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KIDSAFE NSW INC
ANNUAL REPORT
2011—2012
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Kidsafe House, c/- The Children‘s Hospital at Westmead
Locked Bag 4001, Westmead NSW 2145
Tel: 02 9845 0890
Fax: 02 9845 0895
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.kidsafensw.org
Patron – Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, Governor of
New South Wales.
Vice Patron – Dr J S Yu, AC
mailto:[email protected]://www.kidsafe.org.au/
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Mission Statement 4
Chairperson & Executive Officer Report 5
Home Safety Unit 7
Road Safety Unit 9
Playground Advisory Unit 11
Corporate Issues 13
Kidsafe NSW Media Activity 15
Kidsafe NSW Presentations 16
Kidsafe NSW Participation 18
Kidsafe NSW Council Members 19
Kidsafe NSW Organisational Structure 23
Kidsafe NSW Staff 24
Kidsafe NSW Acknowledgements 25
Bequests and Scholarships 26
Hunter Regional Report 28
Hunter Regional Sub-Committee Members 31
Hunter Regional Acknowledgements and Committees 32
ContentsContentsContents
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Kidsafe NSW Inc.
A Safer World For Kids
OUR VISION
To prevent child deaths
from unintentional injury
and reduce the severity of
unintentional injury to
children aged 0-15 years
OUR MISSION
To take a leadership role in
child injury prevention
through education,
research, advocacy and
strategic partnerships
Strategic
Partnerships
Sustainable
Organisation
Collaborative
Research
Public Policy
Advocacy
Community
Education
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Chairperson and Executive Officer Chairperson and Executive Officer Chairperson and Executive Officer
ReportReportReport
Dear Kidsafe NSW friends and colleagues,
Once again we would like to report that Kidsafe NSW has maintained its commitment to inform
parents and carers about safety issues that may impact on their children's health and well
being.
As our everyday environments 'morph' over time to expose us to different potential hazards,
Kidsafe has a role in trying to be 'one step ahead!' Our national and international networks of
child injury prevention experts means that we are alerted to risky situations for children. For
example, we have distributed information about button batteries, 'bling' dummies, amber
necklaces, second hand child restraints, driveway safety and indoor play equipment.
Kidsafe NSW maintains strong networks with a range of experts and this activity is built on the
great work of previous staff and NSW Council members. It's a great feeling to be 'out and
about' and to hear the praise and respect afforded Kidsafe for the work it does.
The success of the work of the current staff is described in the attached reports. Their work is
of a very high professional standard and their commitment is infectious.
Kidsafe NSW receives many requests to inform the community about child safety issues and
to distribute resources on injury prevention strategies. However, even with two offices in NSW,
it is not possible to attend to every request. Kidsafe Hunter have prioritised requests to focus
on the needs of local CALD communities and to develop relationships with local industry
groups. At the state office, based in Westmead, the focus has been on servicing agencies that
support vulnerable families. In addition, information available on the website has been greatly
improved and resources have been developed to address specific needs.
The organisation continues to focus on regional and rural communities particularly with the
work of the Playground Advisory Unit through its training and inspection services; and the
Road Safety Unit through the resource training undertaken with Child and Family Nurses
across a number of regions in NSW. These activities and more are included in the following
reports.
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Kidsafe NSW acknowledges the major contributions of our funding bodies, particularly NSW
Health which has also funded a project to improve window safety for public housing tenants.
Other funding from the NSW Government to support the Playground Advisory Unit and the
Road Safety Unit has been delayed due to changes in funding processes but it is hoped that
these issues will be resolved so that ongoing community support and initiatives can continue
uninterrupted.
This year has seen a great partnership develop with The Wiggles and Volkswagen which has
resulted in Kidsafe being showcased as part of The Wiggles road safety initiatives in
collaboration with Volkswagen Australia.
Lastly, on behalf of Kidsafe NSW, staff and Council members we would like to thank Dr David
Schell who has been a very valuable member of Council for many years. New members have
also come on to Council this year and the diversity of expertise continues to add value to the
work of Kidsafe in NSW.
