Investing in Our Youth, the not-for-profit organisation behind the Collie Valley Child and Parent Centre, was recognised last week with an award from the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
The Play Your Part Awards recognise inspiring initiatives that promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Investing in Our Youth chief executive Ian Anstee said the award was a great honour and recognition for the work they’ve done to help improve the lives of South West children.
“It’s a big deal for us… It shows that we have been consistently working for the benefit of children,” he said.
Mr Anstee said the dedication of the Collie Valley Child and Parent Centre’s staff to work with parents and families who need a bit of help was amazing.
“In a short time the centre has been trusted by the community… It’s become the one stop shop,” he said.
“There’s always more to do but if we can help, we will.
“Everything we do is always for the kids so they have the best life possible.
“We’re really hopeful of doing more in Collie to help children and their parents.”
Mr Anstee said the centre was making a positive impact on the lives of Collie children and their families through a range of activities, from playgroups to early education and parenting programs.
Investing in Our Youth runs Child and Parent Centres in both Bunbury and Collie with funding from the state Department of Education, along with running a range of programs catered to certain aspects of young children’s lives.
National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect chief executive Richard Cooke said the awards supported National Child Protection Week’s message that ‘protecting children is everyone’s business’.
“Children thrive when their families are well supported and their communities are connected and strong. National Child Protection Week is an opportunity for all Australians to find ways to ‘play their part’,” he said.
“NAPCAN’s Play Your Part Awards are designed to recognise the diverse ways that committed Australians are working together to create a safer community for all children and young people.
“NAPCAN warmly congratulates Investing in Our Youth and commends its commitment to building stronger communities for children and young people.”
National Child Protection Week ran from Sunday, September 2 until Saturday, September 8 with the NAPCAN Play Your Part awards handed out at a ceremony in Perth on Friday, September 7.
