Annette Meyers, Chair of the Bathurst Child and Family Network (BCFN) said its quest was to  imagine a world where children are active, engaged, and valued citizens  and see what it looks like.

Ms Meyers said the purpose of this child-safe, child-friendly initiative was to provide opportunities and resources for organisations working with children and families in Bathurst to increase knowledge and awareness; make changes; and to share their experiences and expertise in developing and implementing child-safe, child-friendly policies and practices.

“We are very pleased and proud to have the genuine support of Charles Sturt University and Bathurst Regional Council to make Bathurst a UNICEF child-safe, child- friendly city. “

She said the report has identified five main messages.

“That the initiative is valued; timing is important; change agents are everywhere; and our resolve to never give up is vital.

“It also highlights the importance of everyone in our community to play our part and become children’s champions”, says Ms Meyers.

“Together we will continue to work towards increasing opportunities for children, young people and families to be heard and taken seriously in a child-safe, child- friendly community.”

BCFN has delivered a range of activities and events to the city such as the Bathurst Family Fun Day and Kids Play to make Bathurst a better place for children.