What Safety Means to Me

The Derwent Valley community has a long history of participating in local coordinated events to support the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and its annual Day for Daniel event dating back to 2010.

In 2011 Denise and Bruce Morcombe joined the Derwent Valley community and it’s 9 schools to do a walk from Arthur Square to Ellis Dean Reserve, New Norfolk where a memorial tree was planted and later on a plaque, both still remain today.

In 2024 a committee consisting of The Salvation Army’s Communities for Children South East Tas, Derwent Valley Council, ptunarra Child and Family Learning Centre, Norske Skog and Derwent Valley Future Action Team was established to celebrate the foundation’s 20th year and share its resources, ensure longevity and sustainability for the Derwent Valley community awareness event, and most importantly, highlight children’s voices and safety.

Working with the support of local schools and ptunarra Child and Family Learning Centre, Day for Daniel resources were shared and teachers, staff and parents encouraged to discuss the themes around personal and community safety. 

Children and young people were asked to draw, paint or sketch ‘What safety means to them’, with a variety of amazing, vibrant and engaging artworks coming together to express the importance of safety for all children and young people. There are a number of important themes occurring with links between safety and health, wellbeing and mental health.

The exhibition launch is at The Arthouse Café, 47A High St, New Norfolk on Tuesday 12 November from 3.15pm – 3.45pm.

Bruce and Denise Morcombe are attending the official launch of the exhibition at The Arthouse on Tuesday 12 November which features artwork from children across the region.

Known as Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day – an estimated two million people participate in Day for Daniel at their schools, early learning centres, workplaces or at public or private events. “From its creation with very modest support, now 20 years later, we estimate that some two million Aussies will be participating in Day for Daniel,” Denise said.

Bruce said this year’s Day for Daniel was a time to reflect on the past two decades and what has become Daniel’s legacy.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank Australia for never forgetting Daniel,” Bruce said. “Here’s to another 20 years of unwavering dedication and advocating for children.”

The exhibition, What Safety Means to Me, showcases artwork from children aged 0 – 12.

The Salvation Army’s Communities for Children SE Tasmania and Derwent Valley Council partnered with other local organisations for the Day for Daniel event, with the goal to encourage conversations about personal safety.

The Morcombes and Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People Isabelle Crompton are attending the exhibition launch as special guests. The exhibition has been organised by a joint committee with representatives from the Salvation Army’s Communities for Children SE Tasmania, Derwent Valley Council, Norske Skog, Ptunarra Child and Family Learning Centre and Derwent Valley Future Action Team.