Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said every Australian primary school will receive a new education kit to teach children about how to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

Download a print copy of this press release from the office of Hon. Robert McClelland MP, Attorney-General.

Mr McClelland today visited Sydney’s Bexley Primary School with volunteers from the State Emergency Services (SES) to promote the Li’L Larrikins Teachers Resource Kit.

“The Li’L Larrikins Teachers Resource Kit was developed around a national television campaign of safety stories featuring animated cartoon characters,” Mr McClelland said.

“It’s important that children are aware of the dangers of natural disasters. The Li’L Larikkins series helps students learn in a fun way that won’t unnecessarily frighten or upset them.

“Over 7,800 independent and public primary schools across Australia including Bexley Primary have already received the resource kit, which includes a DVD-ROM containing lesson strategies and student activity sheets for teachers along with background information on the types of disasters likely to happen in different parts of Australia.”

The safety messages and resource kit are both part of the Li’L Larikkins Natural Hazards Children’s Program which was funded by the Australian Government and developed in partnership with State Emergency Service agencies, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) and the Ettamogah Group.

“This is a great program which will help children become more aware of their environment and encourages them to share their knowledge with their parents and families,” Mr McClelland said.

“The storms, floods, bushfires and cyclones that have been experienced in many parts of the country over the past summer remind us that it is extremely important families understand and are prepared for the potential danger posed by natural hazards.”

Further information on Li’L Larrikins Natural Hazards Children’s Program and other natural disaster education and awareness initiatives for children can be found on the Emergency Management in Australia website.

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