Youth work students put skills into action for National Child Protection Week
Students from TAFE Queensland's Caboolture campus are once again putting their skills into practice by leading a community event in support of one of Australia's most important awareness campaigns.
As part of National Child Protection Week, the Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40421) students are planning and delivering a free Family Fun Day on Wednesday 9 September, bringing together local families and community organisations for a day focused on connection, wellbeing, child safety and promoting child protection awareness.
Now in its seventh year, the annual event has become a valued partnership between the Caboolture campus-based students and local community service organisations, providing students with real-world experience while making a positive impact in the community.
Throughout the planning process, students are applying the practical skills developed in their course, from organising activities and working with community stakeholders to creating inclusive experiences for children and families.
On the day, students will host a range of free activities, including:
- a community barbecue
- child-friendly activity stalls
- live music performances
- an art activity promoting healthy food choices
- obstacle courses and ball games
- round robin games including Giant Connect 4, basketball and hopscotch.
The event is being delivered in partnership with Intercept Youth and Family Services, Mercy Community Services, Education Queensland Early Years, Child and Youth Mental Health Services, Play Matters, and YOUNITY Community Services, highlighting the strength of the industry collaboration in supporting local families.
The Family Fun Day forms part of National Child Protection Week, held from 6-12 September 2026.
The annual campaign encourages all Australians to recognise that protecting children is everyone's responsibility and promotes practical actions that help keep children and young people safe.
This year's theme, Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action, highlights the importance of turning awareness into meaningful change by strengthening families, supporting communities and creating safer environments where children can thrive.
For the TAFE Queensland students, the event is more than a community celebration - it's an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in youth work while developing the confidence and practical skills they'll use throughout their careers.
The Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40421) prepares students to work with young people across a range of community settings.
Throughout the course, students learn how to engage with diverse communities, plan and facilitate group programs, respond to crises and support young people facing complex challenges.
Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in neighbourhood centres, residential services, migrant support organisations and programs supporting at-risk young people, while also building a strong foundation for further study.
By combining classroom learning with meaningful community engagement, initiatives like the National Child Protection Week Family Fun Day demonstrate how TAFE Queensland students are developing the skills, experience and compassion needed to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and their communities.