This Annual Report for 2011-2012 demonstrates the scope and diversity of the great work
undertaken by the Kidsafe team in NSW and we all look forward to another year supporting
families and communities - 'make a safer world for kids!'
Dr Nicholas Cheng, FRACP Ms Christine Erskine Chair Executive Officer Kidsafe NSW Kidsafe NSW
Chairperson and Executive Officer Chairperson and Executive Officer Chairperson and Executive Officer
ReportReportReport
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Home Safety UnitHome Safety UnitHome Safety Unit
The functions of this Unit continue to be handled by existing suitably qualified staff, in addition to
their normal duties.
Advice and suggestions on safety in and around the home and in children‘s services continues
to be an element of critical importance to clients seeking the services provided by Kidsafe NSW.
Demands for presentations and community displays remains high. Telephone and email
enquiries have been constant throughout the reporting year.
The Demonstration Safety House and Playspace were closed for a number of months in
2011—2012 to allow for construction of the Kidsafe House extension.
Highlights for 2011/2012
Promotion of major safety campaigns including magnets, button batteries, falls from
windows and balconies, burns and swimming pool safety.
Kidsafe News was issued in August 2011, December 2011, April 2012. The eight page
newsletter included regular items and articles of interest on important current injury and
seasonal injury topics. The newsletter is distributed electronically to over 8,000
organisations and individuals and continues to be well received.
The Kidsafe NSW Safety Demonstration House had a large number of visitors during the
year. These were from a range of client groups including individual parents; local
playgroups and mothers groups; support groups for disadvantaged clients; Family Day
Care educators; Early Childhood Centre educators; senior school, TAFE and other
vocational students.
Participation in the Pregnancy, Babies and Children‘s Expo at Homebush in May 2012.
Undertook many media interviews on general home safety issues.
Continuation of home safety presentations to a wide range of our clients.
Reviewed layout and presentation of information in Kidsafe Demonstration following
completion of extension.
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Home Safety UnitHome Safety UnitHome Safety Unit
Future Directions
Continue to pursue funding options for Home Safety. This is an area where there is a
constant demand for presentations from a wide range of community groups. Due to current
staffing levels these demands are not always able to be met.
Continue to develop appropriate education and training resources to ensure safety
messages are consistent and sustainable.
Continue to leverage stakeholder input to maximise opportunities to deliver safety
campaign messages without duplication of resources.
Continue to develop collaborative partnerships on major safety campaign issues.
Explore opportunities to maximise ways of getting the safety messages to our clients using
a range of different media.
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Road Safety UnitRoad Safety UnitRoad Safety Unit
The Road Safety Unit provides advice to clients on a range of child road safety issues. The
main areas are child pedestrian safety, passenger safety, driveway and bicycle safety and
injury prevention. The Unit is involved in the development and implementation of media
campaigns, resource materials and the provision of information relating to specific road
safety requirements. During the reporting year Vicki Milne was the part time staff member in
the Unit.
Our main clients include parents, carers, Education and Care Services, local government
Road Safety Officers, students, community groups and school group representatives.
Funding was provided to Kidsafe NSW by Transport for NSW to conduct a child restraint
education project for Child and Family Health Nurses. This project was piloted in the
Murrumbidgee and Lismore Local Health Areas and was conducted by Vicki Milne.
Highlights for 2011/2012
The ‗Seat Me Safely‗ web program on child restraints
launched in December 2010 was nominated as a
finalist in the Australian Road Safety Awards in the
Innovation category. This innovative web portal was
developed after extensive consultation with
stakeholders and provides parents and carers with an interactive web tool on child restraint
information.
Child restraint information sessions were conducted for community nurses in Murrumbidgee
and Lismore Local Health areas. Five sessions were held in Lismore, Cootamundra, Henty,
Gundagai and Deniliquin. Over 51 community health nurses attended these sessions.
Feedback from these sessions was extremely positive .
―Seat Me Safely‖ DVD project with Sydney Childrens Hospital and NRMA Insurance was
completed and released. The media file can now be viewed on the Kidsafe NSW website.
Conference sessions on Driveway Safety and Seat Me Safely Web program conducted at
Healthy Cities Illawarra Conference.
