54 reasons

On Tuesday I attended a child rights symposium with 54 reasons, (which was amazing and thanks 54 reasons for all you do!!!) Whilst I am so passionate and in awe of the people in the room…. if I’m honest, I found it incredibly hard. As someone who both personally and professionally believes in the innate and non-negotiable rights of children, I struggle deeply with the regression we’re seeing in our own country, the retreat from our duty to invest in children, to build rights-based systems, and to create communities that honour our children’s humanity. It is confronting to sit in a space imagining a rights-based future while watching a wave of public opposition to children simply having fundamental human rights. And yet, despite how heavy that felt, I left humbled. Humbled by a room full of people who have not given up. Humbled by young people who stand in their truth and articulate their vision for a fairer society with such clarity, strength and intelligence. When I hear children and young people speak, I am reminded that they are not passive recipients of our decisions, they are leaders already, capable of navigating rooms full of adults and advocating for change with courage and purpose. Some days I lose myself in the despair of what is happening to children in this country. But then I witness their brilliance, their resilience and their insistence on being heard, and I feel hope again. I only wish we could move faster. I only wish more adults would come with us. Because somewhere along the line, we became far too comfortable with a world that works for adults and not for children. It’s time, long past time, to cycle back to what is decent, what is principled, and what is undeniably right. Our children deserve nothing less. 📸 Image of the Dignometer presented by Juliet Harris who came all the way from Scotland to share their rights based work

Today is #WorldChildrensDay! This year’s theme, “My day, my rights,” is all about listening to children and empowering them to shape the world around them. When we actively listen to children — and act on what they tell us — incredible things happen. Confidence grows. Barriers shift. Systems change. At 54 reasons, we’re committed to helping children understand and advocate for their rights — whether through our Young Advisors, feedback from program participants, or simply by listening to the children in our own homes and lives. It's up to all of us to know children's rights, and make sure they know their rights, too! You can help by sharing our child rights poster with your communities.👉/https://bit.ly/49uBTEe

Today I attended Accountable Together 2025 at Melbourne Law School, hosted by 54 reasons and the Australian Centre for Child Rights with partners including the Melbourne Law School Human Rights Program and UNICEF Australia. The symposium asked a powerful question: what if every system, service and policy that affects children started with their rights, voices and lived experience? It was a valuable opportunity to listen, learn and share ideas I’ll bring back to strengthen how we uphold the rights of children and young people in Western Australia. #childrights #AccountableTogether2025 #kidsvoices #participation #CYPWA #humanrights

We're so excited to finally be hosting #AccountableTogether - a national child rights symposium! 🎉🪩💪🧒 More than 80 #ChildRights changemakers have gathered at Melbourne Law School to hear from speakers like Juliet Harris of Together (Scottish Alliance for Children's Rights), Joel Matysek from SNAICC - National Voice for our Children, and amazing leaders from Accountable Futures Collective. Together, we're here to co-create a roadmap for the future of child rights in Australia. Throughout the day, young people will offer interjections - challenges, ideas and inspiration for the adults in the room. Children's voices and views are present in recordings, artworks, messages to participants. This event has been in the works for a long time... And we can't wait to share images, ideas and stories from the day with you in the weeks and months to come. Big thanks to our event partners, who made this day possible: the Australian Centre for Child Rights, UNICEF Australia and University of Melbourne' Melbourne Law School.

🌟 Join Rebecca Ketton, 54 reasons' Queensland Director, at the 2025 QCOSS Conference: Change State 🌟 On Day 3, Rebecca will join the panel discussion “Doing: From intent to impact — what does it take to really embed human rights in frontline work?” Together, the panel will explore how organisations can move from intention to meaningful action — building maturity across the sector, strengthening practice, and ensuring dignity, fairness, and equity for the children and young people we support. We’re proud to be part of this important conversation about creating real, lasting impact in our communities. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ea7KtQqB

Ever wondered how bold ideas from overseas could transform children’s rights here in Australia? On 25 November, join us (in person!) at the State Library of Queensland for “Making Child Rights Real: Lessons from Scotland for Queensland’s Future” — a panel event, hosted in partnership with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner at Queensland Family and Child Commission. 🤔Why come along? - Hear directly from Juliet Harris (Director, Together – Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights), Natalie Lewis (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner QLD), Vicki Mau (54 reasons), and a youth representative with lived experience.  - Discover how Scotland’s reforms are inspiring new approaches to policy and advocacy  - Explore how #ChildRights approaches can power First Nations self-determination.  - Connect with peers who care about turning global standards into real, local action for children and young people. 🗓️ Tuesday 25 November 2025  🕧 Light lunch from 12:30pm, panel 1–2:30pm  📍 State Library of Queensland (Room TBC) RSVP by 14 November by email to Commissioner_OATSICC@qfcc.qld.gov.au Seats are limited — secure your spot and be part of the conversation shaping Queensland’s future for children.