Member for Tweed Geoff Provest is calling on the local community to get behind Braveheart’s National White Balloon Day – Australia’s only national awareness and fundraising campaign dedicated to preventing child sexual assault.

White Balloon Day, held on Friday 7 September, aims to educate children, parents and adults of the need to protect kids from this heinous crime that affects more than 60,000 children across Australia every year.

Mr Provest said child protection is everybody’s business. This crime does not discriminate and children of all ages, genders, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds are affected.

“Children deserve to grow up feeling safe and secure, and be able to trust the adults in their life,” Mr Provest said.

“White Balloon Day is about ‘breaking the silence’ and empowering children and young people to speak out and speak up if they feel unsafe.”

During National Child Protection Week everyone with the responsibility to care for children can help them stay safe by participating in White Balloon Day or you can make a donation to support Bravehearts’ vital work.

Bravehearts offers specialised support, education and training services for children, families, schools, childcare centres and organisations.

For more information on how you can support White Balloon Day, visit: https://whiteballoonday.com.au/