Collaboration with Volkswagen/Wiggles on road safety initiatives.
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Road Safety UnitRoad Safety UnitRoad Safety Unit
In collaboration with NRMA Motoring & Services, the Unit redeveloped four co-branded
brochures on child safety issues. These brochures were finalised and released during the
year: Kids on Farms, Kids in and around water, Kids in Cars and Kids on Wheels.
Neuroscience Australia completed an evaluation of our ‗Child Safety in the Car‘ resources.
Results showed that the brochure was a valuable resource for CALD communities in
getting information on child restraints.
Fact Sheets produced by the Unit were regularly reviewed and updated where necessary.
The Unit produced many articles on various aspects of road safety included in Kidsafe
NSW newsletters.
Over 50 phone calls and emails handled each month on road safety issues.
Sessions conducted with targeted community groups on a range of topics including: child
restraints, driveway safety and pedestrian safety.
Continued collaboration with Migrant Resource Centres to determine priorities for sessions
to parents on child road safety issues.
Kidsafe NSW participated in the NRMA Insurance Play It Safe presentations which were
held at a number of shopping centre locations across Sydney. These presentations by
NRMA Insurance were very innovative and highlighted a range of home and road safety
messages in a live play acted out in the centres.
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Road Safety UnitRoad Safety UnitRoad Safety Unit
Future Directions
Continue collaborations with key stakeholders on road safety initiatives.
In collaboration with NRMA Insurance conduct 10 free restraint checking days across New
South Wales and redesign of child restraint display banners.
Review targeted brochures on child safety with NRMA Motoring and Services.
Continue participation in and promotion of Child Restraint Evaluation Program.
Continue ongoing advocacy role on child road safety issues.
Undertake activities related to the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 – 2020.
Promotion of key road safety campaign messages such as driveway safety and child
restraint best practice.
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Playground Advisory UnitPlayground Advisory UnitPlayground Advisory Unit
The Playground Advisory Unit (PAU) is a leading agency in NSW that provides impartial,
technical and design advice related to playgrounds and children‘s play. Information and advice
is provided to the public via telephone and email enquiries, the website, publication and
distribution of resources, education and training workshops, inspections, design consultations,
review of plans, and presentations at conferences and media events.
The Unit comprises the Program Manager, Kate Fraser (full-time) and three project officers,
Angela Marton (full-time), Kay Lockhart (part-time) and Beverley Boland (part-time). This
multidisciplinary team has qualifications and experience in occupational therapy, ergonomics,
children‘s services, early childhood education, OHS auditing, landscape architecture and
horticulture.
Highlights for 2011/2012
Playground Tours: Kidsafe NSW, Parks and Leisure Australia and Fiona Robbé Landscape
Architects have collaborated to offer Playground Tours. Two Playground Tour events have
been completed. The first tour visited playgrounds in Sydney Olympic Park, Meadowbank
and Ryde. The second tour was based at Darling Quarter in Darling Harbour. Each
Playground Tour has a speakers program. The tours are aimed at local government,
planners, and design groups. All evaluation feedback has been very positive.
Kidsafe 2012 National Playspace Design Awards: Kidsafe NSW is coordinating this
program. Entries close 31 August 2012. Judging will take place during September. Award
winners will be announced on National Kidsafe Day, 23 October 2012.
92 inspections were completed during 2011-2012 including 25 inspections to socially and
geographically isolated services.
The Unit participated in the development and review of Australian Standards applicable to
playground industry through membership of CS-005 Playground Equipment, ME-051
Amusement Rides and Devices, and CS-100 Trampolines.
7 short workshops (2hrs) were delivered to educators and coordinators of family day care
schemes.
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Playground Advisory UnitPlayground Advisory UnitPlayground Advisory Unit
Workshops and inspections were conducted in 7 NSW regions: South East, Metropolitan
Sydney, Mid North Coast, North West, Far West, Murrumbidgee and Far North Coast.
8 conference presentations or seminar opportunities were undertaken during the year.
7 subsidised design information services were provided as part of inspection services for
Education and Care Services in the Mid North Coast, and South East. This subsidised service
provides agencies with playspace ideas suitable for their site.
