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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day: Strong in Culture, Strong in Spirit, Strong in Belonging
- Shane Warren
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
4th August 2026
On National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, the Australian Association of Mental Health Practitioners (AAMHP) celebrates the strength, culture, resilience and promise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
This important day is an opportunity to honour First Nations children, families, Elders and communities, and to recognise the vital role that culture, Country, kinship, language and belonging play in nurturing social and emotional wellbeing.
Every child deserves to grow up safe, loved, proud and connected. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, connection to culture is not an optional extra; it is a source of identity, strength, resilience and healing.
AAMHP Chair Shane Warren said:
“Children flourish when they know who they are, where they come from, and that they belong. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, culture, Country, family and community are powerful foundations for social and emotional wellbeing. When we protect those connections, we protect the future.” [Shane Warren]
AAMHP recognises that supporting First Nations children must also mean listening to First Nations voices, respecting community-led solutions, and ensuring services are culturally safe, trauma-informed and grounded in dignity.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day reminds us that children are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; they are children of today who deserve joy, safety, pride and opportunity now.
AAMHP Secretary Susan Sandy said:
“Every child deserves to feel seen, valued and supported. When children are surrounded by strong family, culture, community and care, they are given the foundations to grow with confidence and hope. Supporting children also means supporting the families and communities who hold them.” [Susan Sandy]
AAMHP encourages all Australians to use this day as an opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, honour their voices, learn from First Nations communities, and recommit to building a future where every child can grow up strong in culture and strong in spirit.
A fair and healthy future begins with children who are safe, connected, respected and proud of who they are.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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