Message Board
Mike Payne
President - ACT Children’s Week
As we launch Children’s Week 2026, I am incredibly proud to celebrate the diverse children and young people who call the Australian Capital Territory home. This week provides a vital opportunity to recognize the talents, skills, and achievements of our children, while firmly keeping their rights at the heart of our community.
This year’s national theme reminds us of a fundamental truth: “Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture, and practise their religion.” Drawn from Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this theme invites us all to reflect on what true belonging looks like for our youngest citizens.
In the ACT, our strength lies in our diversity. We want every child to feel safe, valued, and genuinely proud of who they are. When we create spaces where children can freely share their unique stories, traditional languages, and cultural expressions, we enrich the entire community.
I encourage all schools, educators, and community groups to join us in honoring this right. Let us listen closely to young voices, support their right to self-expression, and ensure Canberra remains a place where every child can grow with pride in their heritage.
This year’s national theme reminds us of a fundamental truth: “Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture, and practise their religion.” Drawn from Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this theme invites us all to reflect on what true belonging looks like for our youngest citizens.
In the ACT, our strength lies in our diversity. We want every child to feel safe, valued, and genuinely proud of who they are. When we create spaces where children can freely share their unique stories, traditional languages, and cultural expressions, we enrich the entire community.
I encourage all schools, educators, and community groups to join us in honoring this right. Let us listen closely to young voices, support their right to self-expression, and ensure Canberra remains a place where every child can grow with pride in their heritage.