Future Directions
Renovate the Kidsafe House demonstration playground to showcase new design concepts
and materials. Funding has been received from Community Building Partnerships to realise
this project.
Develop web resource to provide information regarding children, gardening and poisonous
plants. Funding has been received from the NSW 2011 Young Horticulturist of the Year Award
(Australian Institute of Horticulture) to realise this project.
Facilitate and announce Kidsafe 2012 National Playspace Design Awards.
Continue to provide state-wide services including regular visits to all regions of NSW.
Cultivate relationships with like-minded not-for-profit organisations and agencies.
Investigate the feasibility of developing an accredited course suitable for the playground and
play industry.
Darling Quarter, Sydney First Playground Tour, 2011
Lizards Log, Western Sydney
Parklands
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Quality Management Project
Kidsafe NSW renewed its contract with Quality Management Services (an independent,
not-for-profit provider of quality improvement services to the health and community sector) in
2011 and continues to work on the project work plan and quality improvement process with a
view to seeking accreditation in 2013.
As part of the Quality Management Project, sub-committees of the Kidsafe NSW Council have
been established and meet regularly to facilitate implementation of the project work plans.
The Communication Sub-Committee oversees the development of a Communication Strategy
for Kidsafe NSW. This strategy aims to target efficient communication opportunities using a
range of approaches to the community and media.
The Governance Sub-Committee ensures the organisation has transparent processes and that
the operations of the organisation are being undertaken with due diligence. The Kidsafe NSW
Policy and Procedure Manual was endorsed in February 2012 and implementation has
commenced.
Kidsafe NSW Website
During the reporting period the website has proved to be a very useful tool in
delivering information to people on child injury prevention issues.
The website is constantly updated to ensure consistency across the units. Work will continue
on improving the website to ensure that information is accurate and up-to-date.
A website designer was engaged in March 2012 to develop the website with a new ‗look‘ and
additional features including: online booking and order forms, staff and board only access
sections. A search engine will also enhance access to the website. Work has commenced and it
is anticipated that the new site will be launched in August 2012.
Most publications available from Kidsafe NSW, including the complete suite of fact sheets, are
available for clients to download.
This provides our clients with quick and easy access to information
and reduces our expenses in terms of printing and mailing costs.
Corporate IssuesCorporate IssuesCorporate Issues
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Building Extension
Kidsafe NSW was allocated funding from NSW Community Building Partnerships in December
2009 to build a meeting/training room above the existing garage of the Demonstration Safety
House.
The project was completed in December 2011 with generous support from the organisations
and businesses below. The official opening is scheduled for the end of 2012.
Corporate IssuesCorporate IssuesCorporate Issues
http://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/connect/sjclintonconstruction/service/105018http://www.oldfieldsscaffold.com.au/http://www.harveynorman.com.au/?gclid=CNnf98rXtKwCFUmFpAodGS5CRQhttp://www.hpm.com.au/http://www.boralbricks.com/http://www.coateshire.com.au/homehttp://www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au/archive
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KidsafeKidsafeKidsafe NSW Media ActivityNSW Media ActivityNSW Media Activity
Date Media Source Topic
21/07/11 Kiama Independent Paper Playground Safety, Rockets
25/07/11 2GB, 2UE, Channel 10, SMH other media—cords & falls
25/07/12 ABC Radio—Richard Glover Cords and Falls
25/08/11 Daily Telegraph Cord, Toggles, drawstrings, hats—Playground News
article
27/08/11 2GB Cord, Toggles, drawstrings, hats—Playground News
article
19/09/11 7 Radio Station interviews Slings following Report from University of Adelaide
20/09/11 ABC Radio North Coast Slings
20/09/11 2NUR FM Slings
29/09/11 6 Radio interviews Driveway Safety
30/09/11 Channel 9 ACA Driveway Incidents
30/09/11 Channel 7 News Driveway Incidents
30/09/11 Channel 9 News Driveway Incidents
06/10/11 ABC Radio—Richard Glover Children left unattended in cars
06/10/11 Channel 10 News Pedestrian Safety
17/10/11 Channel 10 Swimming Pools
28/10/11 2UE Interview—David Oldfield General Safety
09/11/11 Sunday Herald Sun How have playgrounds changed over time?
