Proud to fulfil our role

It has been many months in the making. Research, interviews, co-ordination and most of all commitment. Wednesday’s launch of our SOS (Save Our Schoolkids) campaign pushing for compulsory certified swim and water safety lessons in primary schools was the biggest in Queensland News Corp’s history. A total of 46 News publications, including the Cairns Post, published the same front page with its crystal clear message to the State Government. When I was asked late last year if the Cairns Post wanted to be part of the campaign my thoughts immediately turned to a little girl. Her name is Harper Lillie, a cute, vivacious five-year-old. Harper died in a backyard pool accident. Harper’s shattered and heartbroken parents had spoken to the Cairns Post in June after losing their little girl in late 2016. They had opened up about their loss to highlight the need for a presumed consent (opt-out) organ donor system.

I hoped they could be brave again and support our SOS campaign.

Lisa and Richard agreed and on day two were the faces of SOS, with son Nate, 8, on our front page. I know I am not the only one who is affected by their story. How can anybody, whether you’re a parent or childless, not be?

The Cairns and hinterland region had 44 drowning or near drowning incidents in 2017.

While Harper was a competent swimmer, statistics show basic survival skills in the water are diminishing.

Support for the campaign has come from all quarters including seasoned swim coaches, parents and members of the public.

Politically the LNP and KAP have backed the call while the Premier has stopped short of supporting the cam- paign, promising to look into ways of improving water safety.

Today Cairns Olympian Chris Wright adds his support, telling of his astonishment that school lessons are not compulsory in Queensland.

This campaign is a shining example of what iconic news brands can do for their communities and which no social media platform can replicate.

It is journalism at its powerful and emotive best; real issues affecting real people.

Already there is conversation about whether the focus should be on a younger age than primary school.

News Corp has been guided by experts in their field who study statistics but this is what running campaigns is all about – talking and debating about issues and working out together what is best for our communities.

Our job is to inform, educate, entertain and agitate. We do it for our communities because we are part of them.

THIS CAMPAIGN IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF WHAT ICONIC NEWS BRANDS CAN DO FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES AND WHICH NO SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM CAN REPLICATE.