In July, the Australian Governor-General and wife Mrs Hurley had their first regional visit to Western and Northern Queensland and were welcomed with open arms by the local community and Act for Kids staff in Aurukun.
On Saturday the 13th of July, the newly appointed Governor General and Mrs Hurley visited the Act for Kids Aurukun Safe House, a house that operates in community to keep children safe whilst allowing them to remain close to family and build on their cultural connections.
Act for Kids Chief Executive Officer, Dr Neil Carrington, spoke on behalf of the community, and was incredibly thankful for the opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture.
“We have over 26 centres across Australia from the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, to South Australia, but it’s particularly rewarding to see that our regional communities are acknowledged for their outstanding contributions and that their connection to country is appreciated.”
“I’m thrilled that the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley visited our Aurukun Safe house, and were able to meet, play some football with, and get to know the local community,” Dr Carrington said.
The Act for Kids SafeKIDS program operates in Cairns, as well as in some of the most remote communities in Australia; Aurukun, Doomadgee, Kowanyama, Napranum and Pormpuraaw. Last year, 113 kids stayed at Act for Kids’ SafeKIDS Safe Houses.
The Governor-General expressed that the focus of this regional visit from the 11th to the 15th of July was to highlight all Australians, their inherent strengths, their concern for the common good, their humanity and decency and their desire for a ‘fair go’.
“This trip was about spending time with Australians and celebrating their contributions.”
“Each and every day individuals and organisations across our great country work tirelessly for others and to make their communities better.”
“In this trip, and throughout our time in office, Linda and I both got to know these people, say ‘thank you’ and shine a light on their outstanding efforts and work they have done within their community,” the Governor-General said.
Act for Kids welcomes the Governor General and Mrs Hurley into all of our service centres, and it was a pleasure to have hosted them at our Aurukun Safe House.
For more information about our SafeKIDS program, please click here.
