New book breaks down stereotypes

A children’s picture book developed by Central Coast Council will be launched at a special event in Kibble Park, Gosford, on Thursday, December 5.

The launch of Every Day I Like to Play, aimed at promoting relationships and breaking down gendered stereotypes of traditional roles within the home, coincides with the annual 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said Council worked with the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee (CCDVC), a community group aiming to prevent, reduce and eliminate domestic and family violence, through education, awareness, advocacy and community engagement.

‘We work with our community to help address a range of social and health issues that impact everyone, including domestic violence,” she said.

“During 2023 and 2024, Council worked with the CCDV Committee to develop the children’s book.

“It aims to promote positive, age-appropriate messages about respectful relationships and break down gendered stereotypes of traditional roles within the home.”

The Central Coast has the third highest number of domestic violence related incidences in NSW and is also consistently over-represented in statistics for Breach of Apprehended Violence orders.

Every Day I Like to Play will be launched at 10.30am on Thursday, December 5, with free children’s entertainment and a special outdoor storytime session featuring The QUOKKAS projected on a big screen.

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the book was a wonderful initiative, as it explored positive and respectful relationships, encouraged acceptance and celebrated kindness.

“We all need to continue to work together to build awareness of domestic and family violence and teach our children about healthy relationships,” he said.

“I really encourage everyone, young and old, to attend the launch of Every Day I Like to Play.

“The book will also be available in our libraries and can help you start, or continue, the conversation with the pre-school aged children in your lives.”