A number of high profile individuals are committed to supporting the Australian Childhood Foundation campaign to put an end to child abuse. In this section, you can read about their motivation to make a difference to this tragic social problem.
Eric and Rebecca Bana
Patrons
It wasn't a difficult decision to lend our support to what we both believe is such an important issue. We find the work that the Australian Childhood Foundation does to support children devastated by abuse, family violence and neglect incredibly moving and inspiring.
We are honoured to be working with an organisation that is unapologetically relentless in its commitment to protect children and children's rights.
Nadine Garner
Ambassador
When I first heard the statistic that there were 309,517 cases of child abuse reported in 2006 / 2007, I found it almost impossible to believe and it made me realise that there was a good chance others would feel the same way. Accepting that child abuse is our most critical community issue is an incredibly confronting thing to have to do. But, if we don't, that figure will only increase. One thing is for certain. It is not going to go away.
I feel very driven to helping the Australian Childhood Foundation raise awareness of the impact of child abuse and importantly helping the community face up to it and understand how we can put a stop to it.
Stefan Dennis
Ambassador
As an Ambassador of the Australian Childhood Foundation, I passionately believe every child has a right to a childhood free of abuse, fear and violence. And it is every child's right to go to school and gain an education without carrying the burden of abuse or neglect. Often their suffering is secret. They are unnoticed and unprotected. Abuse isolates and distances children from others who might be able to support them, look out for them, and be their friend. The Foundation works tirelessly with schools to help raise awareness of the signs and impact of abuse. I am proud and delighted to contribute in any way to help protect our children.
Robyn Moore
Actor and voice of "Blinky Bill"
I am proud to be an ambassador of the Australian Childhood Foundation because I believe our whole country is hurting profoundly from the results of child abuse and neglect and I fear for the next generation if we continue to tolerate the intolerable. Imagine how many people can be reached through the wonderful work of the Australian Childhood Foundation? One significant positive role model can change the course of a child's life if we are willing to participate.
I often work with children at risk and am passionate about getting them to know that they are loveable, extraordinary and have the power to be resilient in the face of horrendous circumstances so they can build a BIG and deeply satisfying life.
As a society we must not be afraid to stand up for this issue. We cannot let bad things continue to happen to children. Little people need big people to have the courage to take action...so our children become our top priority.
David Boon - Former Australian Cricketer
I decided to become involved in this campaign because children really deserve better. All kids need to be safe. No child deserves to be abused. Kids need to have fun, feel loved and be given the chance to grow into confident and happy people. Child abuse takes all that away from children. It stops them from being kids. It makes them feel unloved and rejected. It stops them from feeling that adults care about them. Kids should never feel they are alone. We have to work together to stop child abuse. All kids have a right to be kids and have a childhood.
Kim and Dave - SEA FM
As supporters of the Australian Childhood Foundation, we believe that a secure, safe childhood is the key to a successful life and to a stable society. It should be every child's right.
As a community we are faced with many problems in dealing with the problem of child abuse. Education for parents, children, teachers and other community members is essential so that abuse can be intercepted at the earliest possible stage.
We want to encourage other adults to play their part in ensuring a safe community for our children. Our advice is firstly to love and cherish your own children and those around you, and secondly, be vigilant so that incidences of abuse are quickly dealt with.
