Casey deputy mayor Rob Wilson congratulates Jessica Baranov and Emily Harloff for winning the SafeStart colouring competition.CHILDHOOD safety was in the spotlight at the launch of a new program in Casey.
More than 100 people, including representatives from nine schools across the City, turned out to the official unveiling of the SafeStart program on Monday, 10 July.
Erin Cassell from Monash University Accident Research Centre and Director Victorian Injury Surveillance and Applied Research Unit (VISAR) spoke at the event and stressed the importance of child safety in the community.
The Victorian Department of Human Services funds the SafeStart initiative, and Berwick Lodge Primary School provided entertainment on the day with students performing the Rainbow Safety Song.
The song was created and performed by students from the school who showed that the child safety message could come from many sources.
The project’s main objectives are to increase local knowledge of risks that cause child injuries and increase the capacity of the local community to respond.
Caroline Bell, Casey acting manager community safety, said the launch of SafeStart recognised the importance of child safety in the community.
“With around 40 per cent of patients presenting at Casey Hospital Emergency department being children, the SafeStart project hopes to reduce this statistic and aims at increasing awareness about child injuries and child injury prevention in the home and play settings,” Ms Bell said.
“Many of the injuries affecting children are preventable and with greater awareness, both by parents and also service providers working with children, it is hoped that through the SafeStart project we will see an improvement in the safety of children in the Casey community.”
The winners of the SafeStart colouring competition were also announced, with Emily Harloff of Cranbourne North and Jessica Baranov of Endeavour Hills, both winning a new bike and helmet for their efforts.
As part of the SafeStart project a forum will be held in August to identify existing child safety projects and initiatives in Casey.
For more information on SafeStart contact Adriana Hartskeerl, the City of Casey’s child safety officer on 9705 5200.
