday’s game build their knowledge, take the pledge and tackle the responsibility of child safety as one community."
The Cowboys Child Protection Week learn and play zone is proudly funded by the Queensland Child Protection Week Committee.
For more information on protecting children, including reporting child abuse, visit www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/protecting-children. In an emergency, call 000.
Friday’s home game against the Panthers is sold out, with 2023 memberships including access to the 2022 NRL Finals series available at cowboys.com.au/membership.
