Geelong has been nationally recognised for its leadership in children's safety.

The City of Greater Geelong won the Local Government category of the 2009 National Australian Safer Communities Awards at a festival in Canberra this week for its SafeStart Children's Injury Prevention Project.

The project, which began in 2006, aims to reduce accidental childhood injuries and boost kids' safety through education and training sessions, as well as distrubiting and promoting safety devices and information.

Attorney General Robert McCelland presented the award at Old Parliment House to city representatives including Community Development portfolio holder Cr Kylie Fisher who said creating a more child-friendly community was an important priority for the council.

"Children are not always able to judge the potential hazards and risks associated with many situations, environments, or products they routinely encounter and exerience as they grow," Cr Fisher said.

Geelong News

Wednesday, 9 December 2009