Kids First Australia

The Ballajura Youth Summit at Kids First Australia Ballajura Youth Centre in Western Australia was a huge success earlier this month! In partnership with the City of Swan and facilitated by the City of Swan’s Ballajura Youth Committee, this event brought together 50 young people to voice their concerns, share feedback, and engage in a “Councillor on a Couch” Q&A session with local council members. We were honoured to have the City of Swan Mayor, Tanya Richardson, in attendance, along with other council representatives. It was a fantastic opportunity for youth to connect, communicate, and contribute to their community. #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityEngagement #BallajuraYouthSummit #WesternAustralia

Today, McLeans Road Kindergarten proudly wrapped up Book Week with a Book Fair and a special appearance by Colin Brooks State MP for Bundoora. This event highlighted our commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading and exploration in our young learners. Our early learning centers are dedicated to nurturing curiosity and encouraging exploration from a young age. We’re incredibly proud of the way our team supports and inspires each child’s educational journey. A huge thank you to our exceptional team leaders and staff whose hard work and dedication make every day special for our students. To learn more about Kids First Early Years Education, visit: https://lnkd.in/gi9FacVS #BookWeek2024 #EarlyLearning #EarlyYearsEducation #McLeansRoadKindergarten #CommunityEngagement #ReadingCulture #EducationalExcellence #ChildhoodDevelopment #InspiringFutureGenerations #Bundoora

Spotlight on Our Amazing Supporters! We are incredibly thankful for the outstanding support we received at this year's 3AW Lunchtime Rumours Feast. A special shoutout to the fantastic teams from News Talk 3AW 693, De Bortoli Wines, Kieser Australia, Marriner Group, Jayco, Inc., Hon. Justice Bernard Murphy, Lanco Group Pty Ltd, Jellis Craig Boroondara, Unique Eco Solutions, JBWere, Crawford & Company, ANT CIVIL, Caroline, Collins House, Emit Capital, Jackett Agency, Dicker Data, Omni-Care, Windsor Management Insurance Brokers, Toshiba Australia and Bound, whose presence and contributions truly made a difference. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Adventure Park Geelong, Asado, AFL - Australian Football League, Australian Open, Big Swing Golf, Centonove, Cookware Brands, Essendon Football Club, Collingwood Football Club, Good One Creative, Haigh's Chocolates, Holey Moley Golf Club, The Jericho Cup, KGC Kooringal, Marvel Stadium, MECCA Brands, Mercedes-Benz Berwick, Mitchelton Wines, OVAL, Photography Studies College, Racing Victoria, Rydges Hotels & Resorts, SEW Eurodrive, Sense of Self, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Sweets by Sezi, Sun Theatre, THE LUME Melbourne, Westin Hotels & Resorts and YarraBend Golf. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and attendees, in 2024, we raised over $161,000 to support Kids First Australia’s Sexual Abuse Counselling and Prevention Program (SACPP). This critical program provides therapeutic support to children and young people affected by sexual abuse or harmful sexual behavior. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. #CommunitySupport #ShapingBrighterFutures #KidsFirstAustralia #ThankYou #LunchtimeRumours

We are pleased to share that this year's 3AW Lunchtime Rumours Feast was an outstanding success! Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of everyone involved, we raised over $161,000! These funds will support Kids First Australia's Sexual Abuse Counselling and Prevention Program (SACPP), providing vital therapeutic support to children and young people affected by sexual abuse or harmful sexual behavior. A huge thank you to our patron Ross Stevenson and 3AW co-host Russel Howcroft, MC Heidi Murphy, special guest Mack H., and the talented Ella Hooper for adding a fantastic touch of entertainment to the day. None of this would have been possible without our major sponsors – Marriner Group, News Talk 3AW 693, De Bortoli Wines, and Kieser Australia – as well as the many other sponsors, donors, and attendees who made this event such a success. Together, we’re shaping brighter futures and making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. #FundraisingSuccess #CommunitySupport #ShapingBrighterFutures #KidsFirstAustralia #ThankYou #MakingADifference

As we countdown to The 17th 3AW Lunchtime Rumours Feast Event this Friday August 16th, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our major sponsors. Without your unwavering support, this event would not be possible: - 3AW Melbourne - Marriner Group - De Bortoli Wines - Kieser Australia Your dedication and commitment have been crucial to the success of this event, and we are truly grateful for your partnership. Learn more https://lnkd.in/gkG2sMDQ #LunchtimeRumoursFeast #ThankYou #Sponsors #MelbourneEvents #Grateful #StayTuned