18/11/11 2UE—Prue and Tracy show Mandating trampoline nets
19/01/12 ABC Radio Interview Newcastle Falls from Windows
21/01/12 Sun Herald Road Safety for Back to School Special
07/02/12 Interview—Sydney’s Child Playground safety, new equipment, parents’ views
26/02/12 Channel 9 Fall from window incident
05/03/12 Interview—Cars Guide Driveway Safety
15/03/12 Illawarra Mercury Falls from Windows and Driveway Safety
15/03/12 ABC Illawarra Falls from Windows and Driveway Safety
19/03/12 Practical Parenting General Home Safety
19/03/12 Courier Mail Reversing Cameras
05/04/12 Sunday Telegraph Tips for parents for Easter Holidays
07/05/12 2UE Interview—David Oldfield Road Safety, School Zones, Stranger Danger
26/06/12 Practical Parenting General Home safety issues
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KidsafeKidsafeKidsafe NSW PresentationsNSW PresentationsNSW Presentations
Month Presentation
July 2011 ‘Safe and Creative Playspaces for Schools’, NSW Parents and Citizens
Conference Tamworth
November 2011 Child Restraints—Glenmore Park
November 2011 ‘Greening the Rubber Outdoors’, NSW Community Childcare Coop
Conference (Sydney)
December 2011 Forum with licensing staff at Epping Branch Family and Community Services
(Sydney)
February 2012
‘Safe and Creative Play for Family Day Care’, Communities @ Work Family Day
Care Conference (Canberra)
February 2012 Child Restraint Information Session for Community Health Nurses Cootamundra
21/2/12
February 2012 Child Restraint Information Session for Community Health Nurses Lismore
28/2/12
March 2012
‘Art for Play’, Parks and Leisure Australia NSW Conference (Coffs Harbour);
‘Evaluating Playspace Potential’, Parks and Leisure Australia NSW Conference
(Coffs Harbour);
March 2012 ‘Rubber Surfacing Panel’, Parks and Leisure Australia NSW Conference
(Coffs Harbour); panel member presentation and participation
March 2012 ‘Seat Me Safely’ Presentation—Healthy Cities, Illawarra
March 2012 ‘Driveway Safety’ Presentation—Healthy Cities Illawarra
March 2012 ‘Falls from Windows and Balconies’ Presentation—Healthy Cities Illawarra
March 2012 Child Restraint Information Session for Community Health Nurses, Henty
22/3/12
May 2012 Child restraint Information Session for Community Health Nurses, Gundagai
3/5/12
June 2012 Child Restraint Information Session for Community Health Nurses, Deniliquin
5/6/12
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Kidsafe NSW ParticipationKidsafe NSW ParticipationKidsafe NSW Participation
Kidsafe NSW has participated in a number of committees and forums during 2011-2012.
These include:
Leycester Meares Bequest Trust (Secretariat)
NSW Severe Burns Injury Service, NSW Health
Blacktown Aboriginal Safety Promotion Program Safety Committee
Standards Australia Committee CS-005 Playground Safety
Standards Australia Committee CS-100 Trampolines
Standards Australia Committee ME-051 Amusement Rides and Devices including
Amusement Rides, Go-Karts, Land Borne Inflatables, Water Borne Inflatables, and
Contained Play Facilities.
