11
August
2022
|
14:59
Australia/Melbourne

Aussie kids invited to design the child friendly city or community of their dreams

Summary

Australian children are being encouraged to put their creative caps on, grab a texta or Lego and share their ideas for an ideal child friendly city or community as part of a new initiative by UNICEF Australia and the Bupa Foundation.

The competition which has launched following UNICEF Australia’s inaugural Better World Youth Summit asks entrants[1] to create a city or community that is good for their physical and mental wellbeing, along with the environment. The most creative entries will win up to $3,000 in cash or a range of other prizes (depending on the age group)[2].

UNICEF Australia Director of Australian Programs and Child Rights Nicole Breeze said: “The Better World Youth Summit was a fantastic way to start the conversation about how children view their communities and what is important to them.”

“We hope through this competition and partnership with the Bupa Foundation we can give even more young people a voice in how key decision makers should develop healthy, equitable and sustainable environments moving forward,” she said.

The ideas shared through the competition, as well as at the Better World Youth Summit and other forums, will become part of the child-centred planning framework, ‘Child Friendly Australia’, to help councils and developers design healthier, more sustainable communities for young people.

Bupa Asia Pacific, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, Roger Sharp said the campaign was developed in recognition that young people who grow up in greener areas tend to have better mental and physical health; yet, overwhelmingly, cities continue to be designed for, and by, adults.

“We hope this competition opens the mind of a generation of young people and encourages them to take an active role in their communities and their futures. As we saw at the recent Summit, when you engage and unlock the minds of young people, the sky is the limit,” said Roger.

To enter the Child Friendly Australia competition or to learn about what’s involved, visit here. The competition closes 30 September 2022. 

For advice on how to have a conversation with your kids about climate change visit here.


[1] Competition is open to Australian children aged 0-17.
[2] Competition terms and conditions apply. Visit here to find out more.