CHILD protection advocacy organisation Bravehearts has expanded to include the Mid North Coast, thanks to a passionate group of local supporters.
Gary Turnbull, the inaugural chairman of the Hastings Mid North Coast Bravehearts committee, said it was important for the community to work together to protect children from sexual assault.
“I was shocked to learn the statistics surrounding child sexual assault in Australia and it’s time the Hastings community united for change,” Dr Turnbull said.
“I have no doubt that every one of us would do whatever we had to in order to protect our sons or daughters, our nieces or nephews or grandchildren from paedophiles.
“The Hastings Mid North Coast Bravehearts committee shares the vision of other similar committees across the nation to stop child sexual assault in our society and to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child.”
Since its foundation in 1997 by Hetty Johnston, Bravehearts has worked closely with governments, schools, parents and the community to break the silence on child sexual assault.
Bravehearts has developed a personal safety DVD featuring the mascot Ditto in an adventure show which aims to teach children protective behaviours in a non-confrontational, fun and engaging fashion.
“We know the program works, so our committee aims to raise funds to purchase educational resources and our own Ditto so that every child in our area is more aware of child sexual abuse,” Dr Turnbull said.
“The Bravehearts Breakfast on Friday 30 August at Panthers will be our inaugural fund-raiser and we hope the community will support us by coming along and learning more about this important issue.”
Tickets to the Bravehearts Breakfast cost $30 per person and are available at Panthers.
For more information, call Louise on 6581 0518 or 0414 485 502.