Inclusive Play Guidelines Working Committee Member (facilitated by Touched By
Olivia Foundation)
NSW Office of Fair Trading Product Safety Committee
Samuel Morris Foundation
Child Death Review Team (Dr Susan Adams—NSW Kidsafe Council Member)
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Kidsafe NSW Council MembersKidsafe NSW Council MembersKidsafe NSW Council Members
Chair
Dr Nicholas Cheng MB BS BSc(MED) DCH FRACP
Staff Specialist Paediatric Emergency Medicine
The Children‘s Hospital Westmead
Deputy Chairperson
Ms Kellie Wilson
GradDipClinical Practice (Paediatrics),
DipAppSc (Nursing), NICC
Acting Director, Paediatric Trauma Service
Sydney Children‘s Hospital, Randwick
Treasurer
Ms Lynn Kraus, US CPA,
Sydney Office Managing Partner
Member of Aust Institute Chartered Accountants
Ernst & Young
Members
Associate Professor David Eager,
BEng, GradCertDisputes
School of Electrical, Mechanical & Mechatronic Systems,
Faculty & Engineering and Information Technology,
University of Technology, Sydney
Ms Fabiola Campora, BScLLB,GradDipLegalPractice,
Principal Legal Officer, Civil Litigation NSW Office of
Fair Trading (resigned 5/10/11)
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Kidsafe NSW Council MembersKidsafe NSW Council MembersKidsafe NSW Council Members
Members
Mr David Wilson
Workplace Trainer and Assessor
Manager Child Care Services of NSW P/L
Dr Susan Adams MBBS FRACS
Staff Specialist, Head of Department, Paediatric Surgery
Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
Ms Denise Taylor
M.Ed, Dip Tch, Cert Tch, Grad Dip Sch Lib, FAICD, FAIM
Chief Executive Officer
National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc
Professor David Schell MBBS FRACP FSFICM
Intensive Care Unit Staff Specialist
The Children‘s Hospital Westmead (resigned 4/4/12)
Dr Nicholas Pigott
Senior Staff Specialist, Intensive Care
Children’s Hospital Westmead
Dr Julie Brown
Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia
Australian Research Council APDI Fellow
Conjoint Lecturer, School of Medicine UNSW
Ms Kristy Abbott
MHealthSc, BA (Psych)
Assistant Executive Officer
Youthsafe Inc
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Kidsafe NSW Council MembersKidsafe NSW Council MembersKidsafe NSW Council Members
Members
Dr Gael Walker
FPRIA, Phd MAdmin, GradDipCommMgt, DipEd, BA
Consultant
Retired Associate Dean
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, UTS
Dr Tamara Blakemore
PhD, B.SW, B.A (Psych)
The Family Action Centre, Faculty of Health
University of Newcastle
Dr Rebecca Ivers
PhD Injury Epidemiology, Masters of Public Health
Director, Injury Division
The George Institute for Global Health
Professor Kathleen Clapham
PhD BA (Honours) Professor (Indigenous Health)
Australian Health Services Research Institute
University of Wollongong
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Kidsafe NSW CouncilKidsafe NSW CouncilKidsafe NSW Council
3/8/11 5/10/11 7/12/11 1/2/12 4/4/12 6/6/12
Nicholas Cheng
Kellie Wilson Leave Leave
Lynn Kraus
Kristy Abbott Leave
David Schell Leave Retired
Fabiola Campora Retired
David Eager
David Wilson
Denise Taylor
Julie Brown
Gael Walker
Susan Adams Leave
Nick Piggott
Kathleen Clapham New member
Rebecca Ivers New member
Tamara Blakemore
PARTICIPATION IN COUNCIL MEETINGSPARTICIPATION IN COUNCIL MEETINGSPARTICIPATION IN COUNCIL MEETINGS
Key
Attended
Apology
Non Attendance
Non member
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Kidsafe NSW Organisational StructureKidsafe NSW Organisational StructureKidsafe NSW Organisational Structure
Kidsafe NSW CouncilKidsafe NSW CouncilKidsafe NSW Council
Executive OfficerExecutive OfficerExecutive Officer
Playground Advisory UnitPlayground Advisory UnitPlayground Advisory Unit
Road Safety UnitRoad Safety UnitRoad Safety Unit
Home and Community Home and Community Home and Community
Safety UnitSafety UnitSafety Unit
Hunter Regional Hunter Regional Hunter Regional
SubSubSub---CommitteeCommitteeCommittee
Program Manager
Project Officer
Project Officer
Project Officer
Regional Manager
Admin Support
Education Officer
Project Officer
AdministrationAdministrationAdministration
Reception/Finance/Admin Support
Finance Officer—contract
Volunteer
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Christine Erskine
Executive Officer
Vicki Milne
Road Safety Officer
Lori Hawkins
Admin Assistant
Vicky Paranamos
