Striving for a Child Friendly Alice

The hopes and aspirations of children and families living in The Centre have been captured in a Community Profile, launched in Alice Springs in June. A survey of parents and children, undertaken as part of the project, found that the top priorities for children living in The Centre include being safe and free, having access to education, equal opportunities for employment and a society free from racism and crime.

The Community Profile was produced through the collaborative efforts of staff from several organisations, including Anglicare NT, who have joined together to form the Child Friendly Alice Initiative. The vision of the group is for every child in Alice Springs to have the best possible start in life and to grow up healthy and strong.

During several months of community consultation, 1075 people, including 470 young people and 605 adults, shared their views on how children and families could better thrive in Alice Springs. These results, along with interviews and key statistical data, are outlined in the profile. The information collected demonstrates that both adults and children from across the community share many of the same aspirations, including having a good education, strong families, equal opportunities, employment and meaningful activities for young people.

The Child Friendly Alice Initiative hopes the profile will act a catalyst to generate conversations and bring the community, government and agencies together to work on a local action plan. Community forums are planned for the near future.

At the launch, cousins Dysen Drew and Jordan-Marie Smith spoke about what life was like for them living in Alice Springs and what they would like to see improved. Local Arrernte women welcomed people to country, the Drum Atweme group provided entertainment and students from Yirara College provided a barbecue.

The Profile can be downloaded here or collected in Alice Springs from the Anglicare NT office, the Alice Springs Public Library, Dale Wakefield’s Office, Larapinta Child and Family Centre and Connected Beginnings.

Child Friendly Alice is a community collaboration facilitated by:

  • Strong Kids Strong Centre – Red Cross
  • Communities for Children – Anglicare NT
  • Connected Beginnings
  • Larapinta Child and Family Centre – NT Department of Education.

Community Profile