Attorney-General
Minister for Emergency Management
Special Minister of State
Minister for the Public Service and Integrity
The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP
Member for Greenway
Michelle Rowland MP
Joint media release
Triple Zero kids save lives
An updated online game that teaches children how and when to use Triple Zero was launched today with new scenarios and greater accessibility for children with disabilities and special needs.
The Triple Zero Kids Challenge online game was launched by Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Mark Dreyfus QC with the Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland today.
The Triple Zero Kids Challenge online game is an engaging educational tool for parents and teachers to teach children about the importance of planning for emergencies and learning how to call Triple Zero, said Mr Dreyfus.
Mr Dreyfus and Ms Rowland were joined Triple Zero Awareness Working Group Chairman, Fire & Rescue NSW Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro, and other emergency services representatives to launch the upgrade.
Mr Dreyfus said the original Triple Zero Kids Challenge had been an outstanding success, with more than 750,000 games played and users spending an average 17 minutes on line each session.
Children make up a significant number of callers to Triple Zero and the website provides a fun way for them to learn about a serious issue.
The website will help children provide better information to dispatchers and ensure a fast response to emergencies, said Mr Dreyfus.
The game teaches them how to describe where an accident has happened and helps reinforce the message that Triple Zero should only be used if there is an actual emergency, said Ms Rowland.
The game uses colourful interactive animations to teach children about emergencies and how to use the Triple Zero phone number.
The game now has three additional scenarios, making a total of twelve, and has been upgraded to meets the needs of children with disabilities and special needs.
There are a number of posters and information sheets available on the Kids Challenge Website for parents and teachers to assist in lesson planning for children.
More information can be found on the Triple Zero Kids Challenge website http://kids.triplezero.gov.au
THURSDAY, 28 MARCH 2013
