This week, Desert Blue Connect, in collaboration with Child Focused Safety Services WA, Ngala, and WA Police, proudly launched the ‘Keeping Kids Safe in Geraldton’ storybook. Written by Andrea Musulin and illustrated by Safy and Lara Tashkandy, the book is designed to provide Protective Behaviours education in a way that is engaging and relatable to local children.
Lisa Dunn, Project Officer at Desert Blue Connect said “We are incredibly proud to be part of a project that focuses on the safety and wellbeing of our local children. This storybook is a wonderful tool for teaching kids about their right to feel safe and equipping them with strategies to protect themselves.”
Within the first week of the launch, 4,000 copies have already been distributed to schools and children’s services across Geraldton, with additional copies available for free at Desert Blue Connect and Ngala.
Lisa Dunn highlighted the importance of this initiative during National Child Protection Week, saying “This year’s theme, ‘Every Conversation Matters,’ aligns perfectly with the message of the storybook. It’s all about starting those crucial conversations with our kids to create a safer, happier community.”
The project is a collaborative effort, with input from Geraldton Primary students and the Mullewa Youth Centre, ensuring that the content is meaningful and representative of local experiences.
“What makes this book so special is the involvement of local kids,” said Dunn. “Their contributions made the story relatable and relevant, highlighting important places and themes that resonate with our community,” said Lisa.
Andrea Musulin, a former police officer with over 30 years of experience in policing and Protective Behaviours education, was instrumental in creating the storybook. She has been involved with Protective Behaviours education since 1993 and is one of pioneers and leaders of Protective Behaviours Education in Western Australia.
Her expertise in child safety education has been pivotal to the development of this resource. The ‘Keeping Kids Safe in Geraldton’ storybook is available now, with plans to continue distribution in local schools and service centres. It is an essential tool for parents, carers, and educators to support ongoing conversations about child safety.
For more information or to obtain a copy, please contact Desert Blue Connect or visit one of the distribution locations. The book is also free to download below.