About
What is Children’s Week?
Children’s Week is an annual event celebrated in Australia held around the fourth Wednesday in October. A diverse range of events and activities are organised at National, State and Local levels. These focus the attention of the wider community on children, their rights and achievements. Children’s Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It is also a time for children to demonstrate their talents, skills and abilities.
History of Children’s Week
In 1954 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Universal Children’s Day as a day to promote friendship and understanding among children of the world. From this beginning it developed into a day that focused attention on the issues and needs of children and their families. UNICEF intervened and developed this concept worldwide. Prior to 1977 Child Care Week was held in a number of Australian states and territories with the focus being children in care or those in institutions.
In 1996 it was decided to adopt a permanent theme:
“A Caring World Shares” as a reflection of Children’s Week aims while at the same time acknowledging the designated year on national posters and other printed materials.
A diverse range of events and activities are organised at National, State and Local levels. These focus the attention of the wider community on children, their needs and achievements.
In 1996 it was decided to adopt a permanent theme:
“A Caring World Shares” as a reflection of Children’s Week aims while at the same time acknowledging the designated year on national posters and other printed materials.
A diverse range of events and activities are organised at National, State and Local levels. These focus the attention of the wider community on children, their needs and achievements.
Thousands of children and their families around the country are involved in activities and events during “The Week” through the participation of schools, playgroups, childcare, kindergartens, cultural groups, libraries, departments and community groups.
Designated by the nations of the world, Universal Children’s Day calls society to a greater response to the plight of many millions of children around the world who are denied the basic necessities of a happy childhood and the education to develop their capacities. It also calls us in Australia to consider those conditions in society which affect the lives and future of our own children.
Designated by the nations of the world, Universal Children’s Day calls society to a greater response to the plight of many millions of children around the world who are denied the basic necessities of a happy childhood and the education to develop their capacities. It also calls us in Australia to consider those conditions in society which affect the lives and future of our own children.
The aims of ACT Children's Week Inc
Raise community awareness of the needs, rights and achievements of children and youth.
Honour parents and recognise the contribution of carers, workers and teachers in children’s development.
Encourage the community, children’s services, support groups, schools, youth and community groups to plan and conduct events to celebrate childhood and to highlight issues involving childhood and youth.
Assist individuals, groups and organisations to organise local activities and events that support and involve children and their families, through the provision of small seeding Grants.
Provide opportunities for groups, organisations and schools to ‘open their doors’ to give the community an opportunity to see what children are doing and what they are doing for children.
Recognise the contribution of carers, workers, groups and organisations who contribute to the well being of children and young people through the presentation of Awards.
Encourage the participation of both adults and children in activities and events to celebrate Children’s Week.
Recognise young people who are an example and role model for other young people through the presentation of Awards.
Who We Are
The people involved in ACT Children’s Week
The ACT Children’s Week Committee is made up entirely of unpaid volunteers who have a range of professional histories - mainly in the education, childcare, and community sectors. Some are retirees, while others are still working full-time. A small number of committee members have experience in organisational management and leadership, and strategic and financial planning. These members have also held executive positions within the Committee over several years, and have progressively led the continuous development and design of the Grants and Awards Programs over the years.
We mainly focus on raising community awareness of the needs, rights and achievements of children and youth. We encourage the community, children’s services, support groups, schools, youth and community groups to plan and conduct events to celebrate childhood and to highlight issues involved in childhood and youth. ACT Children’s Week is an amazing opportunity to promote the rights of children and young people, to celebrate their capacity to actively contribute to their community, and to acknowledge those individuals and organisations who work to improve outcomes for children and young people in the ACT.
Children’s Week Theme
Each year a national theme is chosen for Children’s Week based on articles from The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which outlines the fundamental rights of all children, from birth to 18 years of age, regardless of their circumstances. It encompasses civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, emphasizing the best interests of the child and requiring governments to ensure these rights are respected and protected.
The 2025 Children’s Week Theme - Everyone Should Know About Children’s Rights – is based on Article 27 of UNCRC.
Our Resources page contains links to Children’s Rights-related resources
The 2025 Children’s Week Theme - Everyone Should Know About Children’s Rights – is based on Article 27 of UNCRC.
Our Resources page contains links to Children’s Rights-related resources
🛡️ National Principles for Child Safe Organisations – Statement of Commitment
ACT Children’s Week Inc is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We are committed to the provision of child-safe and child-friendly environments, where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and are able to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives.