Jayneen Sanders (aka Jay Dale) is an experienced early years educator, author, publisher, and blogger. She believes that empowering children from an early age leads to empowered teenagers and adults. To inspire and educate the next generation, Jayneen writes children's books on body safety, consent, gender equality, respectful relationships, social and emotional intelligence, diversity, and inclusion. As the Lead Author for the 'Engage Literacy' series published by Capstone, Jayneen has written over 130 creative titles. Her dedication to children's safety and empowerment is evident in her work and her role as a mother of three daughters. Jayneen continues to advocate for children's empowerment through new manuscripts and free-to-download resources, supporting their growth and well-being. In October, Jayneen will join Kids First’s Hayley Wesson to present on Protective Behaviours Education as an effective tool to address problematic behaviours in schools, embed respectful relationships curriculum and address child safety at our 2024 National Conference on Child Sexual Abuse and Harmful Sexual Behaviours. 📅 October 31 - November 1 📍 Sofitel Melbourne on Collins 🎟️ Register here: https://ow.ly/AJ4c50SLPpv 🧠 Learn more: https://ow.ly/Gaur50SLPpw 🔎 Event details: https://lnkd.in/g3Ygpr4h #CSACON2024 #ChildProtection #ChildSafety #PreventionEducation #RegisterNow

We're partnering with some incredible organisations to deliver a fantastic new initiative supporting young parents in the Latrobe Valley. Read on to discover more! Kids First Australia and Kindred Spirits Enterprises, in collaboration with the Kurnai Young Parents Program (KYPP) at Kurnai College’s Morwell FLO Campus are coming together to develop a new place-based mentoring program, thanks to a partnership with the Latrobe Health Assembly. The 12-month pilot program, funded by the Latrobe Health Assembly, is designed to support young parents who are currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from the KYPP. This program will match young parents with experienced mentors to foster ongoing community connections and offer personalised guidance. Mentors will help participants navigate the complexities of parenthood, education, and career development. Since 2014, KYPP has provided a secure and adaptable learning environment for young parents under 21, helping them complete their schooling while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood. The need for continued support after graduation became clear. KYPP Leader Ang' Bolding shared: “That's why this mentoring program is so important – it helps us keep that sense of community alive and be there for these young parents, even after they've moved on.” Betty, a 17-year-old KYPP student and young mother said: “The KYPP mentoring initiative sounds like a great idea that I hope will give me the support to continue achieving my goals and support me in connecting with the community.” Shaun Mallia, KSE's Executive Officer: "The mentoring program has the potential to transform the lives of young parents in the Latrobe Valley and serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions." Tanya Rong, Latrobe Health Assembly Chair said: “Being able to offer support and encouragement through this mentorship program is such a wonderful opportunity. It will benefit everyone involved, from the young parents to the mentors.” We will play a key role in developing and implementing this program. We're grateful to the Latrobe Health Assembly for investing in this initiative. #YoungParents #MentoringProgram #LatrobeValley

In preparation for Homelessness Week (August 5-11), we're proud to support the Victorian Homelessness Network's #HousesatParliament campaign. This initiative aims to highlight the critical need for increased social and public housing. According to the latest Census, at least 30,000 Victorians, including 6,800 children, experience homelessness each night, living in cars, temporary shelters, or with no fixed address. The primary drivers of homelessness are family violence, financial hardship, and the housing crisis. We believe that increasing the availability of homes is key to addressing this issue. We are excited to share photos from our Frankston, Thomastown, Heidelberg, and Hoppers Crossing sites, where our dedicated teams have created origami houses to contribute to the overall campaign tally. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved! To learn more visit https://ow.ly/ru5c50SPJfb #HW2024 #HousesAtParliament #HomelessnessAwareness #OrigamiForChange #CommunityEngagement

Meet Carol Ronken, Director of Research at Bravehearts Foundation. Since 2003, Carol has spearheaded Bravehearts' research initiatives to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. She drives research, policy, and legislative efforts aimed at preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. Carol actively contributes to the SaferAI for Children Coalition and the Australian Centre To Counter Child Exploitation. She holds memberships in key organisations like the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology and the ISPCAN - Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention. Carol will be presenting sibling sexual harm, one of the most common forms of child sexual abuse, and an area receiving little research attention. Catch Carol’s presentation at our 2024 National Conference on Child Sexual Abuse & Harmful Sexual Behaviours. Early Bird savings of up to $200 ends tomorrow! 📅 October 31 - November 1 📍 Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. 🎫 Register for tickets here: https://ow.ly/sopa50SMRwO Learn more: https://ow.ly/9tSu50SMRwP https://lnkd.in/g3Ygpr4h #CSACON2024 #EarlyBirddiscount

We’re pleased to announce that Professor Daryl Higgins, Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies at Australian Catholic University will be joining us at our 2024 National Conference on Child Sexual Abuse & Harmful Sexual Behaviours. A registered psychologist, Prof. Higgins brings nearly 30 years of expertise in public health approaches to protecting children and creating child-safe organisations. He has made significant contributions to our understanding child abuse impacts, prevention, and family violence, most recently through Australia’s first comprehensive study into child maltreatment. At our National Conference, Prof. Higgins will explore the range of approaches to child sexual abuse prevention that have been the focus of policy and prevention activity over the last 30 years: from individual risk-reduction strategies, victim empowerment, and prevention education, to perpetrator-focused interventions, situational and contextual prevention, and primary prevention from a public health approach. 📅 October 31 - November 1 📍 Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Register by July 31 for Early Bird savings of up to $200: https://ow.ly/AJ4c50SLPpv Learn more: https://ow.ly/Gaur50SLPpw #CSACON2024 #ChildProtection #ChildSafety #PreventionEducation #RegisterNow