Governor-General: child protection everybody’s business:

The Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce has joined the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) in asking all Australians to play their part in protecting children.

"With over 30,000 children being abused or neglected every year in Australia, child protection is everyone's business," said Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC CVO, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

This year's theme, 'Play Your Part', encourages everyone from young people and parents to families, friends, carers, teachers or journalists, policy-makers, communities and businesses to get involved in looking after our children.

Visit the NAPCAN website http://playyourpart.org.au for tips, information and activities. See examples of how others are playing their part in helping keep children safe.

The simplest of acts can have a lasting effect from parents ensuring a safe home environment for children in their care to friends encouraging children in need to talk to someone who can help, communities promoting positive, inclusive events and support services or businesses endorsing family friendly work hours.

From a trivia night in Melbourne, VIC, to a morning tea in Bargo, NSW, a kids fun run in Parkeville, WA, a party in Queens Park, QLD, badge making and face painting in Murray Bridge, SA, to a healthy food workshop in Galiwin'ku, NT and a 'child protection' family BBQ in Burnie, Tasmania, community activities are being planned across the country to mark NCPW and raise awareness of the importance of protecting children from abuse and neglect.

This year NAPCAN is launching the Play Your Part Awards for outstanding prevention initiatives. The Awards are about national recognition for individuals, communities or organisations who have played a part in creating safer communities for children and young people. The award recipients will be announced in NCPW.

Teresa Scott, President, NAPCAN Board noted that strong, supported communities make a difference in keeping children and young people safe and well.

"National Child Protection Week is an opportunity to inspire each other through sharing ideas, thoughts and activities which inform and assist us all to care for our children," said Scott.

"Whether it's an individual act or a community event, it all adds up to helping people feel connected to their community and take responsibility for protecting our children."