Events

Anti Poverty Week October 13 19th 2024 Host a Chat for Change to End Child Poverty

Host a Chat for Change to End Child Poverty

Anti-Poverty Week October 13-19th 2024 Host a Chat for Change to End Child Poverty

VCI Children News banners 27

Join the End Child Poverty Campaign at Parliament House

Take a stand for Australia's children—join the End Child Poverty campaign at Parliament House! Be part of the movement by gathering for a group photo on the front lawn, then stay for a heartwarming performance by the Woden Valley Youth Choir in the Marble Hall. Your presence can make a difference. Let’s show our leaders that every child deserves a life free from poverty!

VCI Children News banners 24

Anti-Poverty Week

For more than 20 years Anti-Poverty Week has operated in Australia around the 17th of October, the UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Our purpose is to help Australians understand poverty and to take action collectively to end it. Anti-Poverty Week 2024 will run from Sunday 13 October to Saturday 19 October.

Parenting in a Digital World

Presented by Zonta Club of Perth Northen Suburbs, this workshop is filled with up-to-date information, real world examples, practical strategies, conversation starters, child friendly books and resource recommendations to support you

The Play Matters Collective 2024 Play Summit 5

The Play Matters Collective 2024 Play Summit

Reflections from The Play Matters Collective 2024 Play Summit The Valuing Children Initiative team recently had the privilege of attending The Play Matters Collective 2024 Play Summit, an event that brought together educators, school administrators, play therapists, local government, and, most importantly, children and young people, to explore the essential role of play in childhood development. The Summit was opened by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, who shared deeply personal insights from her experiences as both a child and a parent. Following her, Minister Sabine Winton, drawing from her years as a teacher, emphasized the importance of play in learning. She powerfully stated, “without play, you can’t learn,” setting the tone for a day full of valuable discussions.

Bassendean kids road safety workshops

Bassendean Kids road safety workshops

You’re invited to join us for a fun interactive workshop where you can contribute your ideas for making the roads in your area safer for you to play outside! We will share all your great ideas with your local government. After the workshop, stay for a street party, open to all locals, from 10.30-12 with lots of fun activities for children! (more details to follow) Workshop 1: Saturday 19 October, 9.30-10.30 Whitfield Street between Brisdon Street and Harcourt Street Target ages 0-7 (including little ones in prams) Workshop 2: Sunday 3 November, 9.30-10.30 Micklton Terrace Bassendean between Anzac Terrace and Micklton Terrace East Target ages 8-15

Resources

‘Help way earlier!’ – transforming child justice

'Help way earlier!’ How Australia can transform child justice to improve safety and wellbeing investigates opportunities for reform of child justice and related systems across Australia based on children’s rights and sound evidence. The report includes the voices of children and their families, and stakeholder submissions, interviews and roundtables. The treatment of children in the criminal justice system, some as young as 10 years old, is one of the most urgent human rights issues facing Australia today. Children and young people in this report spoke about what is needed to prevent children’s contact with the child justice system. Their insights confirm that crime committed by children is a symptom of children’s needs not being met. “Tragically, by not addressing their human rights early on, and instead taking a punitive approach to their offending, we are essentially criminalising some of the most vulnerable children in Australia.” National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds

Parenting in a Digital World

Presented by Zonta Club of Perth Northen Suburbs, this workshop is filled with up-to-date information, real world examples, practical strategies, conversation starters, child friendly books and resource recommendations to support you

Global Lessons in Tackling Child Poverty: Insights for Australia’s Future

As the Valuing Children Initiative continues its campaign to end child poverty in Australia, it's crucial to revisit the important discussions from last year’s End Child Poverty webinar. The insights shared remain just as relevant now as we strive to create a better future for all Australian children. The webinar brought together international experts to explore effective strategies from countries like the United States and New Zealand, where dedicated measures to address child poverty are already in place. Our esteemed guest speakers discussed the positive impact these policies have had on children living in poverty and what we can learn from their experiences. Our guest speakers included: Kate Breslin, President and CEO, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, New York Cara Baldari, Vice President, Family Economics, Housing and Homelessness, First Focus on Children, U.S. Hugh Webb, Principal Analyst, Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, New Zealand Toni Wren, Executive Director, Anti-Poverty Week, Australia While the conversation around child poverty continues to evolve, the statistics and urgency behind the issue remain unchanged. More than ever, we are committed to advocating for strong policies and solutions to ensure no Australian child is left behind. The discussion is ongoing, and we need your help to keep this critical issue at the forefront of public attention.

Media Releases

Australia Needs to Wake up

Child Poverty is on the rise in Australia, caused by the national housing crisis. Check out the story on Sunrise. We are failing every Australian child who each day is going hungry, without a place to call home and reduced educational and life opportunities. Most Australians are shocked to discover that 17 per cent of our kids live in poverty. Children depend on adults to create the conditions that allow them to have a dignified life and the ability to thrive, and we all have a responsibility to make that happen. That’s why we are calling on the Australian government to introduce legislation to end child poverty. We have the wealth, knowledge and means to achieve it. Join us in our fight to end child Poverty In Australia - sign the petition

BREAKING New Child Poverty report!

