Some things seem obvious now, like every child having the right to go to school, to feel safe, to play, and to be heard. Yet every one of those rights was fought for, debated, and eventually written into international law.
This Children’s Week (18–26 October 2025), the theme reminds us that everyone should know about children’s rights.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) sets out 42 rights for children and another 12 articles explaining how governments must uphold and monitor them. Together they form the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, a global commitment to protecting childhood and listening to children’s voices.
At the Churchill Trust, many Fellows are working every day to turn those principles into action, improving health, education, family wellbeing and community systems so that children can grow, thrive and belong.
Niroshini Kennedy (VIC, 2018)
A proud Aboriginal woman and advocate for child and family welfare, Niroshini is designing integrated models of care for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, supported by The Jack Brockhoff Foundation Churchill Fellowship. Her work focuses on culturally safe services that strengthen identity, connection and belonging for children, families and communities.
Megan Gilmour (ACT, 2016)
The 2025 ACT Australian of the Year, Megan has dedicated her career to ensuring seriously ill children can stay connected to their learning. Her Churchill Fellowship explored education models around the world that keep children engaged during long-term hospitalisation, research that inspired her to co-found MissingSchool, an organisation connecting students, teachers and classrooms through technology.
Julie Stone (WA, 2001)
Julie’s Fellowship investigated early intervention for infants at risk of impaired emotional and social development, paving the way for a career at the intersection of child welfare, mental health and policy. Today, she continues to influence the next generation by sponsoring new Fellowships, helping others pursue research that strengthens family systems and promotes early support for children.
Amber Fabry (WA, 2022)
Amber’s work tackles one of the most complex challenges in child protection, exploring how to design welfare systems that prevent child removal and strengthen families. Through her WA Department of Communities Fellowship, she is examining global approaches to supporting vulnerable families through collaboration and systemic reform.
Each Fellow’s work reflects their passion and drive to make things better, and together they embody the spirit of the UNCRC by showing that protecting children’s rights is not just a policy goal but a daily act of design, compassion and leadership.
Take a moment this week to learn more about Children’s Week and explore the UNCRC Articles to reflect on what they mean in your home, workplace or community.