Safe children and strong communities

Safe children and strong communities: A strategy and action plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations accessing the blue card system 2021–2025 (the strategy) is a vehicle for real change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland accessing the blue card system.

It is about empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities by taking an innovative approach to providing greater support through each part of the blue card system.

It also aims to enable those working in the blue card system to embed real, sustainable change through enhanced decision-making and processes, and by developing and fostering cultural capability within the system itself.

Implementation of the strategies and actions in this document will be monitored and evaluated by the Safe Children and Strong Communities Implementation Reference Group.

The strategy design tells a story

Elaine Chambers is an Aboriginal graphic designer and artist with cultural links to the Koa, Kuku Yalanji and Barada Barna people.

View larger image

In the artwork that Elaine created for our strategy, she has mixed the old with the new to create a contemporary design. The main symbol shows children together as they are the main focus for Blue Card Services. The children are protected by waves of emotion connecting them to mob, family and culture.

The line art represents the emotions and the growth needed to strengthen the connections and trust of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Here are explanations of the symbolism of the individual design elements.

• This image represents how Blue Card Services are there for the children. It shows children together, their connection to each other, and their appreciation and respect for culture. It also shows how people who apply for cards acknowledge and understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

• Assistance

  This shows day and night as a reference to around the clock workers in many different industries.

• Kinship

  The big symbol is an adult and the small symbols are the children in one’s family or origin. Care from adult to the child and families or Kin.

• Support

  The peaks in this artwork represent that throughout the high and low points we always support one another and display a culturally appropriate attitude.

• Culture

  Represents the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, our gatherings and our beliefs.

• Employment

  Represented with circles and line work connecting each other, to represent working within many sectors and pathways to new ventures.