Researchers warn that Australia’s poverty rate is expected to rise even further in 2024. The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Child Poverty in Australia 2024 report has just been released. The report compared the life outcomes of young people who grew up in poverty, exposing the scarring effect on life outcomes. Following their paths through life over 22 years, the data shows: • Child poverty in Australia has risen significantly as a result in the years since COVID. • Children who experience poverty and housing stress are significantly more likely to suffer nervousness or feel unhappy with their lives for up to ten years after leaving home. • Children are 8 per cent more likely to stay in poverty • Children are 11 per cent less likely to be employed • Rising housing costs hit low-income families harder = with rents increasing by 17.8% for lower quartile rentals between 2020-2022. • Many families are forced to move to more affordable housing, often resulting in dissatisfaction and psychological distress. • Another 102,000 children were plunged into poverty between 2021 and 2022. • 3.7 million people and 823,000 children living below the poverty line. We are failing every Australian child who each day is going hungry, without a place to call home and reduced educational and life opportunities. Most Australians are shocked to discover that 17 per cent of our kids live in poverty. The Child Poverty in Australia 2024 report by Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre released during Homelessness Week was commissioned by the Valuing Children Initiative for the End Child Poverty campaign.

Join Us Today

We are asking the government to act. JOIN US TODAY www.endchildpoverty.com.au #LegislatetoEndChildPoverty #ValuingChildrenInitiative #Nochildinpoverty @valuingchildreninitiative

Surveys and Petitions

VCI Children News banners 24

Anti-Poverty Week

For more than 20 years Anti-Poverty Week has operated in Australia around the 17th of October, the UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Our purpose is to help Australians understand poverty and to take action collectively to end it. Anti-Poverty Week 2024 will run from Sunday 13 October to Saturday 19 October.

VCI Children News banners 21

Close Unit 18 Rally

VCI joined hundreds of Western Australians on the steps of State Parliament calling on the Sate government to close Unit 18. The rally, organised by Boorloo Justice, featured powerful calls to action by a number a dozen, including Dr Hannah McGlade (legal academic), Cheryl Kickett-Tucker (Koya), Professor Fiona Stanley (The Kids Research Institute), Sophie Stewart (Social Reinvestment WA) and Jim Morrison (Noongar Elder).

Bassendean kids road safety workshops

Bassendean Kids road safety workshops

You’re invited to join us for a fun interactive workshop where you can contribute your ideas for making the roads in your area safer for you to play outside! We will share all your great ideas with your local government. After the workshop, stay for a street party, open to all locals, from 10.30-12 with lots of fun activities for children! (more details to follow) Workshop 1: Saturday 19 October, 9.30-10.30 Whitfield Street between Brisdon Street and Harcourt Street Target ages 0-7 (including little ones in prams) Workshop 2: Sunday 3 November, 9.30-10.30 Micklton Terrace Bassendean between Anzac Terrace and Micklton Terrace East Target ages 8-15

Global Lessons Local Action

Global Lessons in Tackling Child Poverty: Insights for Australia’s Future

As the Valuing Children Initiative continues its campaign to end child poverty in Australia, it's crucial to revisit the important discussions from last year’s End Child Poverty webinar. The insights shared remain just as relevant now as we strive to create a better future for all Australian children. The webinar brought together international experts to explore effective strategies from countries like the United States and New Zealand, where dedicated measures to address child poverty are already in place. Our esteemed guest speakers discussed the positive impact these policies have had on children living in poverty and what we can learn from their experiences. Our guest speakers included: Kate Breslin, President and CEO, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, New York Cara Baldari, Vice President, Family Economics, Housing and Homelessness, First Focus on Children, U.S. Hugh Webb, Principal Analyst, Child Wellbeing and Poverty Reduction Group, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, New Zealand Toni Wren, Executive Director, Anti-Poverty Week, Australia While the conversation around child poverty continues to evolve, the statistics and urgency behind the issue remain unchanged. More than ever, we are committed to advocating for strong policies and solutions to ensure no Australian child is left behind. The discussion is ongoing, and we need your help to keep this critical issue at the forefront of public attention.

Wacoss

WACOSS Make WA Fair Election Campaign

Make WA Fair: Building a Brighter, Fairer Future for All Ahead of the 2025 State Election Valuing Children Initiative proudly supports the Make WA Fair campaign launched by WACOSS ahead of the 2025 State Election. As Western Australia faces rising costs and low wage growth, many families are struggling to meet basic needs like securing affordable housing, regular nutritious meals, and planning for the future. The campaign calls for bold reforms in three key areas: Housing Security: Abolishing no-reason evictions and implementing rent stabilisation measures to provide tenants with secure, affordable housing. Early Years Education: Expanding universal access to early childhood education and improving family support services through integrated Child and Family Hubs. Equitable Financial Assistance: Addressing the historical underfunding of vital community services to ensure those most in need can access the support they deserve. At the Valuing Children Initiative, we believe every child deserves a fair start in life. That's why we're standing with WACOSS in their vision for a WA where no one is left behind, and every person is given the opportunity to thrive. Now more than ever, we need policies that prioritise the wellbeing of our children and families. Let’s join together to create a fairer WA for all.

Every Conversation Matters Enhancing Online Safety During National Child Protection Week

eSafety Resources for National Child Protection Week: Protecting Your Child in the Online World

eSafety Resources for National Child Protection Week: Protecting Your Child in the Online World

Browse by category