26 October 2023

At Austin Health, we are wholeheartedly embracing the spirit of Children's Week this week. Our celebration is nothing short of a vibrant tapestry of engaging activities aimed at ensuring every child feels cherished, heard, and empowered.

We dived headfirst into the spirit of Children's Week with a range of activities. Patients, like Hamish and Antonia-Marie, participated in a block building competition with executives, had a fun pyjama day to bring a touch of home comfort to the hospital, and embarked on mindful walks through our playground. Our young artists from the Austin Childcare Centre were engaged to draw what they thought their parents did for work, resulting in incredibly creative pieces that are now displayed in the paediatric ward.

The theme for 2023 carries a powerful message based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 31 - Children have the right to relax, play and to take part in activities they enjoy. Play, relaxation, and creative expression foster cognitive, emotional, and social growth. It builds resilience, enhances problem-solving abilities, and cultivates a sense of imagination and exploration.

Children's Week at Austin Health is an embodiment of our commitment to providing not only top-notch medical care but also an environment that nurtures the spirit, creativity, and well-being of every child in our care. By recognising and celebrating their rights to play, relax, and engage in cultural experiences, we're creating a space where they can thrive and grow, even during their time in the hospital.

As we celebrate Children's Week 2023, we invite you to join us in honouring the incredible potential and resilience of every child. Together, let's champion their rights and create a world where they can flourish, today and every day.