On 4 August, we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, an important opportunity to recognise the strength, culture and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Led nationally by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, this year’s theme, Living Our Truth, encourages all Australians to listen to children and celebrate their stories, experiences and aspirations.
To support this year’s campaign, NACCHO is proud to launch In Our Words, a national initiative inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to share, through artwork and their own words, what growing up strong means to them.
Children’s artwork and stories will be brought together in a series of postcards celebrating their creativity and perspectives while supporting ongoing advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and community-controlled health. Together, these postcards will form an enduring collection that continues to amplify children’s voices well beyond National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.
ACCHOs are encouraged to get involved by creating opportunities for children in your communities to participate. Whether through your maternal and child health services, early years programs, schools, playgroups or community events, every child’s contribution will help tell an important story about growing up strong in culture, family and community.
To support your participation, we have developed a suite of resources, including:
- “In Our Words” Campaign Information Guide
- Participation & Consent Form
- Social media resources and campaign materials
These resources are also available for download on the NACCHO Child and Maternal Health website.
If you have any questions about the campaign or making a submission, please contact the Child and Maternal Health team at mumsandbubs@naccho.org.au.
