June 2011
Layla Wang, a year 1 student at Kangaroo Valley Public School Public has won Pass to tour ANZ Stadium through the 2011 Aunties & Uncles colouring-in competition.
Layla’s entry was one of more than 1000 forms that were received from primary school students in Wollongong, Kiama, Jamberoo, Nowra, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay. The entries were judged according to accuracy, creativity and sense of colour.
Organiser of the competition Jo Munro, said, “We are overwhelmed by the number of entries that we received and are delighted that many more children and families are aware of this fantastic program.
“This year’s colouring form depicts children enjoying a day of outdoor activities at the beach—including fishing, surfing, kite-flying, soccer, gardening and building sand castles,” she said. “It is a graphic illustration of how this program lifts children from the stress or loneliness of their home life and gives them memories and experiences that they will treasure for a lifetime.”
“Our judging panel included Mary Preece, Education Manager, Bundanon Trust; artist Robyn Sharp; Lindsay Crethar, colouring form illustrator and graphic designer; and Lorraine Young a CareSouth representative,” said Ms Munro.
Aunties & Uncles Program Manager Clare Wilson said: “We hope this competition will help to raise awareness of this important and life changing program. Aunties & Uncles replaces what’s missing in a child’s life, it replaces the support structures that they don’t have which are so important for them to develop self-esteem, self-worth and sense of purpose. It recognizes that a young person needs normalcy and security.
“Aunties & Uncles works by providing children who are socially or emotionally at risk with a volunteer extended ‘family’. Sometimes children are linked with just an Aunt or an Uncle and sometimes with a couple. ‘Aunts’ and ‘Uncles’ are over 21, from all walks of life, who have a friendly caring nature, enjoy spending time with children, and are able to provide a safe place for a child.
“Research has shown that a preventative program such as Aunties & Uncles can alleviate the stress many families face and, by linking children with appropriate role models, contributes to children developing into well-adjusted adults. The average contact is just one weekend a month but makes a world of difference to each child,” said Ms Wilson.
We now have more than 75 volunteer aunties and uncles between Helensburgh and Batemans Bay. But there are so many children still in need. Our vision is to be able to link every child that is referred to us with an appropriate volunteer family,” she said.
“Anyone interested in joining the program who is over 21 and happy to consent to a working with children check can contact CareSouth on 1300 554 260,” she said.
About CareSouth
CareSouth is a community non-profit organisation, providing support to families, children, young people and people with disabilities. For more information about becoming a volunteer Aunty or Uncle or a foster carer, please contact 1300 554 260 or visit www.caresouth.org.au.