The Aurukun community gathers in solidarity on 9 September during National Child Protection Week for its biggest march yet. Photo: Supplied.
As National Child Protection Week came to a close, a stunning display of solidarity in Aurukun reminds us that change comes from a whole-of-community effort.
The innocence of children and the determination of adults filled the streets when PCYC Aurukun held its biggest National Child Protection Week march yet on 9 September, showcasing the growing drive for change in community.
Club manager Sergeant Steve Armstrong-Ravula said for this year’s march, which is the fourth since 2022, they focused on including locals outside of the PCYC.
“We got a lot of buy-in, which was great, and [Tuesday] was the biggest march we’ve ever had,” he said.
“In the first year we were here, we were still building those relationships and getting to know community, and now, our goal for this year was to have more youth and community members than uniformed people.
“Last year, we had more organisations and people in uniforms than we did local community members, and don’t get me wrong, we love that, but we also need the community to want to bring that change as well.”
Sergeant Armstrong-Ravula said this year’s theme, Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action, served as a reminder that words alone were never enough.
“We talked about the theme, and that was good, because it highlights that while discussions are crucial and words are important, we need the action to follow that,” he explained.
“We went around and talked to a number of families and discussed how much impact they have in community, and how this would be another step to show how much impact and strength they have.
“It’s like a statement when we do our banner march through the community, bringing everyone together and telling everyone we’ve had enough of child abuse, and we want to look after the kids for the future.”
