Bruce and Denise Morcombe have launched the 20th anniversary of one of Australia’s largest child safety organisations at a special event in Canberra.
The founders of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and officials from the Australian Federal Police and National Missing Persons Coordination Centre at an afternoon tea at Parliament House yesterday.
“We are proud to be Daniel’s parents and quite moved that 20 years after his abduction those tragic events are not forgotten and his important legacy continues to grow,” Mr Morcombe said.
The Morcombes visited Canberra as part of a 20-day, 7200km Time To Talk Road Trip, in which they are visiting regional schools to educate more than 1600 students about personal safety.
New fundraising opportunities are also being launched to commemorate 20 years.
“After two decades and exhausting every opportunity promoting child safety across Australia, we believe this 20-year milestone is poised to make a profound difference in keeping all Australian kids safe,” Mr Morcombe said.
“The fire still burns within each of us. We are often outside our comfort zone. But we do what we can for the ones whose voices were not heard when they spoke out.
“It is the many adult survivors of child sexual abuse who inspire us to do more.”
Milestone events during the next 12 months include the 20th Day and Walk for Daniel, the 20th Dance for Daniel and a lunch for Daniel celebrating the foundation’s 20th birthday in May 2025.
The foundation has made a profound difference to the lives of children and parents throughout Australia since its launch at the Morcombes’ Palmwoods home in May 2005.
We’re honoured to be in Canberra to launch the Foundation’s 20th anniversary. Starting the day with live interviews on the Today Show and Sunrise! pic.twitter.com/V5tq9GxgIP
— Daniel Morcombe Foundation (@DanielMorcombe) June 24, 2024
As Queensland child safety ambassadors Bruce and Denise have visited more than 1000 schools, and the foundation continues to provide award-winning free child safety resources.
More than $2.4m of counselling and gifts have also been provided to young victims of crime.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the past 20 years,” Mrs Morcombe said.
“The foundation’s free child safety resources and Daniel’s legacy continue because of the generosity Australians have shown us.
“Everything we do is to respectfully honour Daniel and to help keep children safe from harm and abuse.”
The anniversary launch follows Bruce and Denise’s recent partnership with the National Office for Child Safety on a suite of national resources as part of the Australian Government’s One Talk at a Time campaign.
The resources have age-appropriate activities for children and young people to create a ‘safety team’ that consists of trusted adults both inside and outside of their home.
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