the Y
the Y
10 May 2021, Melbourne, Victoria – Melinda Crole, Y Australia’s CEO, has become a Champion for National Families Week 2021, Australia’s celebration of the importance of families.
National Families Week is held annually from 15 May to 21 May (coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Families on 15 May).
The aim of National Families Week is to celebrate the vital role that families play in Australian society. The theme ‘Stronger Families, Stronger Communities’ highlights the importance of families to communities and that community wellbeing is enhanced by family wellbeing.
Thousands of people are expected to participate in registered events around Australia, illustrating the importance of families within the community. Events are being held in regional communities as well as in every capital city in Australia. The diversity of events reflects the diversity of the Australian community.
Dr Brian Babington, CEO of Families Australia, said ‘The challenges of the past year have underlined the fundamental importance of families to society, communities and to us as individuals. Whatever form they take and in all their marvellous diversity, families need nurturing, respect and support. National Families Week is a great time to reflect on and take action to further strengthen our families.’
“Families are the most important people in the lives of children and young people, and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and are different for everyone. At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people and recognise the significant role families play in inspiring and empowering the lives of children and young people. Families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and the experience of family is different for everyone – the Y recognises that it takes a village to raise a child. Families week is crucial as it reminds and challenges us, to think about and invest our attention in the importance of families. Post-Covid the world has changed for our families, as work and life have taken on a whole new integration. Let’s try to understand what this means to the children, young people and those that care for them. Let’s collectively focus on ensuring greater wellbeing for all families.” – Melinda Crole said.
National Families Week is supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services as a valuable opportunity to demonstrate that families, across the lifespan, are integral to our society.
National Families Week is run by Families Australia, a national, member-based, not-for-profit organisation, that supports family and child wellbeing.