Bravehearts Day: Standing together to protect children

Today, 12 September, early childhood services and communities across Australia will pause to recognise Bravehearts Day, a national day dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support child protection.

Bravehearts has long been a leading voice in Australia’s fight against child sexual abuse, advocating for safer communities, stronger protections, and a future where every child can grow up free from harm. Through its counselling, education, training, and advocacy services, Bravehearts has touched the lives of countless children, families, and educators.

As we reflect on this day, it is important to acknowledge the survivors of child sexual abuse, their families, and all those impacted by these experiences. Their courage in sharing their stories has paved the way for greater awareness, stronger protections, and meaningful reform. Bravehearts Day honours not only the work being done to prevent abuse, but also the resilience of those who have lived through it.

Safeguarding children is not only a legal responsibility for early childhood services under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Child Safe Standards, but also a moral and ethical commitment. Bravehearts Day reminds us that while frameworks and policies provide structure, it is the daily actions of educators, leaders, families, and communities that make the difference in ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and heard.

Child protection is most effective when it is embedded into everyday conversations and practices because it naturally expands on the idea of empowering families through conversation. By promoting open dialogue and equipping families and educators with knowledge and confidence, Bravehearts empowers communities to be proactive rather than reactive in safeguarding children.

For more than two decades, Bravehearts has provided education programs in schools and early learning services, offered specialist counselling to survivors and families, and advocated for systemic reforms that prioritise children’s rights and safety.

Their work is supported by a committed network of volunteers and fundraisers who give their time, energy and generosity to ensure these services remain accessible. From community events to workplace campaigns, the spirit of Bravehearts Day is a collective one, it is about standing together to say that protecting children is everyone’s responsibility..

For the early childhood education and care sector, Bravehearts Day is an opportunity to reflect on how safeguarding is enacted within services. It is a reminder to:

• Revisit child protection policies and ensure they are well understood by all staff.
• Reinforce the importance of children’s voices in daily practice, as outlined in the Child Safe Standards.
• Strengthen partnerships with families through open conversations about safety and wellbeing.
• Support fundraising efforts that allow Bravehearts to continue delivering critical services across Australia.

Bravehearts Day is more than symbolic. Every dollar raised goes directly towards programs that prevent abuse, support recovery, and build safer communities. Every conversation sparked helps break down stigma and silence. Every volunteer hour given reflects a commitment to protecting the next generation.

As a sector dedicated to the wellbeing of children, we share this responsibility. Bravehearts Day reminds us of what can be achieved when communities unite in purpose and of the ongoing work needed to ensure every child’s right to safety is upheld, while standing in solidarity with all survivors and families who carry these experiences with them every day.

Every conversation, every act of support, and every dollar raised contributes to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse. Bravehearts also provides a wide range of free, practical resources on its website to help parents and carers begin these important conversations with confidence.

Those wishing to support Bravehearts’ vital work can make a donation here, helping to fund education, counselling, advocacy and community programs that protect children and support survivors.