A children’s picture book, developed by Central Coast Council, to promote respectful relationships and break down gendered stereotypes of traditional roles within the home, will be launched at a special event in Kibble Park on 5 December 2024.

The launch of ‘Every Day I Like to Play’ on Thursday 5 December, coincides with the annual ‘16 days of Activism against gender-based violence’ campaign.

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said Council works with the local Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee (CCDVC), a community group aiming to prevent, reduce and eliminate domestic and family violence, through education, awareness, advocacy and community engagement.

‘We work with our community to help address a range of social and health issues that impact everyone, including domestic violence.

“During 2023 and 2024, Council worked with the CCDV Committee to develop the children’s book. It aims to promote positive, age-appropriate messages about respectful relationships and break down gendered stereotypes of traditional roles within the home,” Ms Smith said.

The Central Coast has the *third highest number of domestic violence related incidences in NSW and is also consistently over-represented in statistics for Breach of Apprehended Violence orders.

‘Every Day I Like to Play’ will be launched at Kibble Park at 10.30am on Thursday 5 December.   The launch will feature free children’s entertainment and a special outdoor story time session featuring The QUOKKAS projected on a big screen!  

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the creation of this children’s book is a wonderful initiative, as it explores positive and respectful relationships, encourages acceptance and celebrates kindness. 

“We all need to continue to work together to build awareness of domestic and family violence and teach our children about healthy relationships. 

“I really encourage everyone, young and old, to attend the launch of ‘Every Day I Like to Play’. The book will also be available in our libraries and can help you start, or continue, the conversation with the pre-school aged children in your lives,” Mayor McKinna said.

Event Details:
•    ‘Every Day I Like to Play’ Picture Book launch & outdoor storytime reading
•    Date – Thursday 5 December 2024
•    Time – 10.30am – 11am
•    Location – Kibble Park Gosford

For more information visit Every Day I Like to Play Book Launch and Outdoor Storytime | Central Coast Council
 

*Statistics from BOSCAR period June 2023-2024
 

ENDS