Play a Part on the Gold Coast

By Jacob Bush - Bond Journalism Student

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) program Play a Part has partnered with the Gold Coast City Council to create child friendly communities.

The Play a Part program is a whole community approach that engages people to promote the well-being and protection of children.

Play a Part worker Sasha Goodwin said the program have organised Street Meets with the Gold Coast City Council aimed to develop a sense of community. 

“The Gold Coast City Council is of the belief that neighbours aren’t talking to each other as much anymore because we are so busy,” she said.

Through a proactive approach the Street Meet next month at Burleigh Heads will strengthen community awareness.

To make sure the Street Meet incorporates what communities actually need they planned on asking locals.

“We will doorknock and find out what their needs are,” she said.

“It gives ownership of what’s happening in their community opposed to being spoken to or told what’s needed.”

Mrs Goodwin said she hoped to see Varsity Lakes involved with NAPCAN and the program Play a Part.

“That will be part of the funding arrangements with Department of Communities who fund Play a Part,” she said.

“But certainly the Gold Coast is an area that would certainly develop from community development and a whole community approach to making child friendly communities.

“There is no reason to suggest why it wouldn’t continue on the Gold Coast,”
For more information, visit www.napcan.org.au