Volunteer
Kate Fraser
Manager, Playground
Advisory Unit
Kay Lockhardt
Playground Advisory
Unit
Beverley Boland
Playground Advisory
Unit
Angela Marton
Playground Advisory
Unit
Kidsafe NSW StaffKidsafe NSW StaffKidsafe NSW Staff
Kerryn Duvollet
Regional Manager, Hunter
Jennifer Chadban
Admin Assistant
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Kidsafe NSW AcknowledgementsKidsafe NSW AcknowledgementsKidsafe NSW Acknowledgements
Kidsafe NSW is a charitable, not for profit organisation and our funding is provided through
sponsorships, grants and donations. Kidsafe NSW would like to thank the following
organisations for their generous support:
NSW Government Community Building Partnership
NSW Health
NSW Family and Community Services
NSW Sport and Recreation
NSW Department of Education and Training
NRMA Insurance
NRMA Motoring and Services
Motor Accidents Authority
Roads and Maritime Services
The Children‘s Hospital at Westmead
Sydney Children‘s Hospital, Randwick
Britax Childcare Pty Ltd
Ernst & Young
The Leycester Meares Bequest
Australian Institute of Horticulture—NSW 2011 Young Horticulturist of the Year
Award
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Bequests and ScholarshipsBequests and ScholarshipsBequests and Scholarships
Leycester Meares Bequest
By A Deed of Trust dated 7th July 1995 the Child Accident Prevention
Foundation (the Foundation) created a perpetual trust known as The
Leycester Meares Bequest (the Bequest). The Bequest was established to
acknowledge the contributions made by The Honourable Mr Justice Leycester
Meares (1909 -1994) in establishing the Child Accident Prevention Foundation
of Australia (CAPFA) in 1979.
Funding has been provided to the Child Accident Prevention Foundation by
the Trust for a number of years to assist in promoting National Kidsafe Day
which is held annually. The support of the Leycester Meares Trust has
assisted in increasing the profile of Kidsafe, developing a national Kidsafe website and also
towards the development of state websites.
In 2011-2012 the Trust provided funds to highlight road safety as part of National Kidsafe Day. As
part of this Kidsafe presented National Kidsafe Awards to recognise road safety champions in
each State and territory in a number of categories.
In NSW, the Kidsafe Business Award was awarded to the Midson Road Child Care Centre which
developed a comprehensive road safety education program involving children, parents, carers,
grandparents and staff.
The Local Champion Award was awarded to Llynda Nairn who is based in the Hunter Region. As
a seasoned performer Llynda engages primary school children through juggling, comedy and play
acting in order to promote safety on and around roads.
Presentation to Midson Rd Child
Care Centre Local Champion Award being
presented to Llynda Nairn
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Bequests and ScholarshipsBequests and ScholarshipsBequests and Scholarships
Lorrie Fay Memorial Kidsafe NSW Scholarship
The Lorrie Fay Memorial Scholarship was established in recognition
of the lengthy and devoted service to Kidsafe and to continue her
dream of a safe, caring and healthy environment for children.
The bequest fund is managed through the University of NSW
(UNSW) and provides a Scholarship to UNSW medical students
undertaking Honours program or an Independent Learning Project
(ILP).
In 2011, the first of these scholarships was awarded to Jodie
Wheatley who undertook research in the area of child restraints.
Her paper was accepted as a peer reviewed conference paper at the Australasian College of
Road Safety Conference which she will be presenting in Sydney during August 2012. The
Paper was titled ―Risk factors for serious injury to child occupants 0-3 years in motor vehicle
crashes”. Jodie was supervised in her research by Dr Julie Brown from Neuroscience
Australia. Jodie subsequently received a Highly Commended Award for her research paper at
the Conference.
A second scholarship was awarded during 2012. The recipient of this will undertake research
on children falling from windows and will also be supervised by Dr Julie Brown.
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Kidsafe Hunter has had some significant changes to staffing and focus during the reporting year.
Leonie Forsyth retired in November 2011 after 19 years of dedicated service to Kidsafe Hunter.
