Keeping South East Queensland kids sun safe
Keeping South East Queensland kids sun safe
12 November 2012
Cancer Council Queensland and Energex have teamed up to keep South East Queensland children sun safe by giving all schools and early childhood centres the chance to win SunSmart prizes this month.
All South East Queensland schools and childcare centres who register for the free National SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program in November will gain automatic entry into the ‘Energex Shade for Schools and Early Childhood Centres’ competition and go into the draw to win one of seven marquees worth $3200 each.
Cancer Council Queensland SunSmart Coordinator Susan Lingard said the new ‘Energex Shade for Schools and Early Childhood Centres’ campaign would not only protect Queensland children from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation now, but also teach them how to be SunSmart to benefit them well into the future.
“Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with more than 2600 Queenslanders facing a potentially life-threatening diagnosis of melanoma each year and another 300 Queenslanders dying of the disease,” Ms Lingard said.
“A Queensland study found that UV exposure during the first 18 years of life was the most critical for cancer-causing skin damage and skin ageing, so it’s so important to keep our children sun safe to give them the best chance at a healthy adulthood.
“I urge every employer to register their school or childcare centre for the free ‘National SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program’ this month to protect your children and help Cancer Council Queensland work towards its goal of achieving a cancer free future.”
Cancer Council Queensland SunSmart partner Energex is leading the way with sun protection policies to protect staff and their families from skin cancer and hopes south east Queensland schools and child care centres also join the SunSmart team.
“Energex is committed to helping our young Queenslanders be sun safe now and continue to be SunSmart well into the future,” Energex Health and Wellness Consultant Shane Rogerson said.
“We encourage all Queensland schools and childcare centres to raise awareness of SunSmart behaviours and formalise these through Cancer Council Queensland.
“Our commitment to sun safety also extends to our staff, their families and the broader community, by encouraging SunSmart behaviours in the workplace and supporting Cancer Council Queensland to get the message out there.”
To register your school or centre visit the National SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Centres page through the prevention tab at www.cancerqld.org.au.
Entry into the ‘Energex Shade for Schools and Early Childhood Centres’ prize draw close on November 30, with prizes to be presented in December.
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