Body Safety Australia to spotlight child protection in Canberra ahead of National Child Protection Week

In the lead-up to National Child Protection Week, Body Safety Australia will host a landmark event in Canberra, calling for universal access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) that includes robust child safety measures.

Titled Every Child in Mind, No Postcode Left Behind, the event will take place on Tuesday 2 September 2025 at the Abacus Child Care and Education Centre, located within the Treasury building in the heart of the Parliamentary Triangle.

In partnership with Communities at Work, the event invites parents, carers, ECEC professionals, sector leaders and Members of Parliament to come together in shared commitment to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

“Universal access to early learning must go hand in hand with universal protection,” Body Safety Australia CEO Deanne Carson said. “We need to embed child safety into every learning environment, ensuring that no child in any postcode is left behind.”

Body Safety Australia is a nationally recognised leader in child sexual abuse primary prevention. As a Trusted eSafety Provider, the organisation delivers whole-community prevention education that addresses both in-person and online threats to child safety.

During the Canberra visit, Body Safety Australia will deliver a series of programs and workshops for educators, children and families at both Abacus Child Care and Education Centre and Capitol Hill Early Childhood Centre, located inside Parliament House.

Educators and staff can participate in professional development sessions on abuse prevention, while children will engage in the Superstars Children’s Program. Parents and carers will also be offered dedicated workshops equipping them with practical tools to identify grooming behaviours, promote children’s image autonomy and create safer environments.

Head of Education Lauren French will join Ms Carson in delivering keynote addresses at the event, which will also welcome two special guest presenters, Georgie Dent from The Parenthood and Dr Red Ruby Scarlet. The program will feature a Community Parent Carer Workshop designed to build confidence and capacity in preventing child sexual abuse.

“Preventing abuse is not just about recognising risk, it’s about empowering children, families and educators with the skills, knowledge and language to act early and act together,” Ms French said.

For event details and to RSVP follow this link.

By embedding child protection into early education, Body Safety Australia is helping shape safer stories for every child, no matter where they live.