Leonie had been with Kidsafe Hunter since it was formed in 1992. Kerryn Duvollet is the new
Regional Manager. The role of Education Officer was filled by Mel Clifton who did a great job in
establishing links in the community. Her work in this role was greatly appreciated and helped to
enhance the profile of Kidsafe in the Hunter. Mel resigned from this position in March 2012.
Three new members were welcomed to the Hunter Regional Sub-Committee: Chris May, Amy
Neary and James Pheils.
Highlights for 2011/2012
Successful recipient of funding through QR National Community Grants.
Successful recipient of funding through Newcastle Club Grants, for Child Injury Prevention
workshops within the Newcastle‘s multicultural community.
Recipient of donations through the Fire Fighters Ball.
New integrated website with Kidsafe NSW.
Regular attendance at community Interagency meetings in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle
and Upper Hunter.
Attendance at a number of community events and Expos including The Newcastle Show,
HIPPIE Family Fun Day, Muswellbrook Family Fun Day, Multicultural Expo, and Early
Intervention Expo.
Presentations to a number of agencies including Department of Education and Communities
(Assessment & Compliance Officers), the Early Leaders Breakfast at Central Coast, Brighter
Futures Program (Uniting Care Burnside, Central Coast and Samaritans, Hunter Region),
Ourimbah TAFE (Children‘s Services), Mobile Children‘s Services, Child and Family
Community Nurses (Hunter Region) and University of Newcastle (Medical Students, John
Hunter Hospital).
Media Kit developed about Kidsafe Hunter and distributed to all media including TV,
newspapers and radio.
Hunter Regional SubHunter Regional SubHunter Regional Sub---CommitteeCommitteeCommittee
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Presentations to a number of client groups including MOMS Friendship Group (Multicultural
Unit), home visiting volunteers (Family Insight, Maitland Neighbourhood Centre, and Home
Start, Family Action Centre), parents at an early learning centre, 5 consecutive workshops for
families attending playgroups (KU/Mission Australia Supported Playgroups), and young
parents group (Samaritans/Hunter New England Health).
Distribution of a number of Kidsafe Resource Kits to early childhood services in the Hunter
Region.
The development of a Kidsafe NSW Hunter Regional brochure and prospectus to be
presented in conjunction with Kidsafe NSW brochure, outlining services and resources
available in the Hunter Regional community.
The development of a strong working partnership with Hunter Valley Gardens, enabling us to
grow our donation base.
Leonie and Tamara at the Kidsafe Hunter
Breakfast, October 2011
The Educational Van at Muswellbrook
Family Fun Day
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Future Directions
Continue to strengthen child injury prevention education to families in the community by
working cooperatively with services and agencies already engaged with these families.
Kidsafe Hunter believes that working in a coordinated and collaborative manner will not
only increase the knowledge, skills and capacities of the families and communities we work
with, but also strengthen the community sector that serves them.
Continue to build and sustain an active conversation between families, the community and
the service sector as a viable way of reducing the incidence of serious child injury and
death.
Continue to access funding through writing submissions for various community grants,
targeted fundraising opportunities and building relationships with the Hunter community
and business sector.
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Chairperson Dr Tamara Blakemore
University of Newcastle
Social Work Lecturer
Treasurer
Nicole Russell
Financial Controller
Suters Architects
Members Di Hurt
Registered Nurse (Retired)
Andrew Killen
Partner, Killen & Doran
Chris May
The Family Action Centre
University of Newcastle
Amy Neary
Owner/ Director, The Little Unicorn
James Pheils
Self Employed, Telecommunications
Christie Dawes
Casual and Relief Teacher
Paraolympian
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Acknowledgements
The Hunter Regional Sub-Committee and Kidsafe Hunter staff would like to thank the following
organisations for their support during 2011/12:
Prime Television
Fire and Rescue NSW—Metropolitan North 1
Cardiff Panthers
Wallsend Diggers
Safety and Forensic Engineering Pty Ltd
Hunter Valley Gardens
Newcastle Herald
Lake Macquarie City Council
Committees
Lake Macquarie Interagency
Upper Hunter Interagency
Newcastle Interagency