Mareeba families will gather at Arnold Park next Thursday for the region’s biggest Child Protection Week celebration.
The annual Mareeba Family Fun afternoon, hosted by Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG) and Mareeba Community Centre (MCC), and supported by Mareeba Shire Council, offers free entertainment and activities designed to highlight the community’s role in keeping children and young people safe.
This year’s National Child Protection Week theme, “Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action,” focuses on how early intervention and community support can change children’s lives for the better.
“Child protection is a shared responsibility,” said VPG Service Coordinator Sarah Marsh. “It happens through everyday choices by parents, carers, teachers, neighbours, and community members. When families know where to turn and safe spaces exist for children to be heard, our communities grow stronger and safer. This event connects families with local services and reminds us that every conversation counts.”
MCC Community Programs Coordinator Siale Jenkins added, “Dozens of local service providers will have stalls and run fun activities for children and families. Parenting can be tough, and events like this show why it takes a village to raise a child. By bringing people together, we help families build local support networks they can rely on.”
The event welcomes back crowd favourites including Bugzy Bumblebee, Amazing Faces, and Flip the Clown, alongside exciting new entertainment and activities for all ages. Families can enjoy live music, activities, arts and crafts, and a free sausage sizzle, plus local sweet treats available to purchase.
The event will be held Thursday, 11 September, at Arnold Park, Mareeba, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Community members are encouraged to attend and help spread the message of child safety.
