SYDNEY, Australia -- Last week, Tresillian Family Care Centres were honoured during “Child Protection Week” when their Period of Purple Crying project won one of five National “Play Your Part Awards” from the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN).

Last year, the Rotary Club of Campsie, under the then President Bill Angelis, provided $16,000 for the purchase of materials for full implementation of this important program following a successful pilot in 2010.

Rotary Assistant Governor Dr Helen Jagger said the progran will now reach every household with a newborn across the Canterbury local government area for the next few years and include further evaluation of the delivery methods.

Tresillian and Rotary were congratulated at the Sydney awards event which was attended by official guests including member for Canterbury Linda Burney, Australia’s first Children’s Commissioner Megan Mitchell and several representatives and program supporters from Tresillian and Rotary.

The Period of Purple Crying resource packs for parents and carers include a clear and well written booklet and educational DVD, available in many community languages.

Dr Helen Jagger said the program positively approaches the subject of normal infant crying, sharing this education in a safe, effective and compassionate manner. The DVD and booklet provides parents and carers with an understanding of normal infant crying, strategies to soothe their infant and helpful and supportive tips on how to cope with the stress of prolonged crying.

Helen Jagger said this first for Australia is a great example of an effective partnership that has potential to become a mainstream primary prevention public health practice involving Tresillian, Canterbury Hospital, the community Child and Family Nursing team, Rotary and in future, local GP’s.