Teachers in Weipa joined forces on Day for Daniel to educate students about child safety. Photo: Supplied.
An infamous Sunshine Coast tragedy is encouraging conversations about child safety in Weipa as students and teachers took to the street to commemorate the annual Day for Daniel.
The Duyfken Crescent turn-off was a sea of red on 25 October when Western Cape College (WCC) and St Joseph’s Parish School came together bright and early for the community’s second walk.
Although last year was the first walk in Weipa, Friday marked the twentieth Day for Daniel walk in memory of Daniel Morcombe, who was tragically abducted and killed in 2003.
“I’m from the Sunshine Coast and we did it at my school back there, so I just thought we’d try and bring it up to Weipa,” WCC teacher and walk organiser Lizzy Polak said.
“I think it’s really important to spread the word about child safety wherever we are in the world.”
She said students participated in a range of conversations and activities in memory of Daniel, which were also aimed at raising awareness about their own safety.
“It’s just raising awareness; we talk to the kids about safety at school, out in the community, and even down to things like riding your bike with a helmet – there’s so much that comes into child safety,” Ms Polak said.
“At school, we’ve got all the balloons and red hair spray and face paint as well.
“The ambulance and police [came] down as well, so it’s really nice to have everyone in the community involved.”
“I think it’s great that we’re doing the walk for the second year running; it hasn’t happened up here before, so we just want to keep it going, and hopefully, it’ll go for many more years to come.”
Weipa walked in honour of Daniel Morcombe as they educated the community’s children about safety. Photo: Supplied.
