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Child safety is something that matters to everyone and for more than 40 years, Kidsafe Queensland has been actively working towards their vision of a safer world for Queensland kids, whether it’s on the road, in the home or at play.
Sadly, many Queensland children are injured, disabled and killed each year in avoidable accidents. By equipping parents and caregivers with practical, evidence-based safety advice, Kidsafe is helping to reduce the incidence of unintentional child and youth deaths and injury.
Kidsafe Queensland’s CEO Susan Teerds explains, “Our purpose in life is to help parents and carers be the best they can be and for these children to grow up safe and well and happy.”
Reaching families beyond the southeast corner in regional and remote communities is critical to ensuring all Queensland children have access to life-saving safety information.
Through Brisbane Airport’s Community Giving Fund, Kidsafe will be able to extend its reach, delivering vital safety messages and resources to communities far and wide across the state.
“By expanding our footprint, we can ensure our safety messages are heard by parents and caregivers everywhere, no matter where they live,” says Teerds.
At the heart of Kidsafe’s approach is empowering parents and caregivers with the knowledge and confidence to make safer choices in everyday environments, particularly when it comes to safe car travel and pool safety.
Child car restraints are a core area of expertise. From understanding the correct restraint for a child’s age and size to ensuring seats are fitted and used properly, Kidsafe provides trusted guidance from the very first car journey and beyond.
The Community Giving Fund has allowed Kidsafe to purchase Maxi Cosi MICO 12 LX capsules, a low birth weight restraint specifically for premature babies.
“Low birth weight is actually quite common, and now we can provide these to families in need with peace of mind that these babies will be travelling safer in their smaller harnesses,” explains Teerds.
Pool safety is another major focus, especially in Queensland where backyard pools are common. Kidsafe leads vital education around active supervision and secure barriers, including its well-known ‘Close the Gate’ program, which helps to prevent tragic drowning incidents by reminding people to simply close their pool gates.
Beyond these core areas, Kidsafe also delivers education and awareness around a wide range of injury prevention topics, including travel.
“Travel is very exciting, however when we’re travelling we are displaced and not in our usual environment or routine which can lead to more hazards especially for kids,” says Teerds.
From travelling in airports to staying in hotels, there are simple steps parents can make to ensure the safety of their children.
“Hold the hand of children while on escalators and travelators to avoid fingers and toes being caught and don’t allow children to retrieve bags from the collection carousels,” suggests Teerds.
“Ensure child seats are correctly fitted to hire cars, inspect hotel rooms for any hazards and generally be aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas. Small steps can help ensure the safety of all,” says Teerds.
With the right information and support, Kidsafe is helping families make safer choices every day, ensuring Queensland children can explore the world safely.
More information
Access Kidsafe’s resources or get in touch with a question.
Check out the Brisbane Airport safety tips for travellers here.
If you know a local organisation making a difference, find out more about the Community Giving Fund and how to apply for a grant here.